12 things real estate agents should post on Instagram

Instagram is a prime social media outlet for real estate agents. It’s easy to use, it’s engaging, it’s popular, it’s already connected to Facebook, and most importantly, it’s visual.

Can you think of a better social media channel for real estate marketing?

Take a look at our list of 12 Instagram posts that you can use to connect with people in your market. Try out some of these ideas, or use them as a creative springboard for designing your own real estate marketing posts.

Let’s get started!

1. The basic listing post

Since Instagram is a visually-based social media platform, visuals really matter.

This post by Long & Foster captures a shot of a cozy interior that helps the viewer imagine unwinding in the living room and includes the MLS number and listing agent.

2. The branded “Layout” listing post

Another good thing about Instagram is that it makes it convenient for you to do some basic photo editing right from your phone.

If you want to include multiple photos in a single post, and you don’t want to spend time using Canva or other kinds of editing software, try using Layout (Apple | Android). Layout works with Instagram to let you assemble multiple photos into a single image. You can then share this image to Instagram as a photo post (like the one above).

This post also features a branding element, a good move to keep your brand or logo in front of potential clients. And Real Estate Empire Group could have crowded their image with lots of property information, but instead they kept this info in the description and included hashtags.

3. The professional and artful multi-photo post

Combining professional photography with one of Instagram’s newest features, Douglas Elliman (67k followers) added several photos to this luxury listing post. These photos appear in sequence (go ahead and click through them to see the rest). This is a great way to maximize the visual space you’re given in Instagram without reposting the same listing over and over again.

Some listings benefit from professional photography, but don’t think you have to have it. Many smartphones can take great pictures! Take advantage of this multiple photo feature to highlight your listings (you may even want to experiment with Instagram’s filters to liven up your images). You can also use this feature to share multiple photos from an open house, a community event, a neighborhood tour, etc.

Again, it’s critical to give potential clients a way to connect with you. Even though the real estate company posted these photos, they also provided the Instagram handle for the agent in the description.

4. “Out and about” posts or local business features

Have a favorite local restaurant or coffee shop? Why not snap a photo and post it to Instagram?

Eclectic atmosphere meets seafood “Thai/French fusion style” in this post.

A good way to use the “out and about” post is to find out what makes your target area inviting or interesting and create a series of posts about local businesses, restaurants, parks, schools, etc. This tactic helps show prospective buyers what it’s like to live in a certain area, and hopefully you’ll be top of mind when they need the services of a real estate professional.

Diggs also does a good job of specifically engaging with a commenter, another key to social media success.

5. Company highlight

How is your office doing? How is your company doing compared to other real estate brokerages?

Get out your spreadsheets, put some data together, and use Canva to make a colorful chart (remember visuals matter) showing how you stack up against the competition. This can help potential clients quantify your value as they peruse the market.

6. Views and vistas post

Have an urban listing or a great view to share?

Other than shooting standard interior and exterior photos of the home, you may feel like your options are limited. Not so! This post features a well-composed photo that’s balanced (not too many things on one side of the photo), and it’s an interesting way to highlight one of the home’s features: an exterior terrace with a city-view!

Even though this post represents an urban property, you can apply this same principle to any property that includes noteworthy scenery. Show potential clients what it looks like as you take in that skyline or valley view.

The caption also includes more information about the rental, includes a special offer, and invites people to send a “DM” (direct message) for more information.

Hashtags are there, too.

7. Text post

Ok. You’re probably thinking, “This is an example of a good Instagram post? I’m supposed to be doing that?”

But hear me out. This post is simple, it seems genuine, and it stands out.

Look at how many likes the post got… this post resonated with people.

Not everything you post should be self-promotional or a group of listing photos. Sometimes you need to do something different to catch people’s attention.

One caveat: make sure that you maintain a consistent brand identity on Instagram. It would probably seem out of place and might throw people off if all of your posts have a certain feel and then you post something completely different. Try experimenting, but stick with your branding to avoid confusing potential clients.

8. The under construction or coming soon post

Everybody loves a fixer-upper. Ok, not everybody, but some people like to see how things are coming along.

And depending on your market, there may be more demand than supply, so would-be buyers may be ready to pounce on that home as it nears completion.

Why not document the progress and use Layout again to create an update?

9. Quick video segments & professional video

Instagram gives you the option to post videos that automatically play as people scroll through their feeds.

This post used professionally produced video to give potential clients a quick, albeit cinematic view of the home! But don’t be intimidated. You don’t have to be Steven Spielberg to create a professional real estate video (or have a drone license).

However, sometimes it does make sense to enlist the services of a professional. When your listing needs that extra touch, don’t forget to post a short video version on Instagram.

10. Seasonal and local posts

Spring is a great time to get outdoors. Whatever time of year it is, posting seasonal content on Instagram shows that you’re in tune with the moment. And it’s another opportunity to highlight local happenings.

11. Agent promo

Need to get the word out about the value you bring to your market? Get a colleague to shoot a quick video that highlights your skills. Introduce yourself, talk about your specialty, and give followers a chance to get to know you a little better.

12. How-to’s, tips, and “talking head” videos

Last but not least, here’s an example of a quick informational video intended to drive traffic to our blog.

These key-takeaways provide quick, valuable marketing tips to real estate agents and brokers, and this video is also designed to get people to visit our blog.

You could do the same thing.

What kind of information would help potential clients in your market?

Maybe you could start a blog and create a short video like this.

Instagram and the long-game

You made it! As you can see, Instagram can be a powerful tool for building connections with potential clients.

What ideas do you have? What’s your next Instagram post going to be?

And here’s one final word of encouragement: remember that you’re trying to build professional relationships with real people. These investments in social media may take some time, but keep at it and don’t give up.

Start sharing your story on Instagram today!