Revise Your Username
It should be obvious that you are a realtor. Great examples are @JoeySellsGeorgia, @MaryCanMoveYou, @BuyOrSellWithPaula. Including your first name creates relatability. Using “sell”, “buy”, “move”, “list” or “homes” clearly shows you are in real estate and reinforces your brand. Don’t worry that changing your username will confuse your followers. In the long run, it is more important to have a GREAT username and the sooner you do it, the better.
Profile Pic
Your profile picture should be the same everywhere AND it should be a professional photo. It should be very easy for people to recognize you. Other tips to make your picture stand out include using an assymetrical picture (symmetry makes a picture less interesting) and think big. Since most people will be viewing your picture on their phone, your face should be very close to the camera so it is easily recognizable (again, always making things as easy as possible for your audience).
Update Your Bio
Your bio is prime real estate; treat it accordingly. Choose three words that describe you (example: Dog Lover, Realtor and Mom of 2) and place them at the top. Include emojis after each word. Your phone number and email should be next, again including emojis. There is a place for a link to your website. Use it! And if you blog or do videos, use this space to promote them by doing a post that states “link in bio”. Just be sure to change it if it is a time sensitive blog or video (example: 10 Ways To Not Get Stressed Over The Holidays”).
Post Consistently
According to Union Metrics, what matters most on Instagram is consistency. Posting a lot will not negatively affect your account however, if you post a lot and then stop posting a lot, you will lose followers and engagement which does hurt your account. So pick a frequency that you can maintain.
Use 15-30 Hashtags Every Time You Post
In order to grow your following on Instagram, you MUST use a lot of relevant, local hashtags. Try the 5/5/5 method. Use 5 location based hashtags (example: #northernva, #princewilliamcounty, #woodbridge, #woodbridgeva, #virginia). Next use 5 activity based hashtags (example: #home #forsale #homebuyer #closingtime #settlementday) and lastly, use five fun or expressive hashtags (example: #homesweethome, #citylife, #bestdayever #shegotthekeys, #hardworkpaysoff, #dreamsdocometrue).
Kara Macdonald is the Owner of Your Favorite Title Lady, LLC and the Vice President of Pruitt Title, LLC. Her mission is to inspire real estate agents by teaching them how to market themselves better online and offline through blogs, vlogs, webinars and in person consultations. She can be reached by email at kara@yourfavoritetitlelady.com and on her cellphone: 571-432-9382.