#1 Use location-based hashtags

You know how hashtags work. You use them every day on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. They're a great way to connect with other users and make your content more discoverable. But did you know that there are specific location hashtags that realtors can use to help their businesses?

If you want people in your area to find out about the services you provide or if you're targeting a particular demographic (like millennials), then using location-based tags will be key for success on social media platforms like Instagram.

#2 Post regularly

If you're posting too infrequently, your followers will forget who you are. And if they do remember and come back to see what's new? They'll be disappointed that there isn't anything new to see!

Post at least once a day--and preferably more often than that--to keep your followers engaged with your content. But don't go overboard; if they start unfollowing because they don't want their feeds filled with real estate photos every hour of every day, then it's time for an intervention (or at least some self-control).

#3 Build your personal brand on Instagram

The first step to building your personal brand is to be yourself. This sounds like a no-brainer, but it's actually harder than it seems. There are many real estate agents out there who try too hard and end up looking like they're trying too hard--which just makes them look fake (and not in a good way).

To keep it real: you want people to see your posts as authentic expressions of yourself, so be sure that all of your photos reflect who you really are. If your Instagram feed includes selfies at the beach with friends or pictures from last weekend's family reunion, then those will serve as great examples of how much fun it is working with you!

#4 Don't just post about your services, use it to make connections with others.

Whether you're posting about a new listing or an open house, try to connect with other people in the industry. You never know when a connection could lead to something great! You can also use Instagram as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth by connecting with people who have different perspectives on real estate than you do--they may show you things from another angle that will help improve your business practices or give advice on how best to approach certain situations.

#5 Find Your Audience

An important step to becoming a top realtor on Instagram is finding your audience.

• Who are you trying to reach?

• How old are they, and what do they like?

• What hashtags are they using to find homes in your area (or location)?

Once you know who your ideal buyer or seller is, it's time to figure out when and where they're looking at homes online. This requires some trial and error--but once you've found the right combination of factors that work for them, it will feel like magic!