7 Ways Realtors Are Using Social Media to Build Authority and Generate Leads
Alright, let’s cut the fluff and get real about real estate in 2024. If you’re a realtor and think just tossing a few house pics on Instagram still works, honestly, you’re living in the Stone Age (and guess what? Those cavemen aren’t buying condos.
Whether flying solo or rolling deep with a big brokerage, social media is your megaphone, not just a virtual billboard. We’re talking’ trust, connection, and deals sealed in the DMs.
Okay, what’s separating Joe “Sells-One-House-A-Year” from the real hustlers who stay top of mind (and top of feed)?
Here’s how the smart ones do it—and nope, you don’t need a Tesla-sized marketing budget.
1. Ditching the Brochure Act—Telling Real Stories
Nobody wants a human Zillow feed. Those days are toast. The real winners go raw—telling stories about real families getting that first set of keys, showing the “holy crap, we finally did it” faces, or even sharing the chaos of staging a house with toddlers and a loud dog.
This kind of behind-the-scenes stuff? Makes you human. People start rooting for you. They trust you. And—this is wild—people actually like doing business with folks they trust.
👀 Sneaky Move: Shoot a quick reel from your car right after a closing, or share hilarious “nailed it/failed it” staging pics. Dropping the polish gives people the feels.
2. Dishing Out Bite-Sized Wisdom
If you’re not tossing quick tips out there, you’re invisible. Buyers and sellers have all kinds of questions (some weird, some super basic). When you answer them fast—like, “Here’s how escrow works” or “Top three things you’re messing up before listing”—people see you as the neighborhood Yoda.
You don’t need a studio. Heck, use your phone. A fast video, a meme, or an Instagram Story can do the trick. Quit hoarding knowledge—give some away, and people will see you’re useful, not just salesy.
3. Going Hyper-Local or Go Home using Social Media
Anyone can post pretty kitchens. But folks who sell? They talk about the block, not just the building. Post about new coffee shops, local school shoutouts, traffic headaches, or who’s grilling free hot dogs at the park this weekend.
It’s ridiculously effective because it’s personal. People don’t just want a house—they want to know they’ll love their new corner bodega.
BTW, there are companies like Digileap that’ll help you sniff out what’s hot in your area. But if you’re paying attention, you’ll see it before anyone else.
4. Jumping on Live Video—Even if You Stumble
Nobody is expecting Oprah-level production values. Jump on Facebook or Insta Live—do an open-house walkthrough, answer whatever questions pop up, and let people see your face unfiltered.
Even if three people show up, you’ve made a mini fan club. And hey, all that “live” energy pumps you up in algorithms. Why not?
5. Sparking Buzz with Giveaways or Silly Contests
Seriously, everyone wants to win something. Do a “best pet-in-a-hat” photo contest, or let folks guess a listing’s price for a coffee shop gift card. Don’t splurge on an iPad—make the prize local so followers are, you know, actually in your market.
It’s about the hype, not just the prize. You’ll get shares, tags, and maybe a little chaos in your notifications—but it’s fun, and you’ll pick up local fans without dropping tons of ad money.
6. Social Media Ads—But Not Those Lame Generic Ones
Paid ads are awesome when you use them like a sniper, not a shotgun. Stop with the “House for Sale Everywhere!” vibes. Instead: “First-Time Buyers in Queens—You Need to See This,” or “Want a Pool in Arizona That WON’T Boil You Alive?”
Get specific. Target by interests, zip code, and life stage. Yeah, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but if you don’t want to mess with it? Outsource it. There are agencies like Digileap that’ll do the brainwork so you can be out there shaking hands (or sending more memes).
Long story short? You want to stand out—be real, be helpful, and stop trying to sound perfect. People can smell a fake from a mile away. So don’t be one.
7. Flex Your Social Proof—Let Happy Clients Do the Talking
Let’s be real—nothing beats a hyped-up client singing your praises. If you’re a smart agent, you’re flooding your Instagram or Facebook with wins: client grins, transformation pics, and those heart-melting thank-you messages.
Social proof? Yeah, it’s your unofficial stamp of “trust me, I know my stuff.” New folks see it, and suddenly, you’re not just another realtor—you’re the one who gets things done.
So, slap some testimonials in a neat quote graphic, or throw up a quick video review (even a shaky iPhone clip feels authentic). Got a sweet DM from a client? Screenshot it (but hey, ask before you post—nobody likes their stuff blasted everywhere).
Quick Social Media Tip: Stay Consistent, Not Snoozy
Posting whenever you feel like it? Good luck with that. The top dogs are always out there—dropping new stuff, keeping it spicy.
Switch it up:
📷 Snazzy pics
📽️ Candid videos
📢 Handy tips
🏡 Jaw-dropping listings
❤ Real stories
🔴 Off-the-cuff live sessions
🤳 Messy, behind-the-scenes chaos
And for the love of coffee, don’t hide who you are! Be a funny goofball— show up as yourself. That’s what folks vibe with. People buy from humans, not robots.
One Last Thing
Skipping social media? Might as well sell houses with a typewriter. If you want leads, trust, and deals rolling in, you show up online. Every post is a shot at growing your brand.
And don’t overthink it—you don’t need Spielberg-level gear or piles of cash. Just a dash of creativity, consistency, and caring about your followers (wild concept, right?).
Need a boost? Hit up the pros at Digileap Services. They’ll dial in your social strategy—minus all the confusing tech talk. Get those deals.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Realtors are using social media to grow by sharing real stories, posting helpful tips, highlighting local content, going live, running contests, using smart ads, and showcasing happy clients. These strategies help build trust and attract more leads online.
