If you want to be known as the go-to local agent in your market, build an impactful personal brand, and leverage a relationship-based marketing strategy, there's no better platform for you than Instagram.

When people think 'local real estate,' I want them to think of you. And when your dream buyers or sellers have a need, let's get them to go to you.

Not because you're paying for ads or trying to execute sales strategies that make you cringe.

But because you've built a personal brand on Instagram that highlights who you are while forming genuine connections with those in

your community.

So here are three strategies you can start implementing right away to see success and exactly how to brand yourself as the go-to local agent on Instagram:

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1. Optimize your bio to appeal to local home buyers & sellers

When somebody comes across your profile, we want it to be immediately clear who you are, what you do, where you're located, and how you can help.

Many agents miss out on the opportunity of connections by not including these key aspects in their Instagram bios & profiles.

Make sure you:

• have an inviting profile image

• choose a strategic Username & Name

• add the areas you serve

• highlight how you can help

• include a call to action

And while your bio is about you, we want it to resonate with your ideal customer. These simple changes will brand you locally and increase your chances of being found.

{Click here to download my Instagram bio template for Realtors}

2. Execute a local content strategy 

I often say the more you talk about something, the more you'll be known for something

Out of these three principles, this one is the most important and effective.

To be the go-to local expert, I'd recommend a mixture of targeted real estate and hyper-local community content. So instead of just sharing homes for sale, generalized real estate tips, or market updates, take it one step further.

Identify the exact challenges home buyers or sellers have in your local market and create content intended to help them.

This establishes your credibility and builds trust while branding you as somebody to rely on.

To further tie yourself into your community, create educational or entertaining posts about what it's like to live there!

But I want to see you front and center. Get out and take photos or videos of yourself with the backdrop of your local community.

If you're intentional about curating a collection of personal branding content, it will go a long way in forming connections and growing your business through Instagram.

Check out @RyanCBenton for inspiration. He brings the Coastal Virgina lifestyle to the forefront with his personal branding images. This makes him not only personable (you want to work with his team) but you also know that he's an expert on the Coastal Virgina market.

3. Leverage Trending Features on Instagram

There is still room to grow your following - I'm talking attracting more buyers and sellers without ads on Instagram.

One way to do this is by taking advantage of trending features like Reels, Stories, and Lives that Instagram loves to promote.

If you make these features a part of your content strategy, you'll not only boost your engagement, but you'll also expand your reach.

Reels are my favorite ways to do this!

And they don't have to be silly dance trends that make you uncomfortable. Reels are a way for you to speak directly to local customers in an engaging way.

You can create reels with mini-tips for buyers and sellers in your area, community or neighborhood tours, and further establish who you are in a captivating way. Because people want to see your personality!

@DianaM_ChicagoRealtor does a fantastic job of doing just that.

She's fully embraced Reels giving us a glimpse into life in Chicago, teaching us about local real estate, and getting to know her along the way.

And if you want to dance while you do reels, definitely go for it! You have the opportunity to brand yourself in a way that feels right to you.

So, if you're looking to brand yourself on Instagram, make sure you are:

• optimizing your bio

• executing a local content strategy

• and giving trending features like Reels a try.

Because by showing up consistently and sharing your passion for real estate and your local area, you'll be the go-to local agent on Instagram that people just cannot wait to work with!

{Click here to join me inside IG Unlocked for Real Estate!}

UP NEXT:

I’m Heather Colby, host of the “Ideas for Real Estate Podcast.”

If you like what you read here today, I’d encourage you to take a listen to the episodes. :