In our “Instagram Guide For REALTORS®” series, we will take a look at some of the best practices for real estate agents to establish themselves on Instagram. With social media becoming increasingly prevalent in how we market ourselves, taking the time to learn these platforms can be invaluable to your business. In this article, we will cover building a personable yet professional profile.
If you have not already, please download Instagram from your phone’s app store.
Creating Your Account
Before you can dive into setting up your Instagram profile, there are a few steps you must take to set-up your account. From Instagram.com –
- Once the app is installed, tap to open it.
- Tap Sign Up With Email or Phone Number (Android) or Create New Account (iPhone), then enter your email address or phone number (which will require a confirmation code) and tap Next. You can also tap Log in with Facebook to sign up with your Facebook account.
- If you register with your email or phone number, create a username and password, fill out your profile info and then tap Next. If you register with Facebook, you’ll be prompted to log into your Facebook account if you’re currently logged out.
When choosing your username, make sure it is clear and easily recognizable. You can also utilize underscores if another user has already taken your desired username.
It is additionally essential to note that you will be using Instagram primarily from your phone, so it is best to familiarize yourself with the app from your smartphone as opposed to a computer.
Don’t forget to Follow Us while you are there!
Profile Pictures
The Instagram profile picture is the constant visual representation of you on the platform. Not only will it appear in your profile, but it will also appear next to every post you make.
Image Size Guide
- A minimum size of 110×110
- Square photo with a 1:1 aspect ratio
Similar to Facebook, Instagram profile photos appear as a circle, so any part of your image that is close to the corners will end up cut off.
Composition
If you haven’t already, it is highly recommended to invest in having a professional headshot taken. There are plenty of applications, even outside of social media, where having a quality headshot will be beneficial. Doing so will instill trust and confidence in potential clients by showing you take pride in how you and your business are represented.
Bio
You must summarize yourself and your business in just 150 characters. Ready? Go! While not long, the bio section on your Instagram profile is vital, as it is the only static section where you can give followers a little glimpse into who you are and what you do.
Some tips on creating a short but effective bio –
- Speak in the First Person
- Bios are often set in the third person, giving the impression that the subject is being talked about, instead of being the one doing the talking. Nobody knows you better than you; take the initiative, and be the one to tell your story. Doing so will show your audience you have confidence in yourself, which will help them gain confidence in you.
- Be Different
- There are over 1 million real estate agents in the United States. Each one will claim to know their market, sell a lot of homes, and get their clients the best possible price. What makes you different from them? What about the way you conduct your business sets you apart from the competition? Taking the time to identify what makes your business unique will go a long way to helping you stand out.
- Be Authentic
- The public has an innate ability to spot someone who is fake. One of the best things you can do for your real estate business is just to be you. People appreciate authenticity and will reward it over someone who throws on a persona to try to get business.
- Be Actionable
- Working a call to action into your Instagram bio is an excellent way of prompting your followers to seek more information about you and your business. You can ask them to visit your website, email you, or call you.
Presentation is Key
Regardless of how you ultimately choose your username, compose your profile picture, and piece together the perfect bio, one thing to remember is that presentation is key.
As a real estate agent, you may work at a brokerage, but you are the physical representation of your business. How you present and conduct yourself online will directly affect how the public views your ability to do your job. Take pride in how you go about setting up your social media presence, engage with confidence, and be yourself.