According to a Hubspot survey of social media marketers, Instagram will be the standout social media app for 2023. Now is the time to use Instagram Reels to connect with your real estate leads and other followers! Do you want more engagement from Instagram? Yes! Then let's look at a few tips about Reels videos so that you can get the most from your time and Instagram followers.
Post Instagram Reels at least 1-2 times per week.
Vertical
Record your videos vertically to satisfy Instagram' preferred format and your followers. Record various videos in tandem to make the most of your time, especially when you're at a new listing. Short videos of each room, outdoor living space, landscaping, view, etc., will give you plenty of material to post for weeks on Instagram.
- Behind-the-scenes
- Insights about real estate
- Outstanding house features
- What's happening in your day
- Short videos of different rooms in the house
Music
Add music to your Instagram Reels to get more engagement! Music takes a video from drab to fab. When you record a video of the views from the back deck of a mountain home where you can see nothing but mountains and trees for miles, you might choose light and airy music (maybe an eagle screeching in the background? Yeah? 🦅). If you're making a video of the swanky family room with pinball machines, a pool table, and a dart board, choose music that's upbeat and engaging (maybe Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Grammy-nominated soundtrack or something similar? Yes! 🏆).
TIP: it's best to use the music provided by Instagram to avoid copyright issues.
Voiceover
You can also add voiceovers to your Instagram Reels (considering using the free Videoshop app). Remember the video you shot while standing on the deck? Record a voiceover describing the view, how you can imagine the fun you'd have sharing cocktails with friends or cocoa with the kids, how it would feel to see wildlife, how fresh the air smells, etc. Pull in some emotion and help your Instagram audience experience what they see.
To engage Instagram followers, create emotion with your verbal descriptions.
TIP: Open your videos with a hook, something exciting that you'll talk about later in the Reel. "Wait 'til you see the crazy, amazing dartboard!"
Also, encourage your followers to like, comment, and share your Reels.
"Do you agree? Like and comment below!"
"Was this helpful? Like and follow for more tips!"
Text
Remember to add text to your Reels. No text over your video is like eating a Hershey's almond chocolate bar without the chocolate (a bit disappointed, eh?). Adding text is easy, and you can use Instagram's editing tools to determine where you want the text in the video and how long you want it to display. Position the text so it doesn't block your face or other essential details in your video.
In the snapshot I've provided, you can see where text has been added. The text disappears as he talks and moves on to the next point. There's a “learn more button” near the bottom You could also add a value-add button like, "Click to get the full experience!"
Depending on the rules associated with your brokerage and real estate association, make sure you display (or mention) your name, agency, and other required information in each Reel.
Adding text over your Instagram Reels makes them more impactful and engaging.
Personality
Adding your personality to your Instagram Reels is a top priority. Real estate is a very social career, and expressing your character can make a big difference in how well you connect with your followers (have you ever gone to a doctor with no bedside manner? I see a lot of raised hands! ✋🏽). Let people get to know you through your voice and personality, and your followers will look forward to your Reels.
If you're funny, let that part of your personality shine in your Reels. If you have a fantastic voice (like you should be animating Disney characters!), use it to its fullest potential in your videos.
TIP: Edit your videos to cut out any lulls or "ums" (try the "Captions" app).
Interact With Comments
Whenever an Instagram follower comments on one of your Reels, reply as quickly as possible. If the comment is as simple as "this room is amazing!" reply asking what they love the most about it vs. just "liking" their comment.
Spread the Word
Always encourage your real estate leads to follow you on Instagram and include your Instagram handle in correspondence, like text and email. When people know where to find you on social media, you will grow your audience faster, and your chances of converting real estate leads into clients will improve. Use the phrase below as you gather more real estate leads who you want to have as followers on Instagram.
"Want to see sneak peeks of the houses I'm selling? Follow me on Instagram @bestrealtorever, and make sure you check out my Reels. See you there!"
For more information on nurturing real estate leads, download Reazo's comprehensive guide:
