The age-old saying, “Business is personal,” has perhaps never been truer than in the digital age. With an ever-growing plethora of social media platforms, it’s tempting for real estate professionals to compartmentalize their personal and professional lives. The line between ‘personal’ and ‘professional’ is blurring, and herein lies an opportunity. As a service provider at “roomvu,” we’ve seen the difference in engagement when real estate agents and mortgage brokers utilize their personal Instagram accounts for Real Estate instead of creating new business pages. Here’s what we’ve learned.
Why Creating a New Account Is Bad
Venturing into the world of real estate marketing on Instagram might make you believe that a dedicated business account is the answer. While it seems logical to separate the personal from the professional, the reality is different. Here’s why:
Starting from Scratch
Embarking on the journey with a brand-new account feels like entering a party where no one knows you. You’re effectively a newcomer in a vast digital universe devoid of any followers or content to showcase your expertise. Not only does this mean you don’t have any immediate visibility, but it also requires you to invest significant time, effort, and sometimes even money to create content, promote your page, and engage with users in hopes of steadily increasing your following.
Remember, organic growth on platforms like Instagram can be slow and challenging. Existing personal accounts usually have a foundation – memories shared, relationships built, and engagement earned over time. Starting anew means foregoing all these advantages and bracing for a much steeper climb to gain traction and recognition.
Low Engagement with Business Content
In social media, a business-only Instagram account can sometimes feel like a never-ending sales pitch, lacking the warmth and relatability of personal moments. When agents primarily post listings, market updates, or other strictly business-related content, they inadvertently distance themselves from the very audience they’re trying to engage. While these posts are essential, they can’t replace the human connection.
Personal posts often evoke emotions, memories, or experiences that users can relate to, resulting in likes, comments, and shares. Business content, especially on a new account, faces the double challenge of standing out amidst a sea of similar posts and overcoming the hurdle of lacking personal rapport. Without the balance that personal content brings, engagement rates often suffer, making it difficult for the account to gain momentum.
Why Convert Your Personal Account to a Business Page
In the digital age of personal branding, having an authentic online presence is crucial. The lines between our professional and personal lives have blurred, and people now seek genuine connections even in business contexts. As a platform centered around storytelling and connection, Instagram offers an unparalleled opportunity to blend these worlds. Here’s how:
Leverage Existing Audience
Your existing personal Instagram account has a ready audience, a blend of friends, family, acquaintances, and more. Within this mix are potential clients and those who could be invaluable in referring you to others. This isn’t just a numbers game; it’s about relationships. Moreover, a goldmine of performance metrics associated with your account that Instagram’s algorithms have already noted making your content more likely to be favored and seen.
Retain Authenticity
When you decide to use your personal Instagram for Real Estate business, you unlock many features designed for professional use, from insights to promotional tools. Yet, one of the standout advantages is that you don’t start from scratch. You get to keep all your followers, those cherished memories, and the engagement history that lends credibility to your profile. It’s a harmonious blend, allowing you to tap into the strengths of both personal and business realms without compromising on authenticity.
The Power of Personal Content
In an age where authenticity and relatability are paramount, personal content becomes your best friend. Photos from that vacation you took, the meal you enjoyed, or the day out with family not only make you more relatable but also boost engagement.
People are more likely to interact with personal content, which increases the visibility of your professional content. So, continue sharing snippets from your life, because your audience appreciates the human behind the brand.
How To Convert Your Personal Instagram Page to a Business Page
- Go to your profile and tap in the upper right corner.
- Tap Settings and Privacy.
- Tap Account type and tools.
- Tap Switch to a professional account.
- Tap Continue.
- Select a Category for your business and tap Done.
- Tap OK to confirm.
- Tap Business.
It’s that simple! Now you can enjoy the benefits of a business account without losing the engagement of your personal content.
Personal Instagram Account for Real Estate Business: Conclusion
Your digital presence, especially on platforms like Instagram, is a fusion of your personal and professional worlds. Instead of dividing them, leverage the synergy. With services from roomvu, which shares ready-made real estate videos, market updates, and more on your behalf, you can effortlessly maintain a balanced content strategy. Remember, your audience is looking to connect with you, the individual, as much as they’re interested in the properties you’re showcasing. Let your Instagram account reflect both facets.