As social media continues to be a go-to source for potential buyers and sellers to find the real estate agent they want to work with, it’s important that agents master the art of social media to stay ahead in the game. 

A well-crafted social media profile can be your digital calling card, a showcase of your expertise and a magnet for potential clients. It’s important to remember, however, that your professional profile needs key elements to grow your social media presence and stand out in today’s ultra-competitive landscape, especially with more millennial and Gen Z homebuyers entering the scene. 

Your social media profiles serve as your digital business card. It is crucial to make a memorable impression. Here’s how to create a profile that captures the attention of your audience and establishes your credibility to leads and prospects.

• Mastering the Headshot: Your profile picture is your first impression and the first thing people notice. Choose a professional, high-resolution headshot that exudes approachability and trustworthiness. A warm, friendly smile goes a long way in making a connection with potential clients.
• Building a Consistent Brand: When it comes to branding, consistency is key. Use the same profile picture across all of your social media platforms to create a cohesive online identity. Additionally, maintain a uniform color scheme highlighting your branding in your cover photo and posts. This uniformity reinforces your brand identity and makes you more recognizable to your audience.
• Sharing Who You Are: Your bio on social media is your elevator pitch to potential clients. In a few lines, convery who you are, what you do ,where you do it and why you are passionate about real estate. Your bio should be clear, concise and inviting, giving visitors a snapshot of your expertise. Be sure to include links to your website and listings, as well.
• Showcasing Your Best: Leverage platform-specific features, like Instagram Highlights for stories and reels, and the ‘pin’ feature on posts to Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and Twitter to showcase your top content, recent listings or new information. This ensures that your most valuable content is prominently displayed to your audience.

Once your profile is polished, you need the right content. Here are some insights into both engaging and educational content that will captivate your audience and foster a thriving social media presence. 

• Utilizing the Power of Video and Audio: As all agents should know at this point, video is king. Share video tours of properties, video testimonials from clients and valuable real estate tips. Stay current with trends by incorporating trending audio tracks into platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok. This content is not only engaging, but highly shareable. 
• Storytelling Through Visuals: Embrace carousels in Instagram to share multiple images or in-depth information in a single post. On other platforms, use impactful images or infographics to convey valuable insights and educational information. Visual content is highly shareable across all platforms and more likely to drive engagement.
• Optimizing Title, Captions and Hashtags: Titles and captions are your storytelling tools. Optimize your content by crafting compelling copy to pair with your visual content that resonates with your target audience, and utilize relevant hashtags to increase discoverability. Strike a balance between creativity and informativeness to keep your audience engaged.
• Recycling Top Content: Don’t let your great content go to waste. By reposting valuable content that has performed well in the past, you ensure that newer followers also benefit from your best work, and your message reaches a wider audience. 

Engagement is the lifeblood of a strong and lasting social media presence. Here are some tips for staying top of mind through communication and fostering meaningful interactions. 

• Interacting Beyond Likes: Interact with other accounts, including clients, prospects and fellow real estate professionals, especially your team members, co-workers and network. Comment on posts, provide valuable insights and engage with your followers to boost your visibility and cultivate a sense of community and trust.
• Collaborating for Growth: Collaboration can extend your reach exponentially. Consider partnering with other real estate professionals or complementary businesses (especially local businesses) for co-branded content. This will introduce your profile to a new and engaged audience. 
• Guiding Your Audience: Encourage your followers to take action by incorporating call-to-action (CTA) phrases like “Swipe up to learn more,” “Share your thoughts in the comments below,’ or “Tag a friend who needs to see this.” CTAs can help to boost engagement and guide your followers on what to do next.
• Posting Consistently: Consistency is the linchpin of success. Establish a content calendar and stick to a regular posting schedule to build trust and stay top-of-mind. 

A well-crafted real estate agent profile is the cornerstone of a thriving social media presence. By optimizing your profile, creating engaging and educational content and fostering meaningful engagement, you can establish yourself as a trusted authority in the real estate industry. Your online presence can be a powerful asset that helps you grow your brand, expand your reach and stay ahead of the competition. 

Source: Social Skills: Agent-Profile Tips to Grow Your Social Media Presence Ris Media (September 22, 2023) Paige Brown