Instagram is a great platform. It’s fun, it’s photo-oriented and it allows you to connect with so many more people than you would off the platform. But if you’re brand new to the ‘Gram, you might need a little guidance when it comes to leveraging it for your real estate business. So if you’re just starting out, or not sure where to start when it comes to Instagram, here is your 3-month action plan to get comfortable with and start rockin’ the ‘gram.  

 

MONTH ONE 

This month is all about taking it slow and easing into the process.  Think of yourself as the person hiding behind the tree at the playground not yet sure if you want to go introduce yourself to the other kids. You are observing, taking it all in, and figuring it all out. 

ONE | OBSERVE
This is just as it sounds, take it slow, get familiar with all the different sections and buttons. I like to suggest spending 20-30 minutes 3-5 times a week during the first month, this gives you enough time to really take in the platform and feel around different areas. 

TWO | COMMENT
Once you have looked around for a while you can start commenting on posts. Stay away from just leaving emojis as comments. Think of thoughtful comments you can leave on photos that genuinely inspire you to engage. Aim for 2-3 comments a day. 

THREE | PRACTICE
Once you feel comfortable, try putting a post together (you don’t have to post it) just go through the motions of posting, or recording a story. Do as much as you feel comfortable doing and no more. Remember this month is all about sitting in the back seat and watching from afar. 

 

MONTH TWO

Month two is all about getting clear on how you want to show up and taking all the intel you gathered over the last month to start to create a plan of action.

ONE | DECIDE ON A COLOUR PALETTE
If you have your brand visuals down, then you are already ready to go on this one. If you don’t know what your colours are yet, you can take this quiz or head over to Pinterest to find an inspiring palette to use. 

TWO | CREATE A CONTENT CALENDAR
Whatever your calendar of choice is (I use Trello for this) whip it out and start to plan what days you are going to post and when. Remember if it’s not written down into your schedule the chances of you following through are highly diminished so take a moment now to fill that out. 

THREE | CREATE CONNECTION POINTS
Connection points are areas in which you want to connect with your audience (followers). Think of 5-9 topics that show up in your real life often and then choose the ones you feel comfortable sharing on Instagram. Think hobbies, services, freebies, tips, family, pets, travel etc. 

 

MONTH THREE

You’re in the flow and ready to fly on your own. You can still take things slowly but consistency is key and it’s time to start trying new things and engaging in new ways.

ONE | POST REGULARLY
Whether that be 3 or 5 times a week, make sure you stick to your schedule and know that Instagram favours those who are on the platform daily. 

TWO | ENGAGE IN STORIES
Head over to Stories and navigate through them, engaging with as many as you can (I am for 10-15 a day) comment, answer polls or question stickers. This is great way to set the tone for the type of engagement you’d like to receive. 

THREE | GET YOUR FEET WET WITH VIDEO
There is no doubt that Instagram favours video, with reels and IGTV and IG Live, Instagram is sending a very clear message that the future is video. So, now is the time to set your insecurities aside and tackle video! A great place to start is with IG Stories or Reels – Introduce yourself and what you do, or share three fun facts that not everyone knows about you. When you are just starting out it’s important to take things easy and give yourself a break, so only do what you feel comfortable doing but also remember that your greater life is on the other side of the things that scare you.