We’ve been getting some awesome feedback on our monthly ‘Reels for Realtors‘ columns, so we figured, why not take a step back and give the Instagram Reel newbies the ultimate starter guide? We have all the goods to help you create quality content.

 

So first things first, what are Instagram Reels?

 

Reels are a short-form video feature on Instagram that allows users to create and share videos with various creative elements. If you’re filming within the app, Reels can be up to 90 seconds long. If you want to post a longer video, up to 15 minutes, you can upload it as a regular post, and it’ll be automatically shared as a Reel.

Reels offer a wide range of tools, such as music, text, stickers, effects, and filters, which can be used to enhance the videos and make them more engaging. Although, the only things you really need to focus on are music and text.

For realtors, using Instagram Reels can be highly beneficial for several reasons:

1. Increased reach and engagement: By consistently posting Reels, realtors can reel in (see what I did there?) a bigger crowd and connect with more potential clients. Reels are shown to a wider audience beyond your followers, and they often capture the attention of users as they are short, visually appealing, simple, and entertaining.

2. Showcasing properties: Realtors can use Reels to showcase their listings. Instead of relying solely on images or long videos, Reels offer a more dynamic way to present a property, highlighting its key features in a concise and visually appealing way. Instead of one long video, create a Reel for each staged room! You can go from posting once about your listing to creating and posting 20 Reels, all with a call-to-action that leads to your website.

3. Demonstrating expertise: Show off your real estate expertise! By creating informative Reels, realtors can demonstrate their years of experience in the real estate market. They can share tips on buying, selling, or investing in properties, helping to establish themselves as knowledgeable professionals in the field.

4. Building brand awareness: Consistent and creative use of Reels can help realtors build their brand and increase their visibility on Instagram. When people start sharing and engaging with your Reels, your realtor game will reach a whole new level of recognition!

5. Capitalizing on trending content: Reels often follow popular trends. Realtors can leverage these trends to stay relevant and connect with a wider audience, potentially gaining more followers and clients.

6. Connecting with the audience: Reels offer a more personal and authentic way for realtors to connect with their audience. By sharing behind-the-scenes moments, success stories, or even fun snippets, realtors can create a more relatable and approachable image.

Now that we’ve successfully convinced you to start using Reels (right?), we’ve listed basic things you need to know about the app so you can spot trends and optimize your posts for the best results.

 

“How do I start making a reel?”

 

Told you we’d start with the basics! To start creating a Reel, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open your Instagram app and tap your profile icon at the bottom right of your screen.