The Stories function on Instagram enables users to craft and post content in the Story segment of their profile forming a visual collection of videos and images for their audience to view in a slideshow format easily digestible by viewers. The compact nature of Instagram Stories renders it ideal for sharing events instantly with others and repost content, from fellow users while also fostering creativity in diverse ways.
Chances are you’ve noticed folks sharing all sorts of things like their dogs nail jobs or their newest offerings on Stories… And when its done well Stories can really help you connect on a more personal level, with your followers.
We thoroughly explored Instagrams well liked aspect. Instagram Reels. In our comprehensive guide titled “Stay Authentic with Instagrams Trendy Feature, for Real Estate Agents.”
Here’s a comprehensive guide, on why utilizing Stories is essential. Plus some awesome and user friendly features of Stories that might surprise you.
What are the benefits of real estate agents utilizing Instagram Stories?
Absolutely! Although Instagram Stories may seem like an addition at first glance; however don’t be intimidated by incorporating it into your professional Instagram account strategy. Instagram holds a position among social media platforms globally with more, than 2 billion active users each month. This indicates that Instagram ranks among the three social media platforms worldwide.
Instagram isn’t among the top three in terms of monthly active users; its also recognized as one of the top three social media platforms for real estate agents to utilize professionally as per the National Association of REALTORS® 2023 Member Profile findings. Interestingly enough the NARs 2023 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers reveals that over half of home buyers are utilizing the Internet as their primary source for finding a home. To ensure an online presence covering all bases effectively is crucial, in this digital landscape. This is where Instagram Stories come into play.
10 surprising features of Instagram Stories you might not be aware of.
Instagram Stories are user friendly and enjoyable to make with some awesome features. Which I’ll dive into shortly! If you’re already sharing Reels. Creating content on Instagram but wondering if adding Stories is necessary. The answer is yes! According to a study conducted recently by one group found that smaller brands or those with than 10K followers experienced a 35% surge, in the number of followers viewing their Instagram Stories over the past year.
This function presents a chance to increase the visibility of your content and posts while fostering engagement among viewers, on Instagram Stories with a range of interactive elements that can enhance their experience and encourage interaction with your content.
Time you craft a story. Be it a video or a photo. Click the small sticky note icon (the one sporting a smile). Here are 10 hidden treasures residing behind that icon that might surprise you.
Try holding a question and answer session.
Want to share your real estate knowledge and skills with your followers on media? Simply use the “Questions” sticker on Instagram Stories to encourage them to ask you anything! When you’re ready to post your Story on Instagram Stories platform video or image content use the “Questions” sticker button and a text box will pop up on screen to let your followers know they can ask you anything they want. The default message will be “Ask me a question ” but feel free to personalize it as you see fit! You could try ways to engage with your audience, like this;
- Feel free to inquire about anything related to the real estate industry.
- Which part of [ZIP code]’ do you find most charming or appealing to you personally?
- What questions do you have regarding purchasing or selling items?
- The options are limitless! You can now share your Story by posting it below your prompt in a box that says “Type something…” This allows your Story viewers to tap and input their responses directly to you via messaging—a method for initiating conversations and establishing yourself as an expert, in the real estate industry while fostering trust in your brand and boosting engagement.
Poll your followers to gather their opinions and insights.
Lets move on to something next! To continue from the steps you’ve taken before; revisit the stickers section and select the “Poll” sticker to engage your audience with questions just like in a quiz format, with multiple choice options for them to choose from after you type in your question at the top of the box.
- “What’s the real estate query you’re pondering about?”
- The current levels of interest rates
- Choosing the home
- Navigating the process of obtaining a home loan.
- Putting money aside for a deposit.
- What feature do you appreciate the most in a house?
- Swimming pool
- Huge backyard.
- A garage that can fit cars.
- The. Living room
- Your audience can tap their responses. View the rankings of each option in terms of percentages as well.You can also access the results from your profile to see who has viewed your story.This interactive feature offers a hearted and engaging way to involve your audience and gather their viewpoints.
When responding to comments consider sharing a video to enhance your communication.
Were you aware that if someone leaves a comment on a post on your feed and you can respond with a video using your Instagram Story feature? Imagine this scenario; You share your recent listing and receive a comment asking a question, about it.
Head over to that comment and swipe left on it; you’ll notice a sign enclosed in a circle. Simply tap on it to proceed further onto your Instagram Stories section where the comment transforms into a sticker format! Gently move the sticker aside. Capture a video in a selfie style as your response, before sharing it online. The individual who posted the comment will receive a notification that their query has been featured in your Story for them to view and engage with as well. Quite neat feature indeed!
Instruct your audience to visit a particular website link provided.
Housing market professionals are often advised to showcase their presence across all platforms and profiles. Make sure not to overlook sharing updates on your Instagram Stories as well! Utilize the “Link” feature to direct your followers to destinations beyond Instagram such, as your property website or a newly crafted neighborhood report you want to share with them.Once your Story is prepared for posting tap on the “Link” sticker option.
Please input the URL you wish to direct viewers to and select “See preview” below to confirm its accuracy before proceeding by clicking on “Customize sticker text” to provide additional guidance for viewers such, as;
- Take a look, at my website dedicated to real estate properties!
- Learn information at this link.
- Check out this item for sale.
- Have a look, at the report.
- Click on the “Done” button located in the right corner and check out your link afterward. For a touch of enjoyment and personalization effects tap on the link several times to browse through various font styles and colors before sharing it. Once you’re satisfied, with everything take a leap. Post it! Viewers can simply tap on the link to see your URL on Instagram without exiting the app.This can boost engagement as they stay within the platform.
Don’t forget to mention Instagram users in the same industry when you post.
Do you have a coworker you’d like to give a shoutout to or mention your real estate company name in the mix of things up high and maybe share a real estate meme page that has you laughing out loud or just want to give a nod to the most exciting content, from @realtorpro?
Go to the sticker bank. Select the “mention” sticker option. Type in the username of the profile, in the designated box. You will see it appear. Then click on the user’s icon ensuring that you activate the toggle beside the option that allows them to reshare your Story on their Story.
You can create a sticker for others to visit the profile you mentioned and the user you tagged will receive a notification, about your mention of them.They can then share your Story with their audience so that they can also discover you as well.This is a way to show appreciation and boost your presence while reaching a wider audience!
Lets kick off a chain where everyone adds their input!
One of the features on Instagram Stories is the “Add Yours” sticker where users can engage by adding photos that relate to a designated prompt placed at the top of the sticker sheet. For instance; you have a picture of a historic residence, in your area – showcase it on your Story and introduce a sticker with the prompt “What’s your favorite architectural style?” Go ahead. See what others have to share!
You can invite others to tap the “Add yours” button below your prompt and share a picture of their architectural style on their story for all to see and engage with by adding their own images as well. As more users participate and share photos in response to the chain that forms and expands continuously over time with potential to significantly boost your exposure online be creative, with your prompts and give it a try to see how it goes!
Enhance your post with some GIF animations!
Have a photo to share on your Story or an interesting report you want your audience to check out? Of editing it with filters or using Canva tools which might take time and effort to achieve the desired look and feel for your content; try using the “GIF” sticker instead for a quick touch of fun and creativity on your post. Once you tap on the “GIF” sticker option, in the app menu while creating your post content story. You will be directed to a screen where you’ll find a search bar waiting for you to input any keyword related to your post theme or mood that will help you discover a variety of animated options that match your style and enhance your storytelling experience.
Experiment with phrases such, as “Give it a shot” or “Check out options like.”
- Real estate
- Home
- Thrilled.
- Please get in touch with me.
- When you come across a GIF that catches your eye Tap on it! It will instantly appear on your Story post for you to move around and resize, by using your fingers to adjust its size as you wish Give it a shot and see how it works out for you
Challenge your audience by presenting them with a quiz to put their knowledge to the test!
We already discussed surveys and question and answer sessions before; however you can also organize challenges for your audience using the “Quiz” sticker feature on social media platforms, like Instagram or Facebook Stories. This is a way to assess their understanding of real estate through a series of Story posts. Start by tapping on the “Quiz” sticker option and entering your question or prompt at the top; then input the answers below. Once you’ve completed filling in the details and selecting the answer accordingly as prompted. You’re all set to share it with your followers!
Viewers can take a guess or share their answer and then see the outcomes away adding another enjoyable interactive feature for viewers to engage with This sticker also offers valuable insights. Did many viewers choose an incorrect answer ? You could create content based on this information!
Enhance interaction by utilizing the “Reveal” feature effectively.
If you’re up for some intrigue mixed with a lot of interaction flair try out the “Reveal” sticker feature on your social media Story post. Just tap on the sticker and a white text box will pop up with a prompt saying “What’s hidden…”. Share your message there and upload it to your Story. Other users can unveil your message only after they send you a message. Think about using “Reveal” for occasions such, as;
- New listing available, in your area code
- Let me know about any plans you have in the future.
- Announcing the addition, to your specialized real estate portfolio.
- It’s an aspect that piques the interest of your followers all the while boosting your interaction with them.
Set up a timer for your occasion
Planning a webinar or event soon. Want to build anticipation, among your followers Select the “Countdown” sticker and personalize it by naming your upcoming event on it.
Set the date and time in the designated areas below and ensure that the switch at the bottom is activated to allow viewers to receive reminders for your upcoming event and share the countdown on their Story as well! Afterward publish your Story to trigger anticipation among your audience members while providing reminders for those, in need of them—and don’t forget about the fun surprise of digital confetti when the event commences and concludes.
What feature are you planning to try out in your upcoming Instagram Story?
We’ve discussed a lot of things that highlight the impact of Instagram Stories. Try setting a goal every week to test out one feature at a time and observe how your audience responds. Pay attention to the features that they engage with the most and then tailor your Story content based on those to keep the interaction going strong.
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