Instagram is one of the most impactful social networks in the world.
As of November of 2021, Instagram boasts over one billion users. 71% of the billion monthly active users on the Instagram app are under the age of 35 (Statista, 2019)
It is used by both the younger crowd and quite a lot of boomers. Then there are influencers, creators, and professionals who use this platform as a tool to grow their brand and business.
To do so, they use many features, mainly stories, a dynamic video format, which play an important role in communication.
With the effectiveness and popularity of this tool it is important to know how to take advantage of it to make your small business known with the following tips:
Note: You can re-purpose your Instagram stories to your Facebook stories.
Understand the importance of Instagram stories
The first platform to offer the Stories feature is Snapchat. Stories are video or image posts that are only visible for a limited time (24 hours).
This innovation has created so much buzz that Facebook attempted to buy Snapchat for 4 billion dollars but it was all in vain. It then decided to copy its competitor and to introduce this type of format which is the Stories. This feature allows you to post lighter content and leaves room for creativity, which is an advantage for anyone who wants to create dynamic content.
Stories allow you to be present more often and easily on Instagram without overloading your profile.
Also. Stories are above the feed posts. According to Domo’s Data Never Sleeps 5.0 report, every minute Instagram users post 46,740.
It's easy for your content to get lost when posting to the Instagram or Facebook feed. So utilize stories to stay top of mind for your audience.
Don’t neglect the quality of your Stories
Stories are meant to show you in a different light. Favor spontaneous videos: film the backstage of an event, life at the office… Don’t make it too complicated — a simple text explaining your goals can be enough.
It is preferable to choose a portrait format image or video in 9:16 with a definition of 1080 X 1920 pixels which are the ideal configurations for smartphones in order to preserve the quality of the photo.
You can even add filters directly from the application on images or videos imported from your gallery, to improve the colors according to your desires and correct errors in photo processing.
Bring your Stories to life
It is possible from the Stories to add many functions such as text but also gifs, songs, filters to animate and energize your images. Other features like polls, quizzes, and others will allow your community to interact with you and learn more about your brand. It is also possible to put links in “swipe up” (from a certain number of subscribers) which means that if you want to redirect your subscribers to your site, the access will be more direct.
It is important for a good communication to involve your community as much as possible by asking them, for example, about the type of content they would like to find.
Make Your Stories Last Longer Than 24 Hours
Since Stories are temporary, you may not want your followers to miss any of your publications. To do this, you can sort them into your “Highlights” which is a feature found directly on your Instagram page. It allows you to create albums and arrange your archive of Stories the time you want so that your followers can find them at any time (well over 24 hours).
Sort your Stories archives by theme so that your community can find them and choose indicative titles to facilitate the search such as “Our team”, “Homes in DC”, “news”, “FAQ”…
A picture is worth a thousand words, that’s why your Instagram profile is very important for your business. Choosing the right photos and associated captions is crucial.
Your Instagram page will become the showcase of your company: you will have to bet on the visual to have a page where we directly understand the sector of activity and the message conveyed.
Do Instagram Takeovers
An Instagram takeover is when someone temporarily takes over another account to create and share content—usually on behalf of a brand. The takeover host might be a celebrity, an influencer, or even a team member. An Instagram account takeover is a win-win situation for both parties.
Instagram Takeovers are usually during events or for one day at a time.
Instagram posts for real estate agents: Use these simple story ideas.
1. Local spotlight.
You know that when a buyer or seller is seeking out a real estate agent, they don’t just want someone to walk them through the process. They want to find an authority on their community.
Stories are an excellent way to showcase how much you know about your area, while also cultivating relationships with local businesses:
Take a pic of the latte you picked up at your neighborhood café, takeout from your favorite restaurant, or a few plants from a nearby nursery.
Tag the business when you share your story, opening up the opportunity for a re-share to their own feed.
2. Polls.
One of the most effective ways to interact and build engagement? Post polls for your followers. This fun feature helps you to incorporate your personality — and find out more about what your audience is into.
What kinds of polls can an agent post? Your options are virtually limitless.
A simple approach would be to ask your followers for feedback on two different pictures, voting on their favorite.
Here are a few examples:
Which landscaping style do you prefer? Classic or modern.
Which kitchen would you like to have in your house? Blue or white cabinets.
Which bathroom do you like better? Option 1 or 2.
Do you want to have this porch? Yes or no.
Which backsplash do you prefer?
Hammock or porch swing?
Which salsa recipe should I try tonight?
I’m updating my logo! Which do you prefer?
Is anyone else as obsessed with this backyard as I am?
You get the picture. Get creative — and use this as an opportunity to highlight your listings without it feeling like a heavy sell.
If one of your properties has impeccable landscaping, an extra-large backyard, and a unique kitchen, you can post a poll about it to let your audience know it’s available.
3. Special behind-the-scenes footage of listings
When it comes to Instagram story ideas for real estate agents, this one is fun because it feels very exclusive and special. You can promote it by telling your followers, “Follow me for exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage of my new listings right when they hit the market!” Or, take it a step further and promote it as a complete, exclusive virtual tour. No need for expensive drone footage or professional video.
A walk-through of a new listing posted to your Instagram story will draw attention because your followers love to feel like they are special.
Are you using video for your business? Make sure to not over complicate creating video. Smart phones do just the trick.