How to use Instagram for real estate marketing
Instagram has become a powerful tool for real estate agents and marketers to showcase their properties and connect with potential buyers. With over 1 billion active users, Instagram provides a massive audience for real estate professionals to reach out to.
In this article, we will discuss how to use Instagram for real estate marketing, including tips and tricks, expert opinions, and industry statistics.
Create an Instagram Business Account
The first step to using Instagram for real estate marketing is to create an Instagram Business account. This type of account offers many features that a regular account doesn't, including access to analytics, contact buttons, and ad creation tools.
According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors, 97% of real estate agents use social media for marketing their properties, and 84% of them use Facebook. However, Instagram is quickly catching up as a preferred platform for real estate marketing.
Develop a Content Strategy
Before you start posting on Instagram, it's crucial to develop a content strategy. This strategy should include the types of content you will post, how often you will post, and the tone and style of your posts.
Your content strategy should also include a plan for how you will showcase your properties. This could include using high-quality photos and videos, virtual tours, and 360-degree images.
According to real estate photographer Justin Kelcz, "The key to a successful real estate Instagram account is quality imagery that is consistent with your brand. You want to make sure your account looks clean and professional, so people feel like they can trust you."
Use Hashtags
Hashtags are an essential part of Instagram marketing. They help you reach a wider audience and make your posts more discoverable. When using hashtags, it's essential to use relevant and specific ones that relate to your content.
Industry expert, Tyler Zey, suggests using hashtags that are hyper-specific to your niche. "If you're a luxury real estate agent, you want to use hashtags that reflect that, such as #luxuryrealestate or #luxuryhomes," says Zey.
You should also use location-based hashtags to target potential buyers in specific areas. For example, if you're selling a property in New York City, you could use hashtags like #nycproperty or #newyorkrealestate.
Engage with Your Audience
Engaging with your audience is a critical part of using Instagram for real estate marketing. It's essential to respond to comments and direct messages promptly and to engage with other users by liking and commenting on their posts.
According to social media expert, Ryan Hanley, "Engagement is key to building trust and relationships on Instagram. If someone comments on one of your posts, make sure you respond to them. It shows that you're listening and that you care."
Partner with Influencers
Partnering with influencers is an effective way to reach a wider audience on Instagram. Influencers are people who have a large following on the platform and can promote your properties to their followers.
When partnering with influencers, it's essential to choose ones who align with your brand and target audience. According to influencer marketing expert, David Chmelar, "You want to make sure you're working with influencers who have a genuine interest in your properties and are excited about promoting them."
Use Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories are a popular feature that allows you to post photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. Stories are an effective way to showcase your properties in a more casual and authentic way.
According to real estate agent, Madison Hildebrand, "Instagram Stories are a great way to give people a behind-the-scenes look at your properties. You can show them what it's like to live in a certain neighborhood or give them a virtual tour of a property."