How to Use Instagram Stories to Showcase Properties

In the fast-paced world of real estate, capturing the attention of potential buyers and renters is paramount.

Traditional methods still hold value, but in today's digital age, social media platforms like Instagram have become invaluable tools for real estate marketing.

Among Instagram's many features, Stories stand out as a dynamic way to showcase properties.

Here's how you can use Instagram Stories to make your listings shine.

1. Create an Engaging Introduction

(Photo from WordStream)

First impressions are everything. Start your Instagram Story with a captivating introduction. Use a high-quality photo or a short video clip of the property’s exterior. Add a friendly greeting and a brief overview of the property. For instance:

"Welcome to this stunning 4-bedroom home in sunny California! Let's take a tour!"

This sets the stage and prepares your audience for what's to come. Make sure your intro is visually appealing and reflects the essence of the property.

2. Highlight Key Features Room by Room

(Photo from Keeping Current Matters)

Break down the tour into bite-sized segments, focusing on one room or feature at a time. Use a mix of photos, videos, and boomerangs to keep it interesting. Each segment should highlight what makes that room special. For example, a story for the kitchen might include:

• A photo of the kitchen with a caption: "Check out these modern appliances!"
• A short video showcasing the spacious countertops.
• A boomerang of the unique backsplash or island.

Adding descriptive text, arrows, and emojis can draw attention to specific features and keep the viewer engaged.

3. Use Interactive Elements

(Photo from LionDesk)

Instagram Stories offer various interactive elements that can make your property tour more engaging. Here are a few to consider:

• Polls: Ask viewers questions like, "Which bedroom do you like more?" This not only engages your audience but also provides valuable feedback.
• Questions: Use the question sticker to let viewers ask about the property. Answer these questions in subsequent stories to provide more details and build interaction.
• Swipe Up: If you have a business account with over 10,000 followers, use the swipe-up feature to direct viewers to the property’s listing page or a virtual tour.

4. Showcase the Neighborhood

Properties are not just about the building itself; the neighborhood plays a crucial role. Create a series of stories highlighting the local area. Include:

• Short clips of nearby parks, restaurants, and shopping centers.
• A map showing the proximity to key amenities.
• Testimonials from current residents about what they love about the neighborhood.

This helps potential buyers envision their life in the area and adds context to the property.

5. Include Testimonials and Personal Touches

Adding testimonials from previous buyers or renters can add credibility and a personal touch to your Stories. Record short clips of happy clients talking about their experience. You can also add text overlays summarizing their feedback.

Additionally, consider incorporating behind-the-scenes content. Show clips of you prepping the property for the shoot or sharing a fun fact about the home. This humanizes your brand and builds a connection with your audience.

6. Highlight Special Events and Updates

Use Instagram Stories to announce open houses, price reductions, or any special events related to the property. Create a sense of urgency by adding a countdown sticker to the Story. For example:

"Join us this Saturday for an open house! 🏡 Countdown sticker: [Countdown to Event]"

This keeps your audience informed and encourages them to engage with your posts in real-time.

7. Consistency and Branding

(Photo from Pinterest)

Ensure that all your Stories maintain a consistent look and feel. Use the same fonts, colors, and logos to create a cohesive brand identity. This not only looks professional but also makes your content instantly recognizable to your followers.

8. Save to Highlights

(Photo from UOL)

Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours, but you can keep them accessible by saving them to Highlights on your profile. Create a Highlight for each property or type of content (e.g., "For Sale," "Open Houses," "Neighborhood Tours"). This allows potential buyers to view past Stories at any time.

9. Analyze and Adjust

(Photo from Later)

Finally, use Instagram's analytics tools to track the performance of your Stories. Pay attention to metrics such as views, replies, and swipe-ups. This data can provide insights into what types of content resonate most with your audience, allowing you to refine your strategy over time.

Conclusion

(Photo from The Verge)

Instagram Stories offer a dynamic and engaging way to showcase properties. By leveraging high-quality visuals, interactive elements, and a consistent brand presence, you can captivate your audience and turn followers into potential buyers. Remember, the key is to make your Stories informative, engaging, and fun. Happy storytelling!

Thank you guys so much for taking the time to read this blog post - we truly appreciate it! For all the latest real estate news, keep your tabs posted on our socials: we get new blog posts up every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday!

Check out these websites as well - they provided us with the inspiration to create this blog post!

Keeping Current Matters: https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/article/simple-instagram-story-ideas-for-real-estate-agents/

LinkedIn Pulse: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-use-instagram-stories-5-ideas-real-estate-prasoon-therambath/

Nicole Mickle: https://nicolemickle.com/instagram-stories-for-real-estate/

Predis.ai: https://predis.ai/resources/instagram-stories-to-sell-homes/

Virtuance: https://www.virtuance.com/blog/instagram-for-realtors/