6 Tips for a High-Octane Instagram Account

As social media continues to evolve and grow in popularity, Instagram is the platform on steroids that dominates the social media game, making it the fastest growing social media platform across the planet.

Consider this: in less than six years, we've shared over four times more photos than there are human beings on earth! It's mind boggling how much our society loves to consume enthralling media – and businesses have long understood the power this visual storytelling behemoth holds for brand building, user engagement and what it could mean for their bottom line.

Instagram by the numbers:

• Instagram has over 700 million active monthly users.
• Instagram users share an average of 95 million photos and videos per day.
• Over 250 million users are using the stories feature daily.

Now that we understand the ubiquitous power that Instagram holds, let's delve a bit deeper into the granular as to how you can supercharge your Instagram account as a real estate agent.

Create eye-catching visuals

This is rule number one in the social media game – your content has to be exciting! Don't fall into the trap of posting something for the sake of doing so. The fact of the matter is that the real estate world is not a boring place – it's quite literally the opposite. So use that to your advantage. Inman suggests highlighting the "behind the scenes" look and peel back the curtain for users.

• Share your experiences preparing one of your listings before it goes live.
• Capture the lifestyle of a local community that you're in.
• Showcase happy clients.
• What does a day in the life look like for you?

Leverage a strategic bio link

Instagram allows you to have a URL in your bio section of your profile, but not in individual posts. That's why you'll see [link in bio] at the end of a post, directing users back to their main profile where there is a clickable URL.

Use this to your advantage and change the link to go to your website to promote a recent blog you wrote, a third party article that was written up on you or to connect to a landing page. Your bio link is a great marketing tool – so make sure you're leveraging it strategically to drive them to your funnel.

Don't be lazy with the description

Seventy-five percent of Instagram users take action, such as visiting a website or a landing page, after looking at an Instagram post or an ad. Instead of taking the easy route and leaving an uninspired "Happy Friday" as the caption, take this time to tell a story or educate your visitor to add on to what the image is saying.

For example, if you posted content about a recent home you staged, you could continue the message about tips and tricks on staging, the psychology behind it and how to keep a house looking spotless. Then once you've earned their attention, drive them to your link in the bio, which goes to a contact form, a landing page for an eBook or to promote a recent blog post. Either way – it's like a fuel injector for propelling them down your funnel.

Mix up the content

A healthy and diverse Instagram content strategy should use a combination of videos, layout pictures and Boomerang style photos. You can take advantage of the various filters on the application, demonstrate short video tours of properties and even go live on Instagram!

This feature also helps you connect on an intimate level with your audience and build an authentic connection with them. It's like having your own broadcast studio in the palm of your hand!

Engage in the comments section

Don't worry – this isn't a YouTube comments section where trolls come out of the woodwork and get in arguments with each other – although you might see some detractors. That's okay! It's important to be active in commenting regularly to those that engage with your content and build a rapport with them. There's nothing worse than a business that doesn't personalize their content by ignoring those that engage with them organically.

Be socially intelligent

As with other social media channels – Instagram isn't just about you. Having a social intelligence feature that allows real estate agents to get one-click access to all their contact's social media platforms is perfect before jumping on a keep-in-touch call to research their social media activity.

Even better, IXACT Contact's Social Intelligence feature makes this process a snap with one-click access to all your contacts' social media channels – including Instagram.

Quick takeaway tips

• Cross-promote with others – share the love and tag those you work with.
• Create a business page
• Use trending hashtags – see what's popular in the 'Explore' tab.
• Geotagging your location helps add exposure.

Social media success means actually being social! Instagram is a major lead generator, and when harnessed correctly, it can drive leads to your CRM where they can be nurtured and ultimately converted.

To view the original article, visit the IXACT Contact blog.