Dead Instagram Strategies That Won’t Work in 2025: Realtor Edition

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so does the way real estate professionals need to approach Instagram marketing. In 2025, outdated strategies will no longer cut it. To stand out and engage with your audience, it's important to adapt and focus on what's truly effective. Here are some common Instagram strategies that won't work in 2025 and what you should be doing instead.

1. Hashtags in Your Bio

In the past, many realtors filled their bio with a long list of hashtags. However, hashtags in your bio take up valuable space that could be used to showcase your expertise. Instead, focus on clearly stating what you do and who you help. Your bio should make a strong, immediate impression, so let your personality and unique selling points shine through.

2. Obsessing Over the Perfect Posting Time

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that posting at the "perfect" time is essential for engagement. However, in 2025, this is less important than consistently posting high-quality content. Focus on creating valuable posts and engaging with your audience regularly. Consistency, not timing, will help you build trust and loyalty with your followers.

3. Posting Only Listings

While listings are important, posting only about properties can make your Instagram feel one-dimensional. Share more lifestyle content to give your audience a reason to connect with you. Showcase the local community, share home-buying tips, or post behind-the-scenes glimpses of your day-to-day life. This helps create a personal connection with potential clients and allows them to get to know the person behind the listings.

4. Focusing Too Much on Followers

Many realtors fall into the trap of obsessing over follower counts. However, in 2025, it’s not about the quantity of followers—it’s about the quality of your connections. Focus on engaging with people who are genuinely interested in your services. Building authentic relationships and nurturing these connections will be far more beneficial than simply trying to grow your follower count.

5. Chasing AI Engagement or Random Groups

While AI-driven tools and random engagement groups may seem like a quick fix, they won’t replace authentic interactions. Building a strong, real relationship with your followers and engaging with them meaningfully is the key to long-term success. Take the time to comment, reply to DMs, and participate in conversations with your community—this is what truly helps build trust.

6. Putting All the Value in Your Captions for Reels

Reels are one of the best ways to connect with your audience, but many realtors make the mistake of focusing all the value in the caption. Remember, the video itself should provide the main value. Let the visuals and the message you’re sharing speak for themselves. While captions can provide additional context, they shouldn’t be the main focus of the content.

7. Posting Only Square Image Posts

Square posts are fine, but if you’re only posting in that format, you’re missing out on creative opportunities. Portrait and landscape formats can help you get more creative with your content and are often more engaging. Reserve square images for accomplishments or moments that truly stand out, and explore other formats to keep your feed fresh and dynamic.

In 2025, Instagram for real estate is about more than just posting property listings. It’s about building relationships, providing value, and engaging authentically with your community. By avoiding these outdated strategies and focusing on what really works, you’ll be able to grow your presence on Instagram and connect with your ideal clients more effectively.

Stay ahead of the curve, adapt to the changing digital landscape, and use Instagram as a tool to build real connections and elevate your brand in 2025 and beyond!

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