4 Tips for Using Hashtags on Instagram

Hashtags are a powerful tool for real estate agents to increase visibility, engagement, and reach on Instagram. When used effectively, hashtags can help you connect with potential buyers, sellers, and your local community, all while building your brand as a trusted agent. But using hashtags effectively requires more than adding random tags to your posts.

Here are four tips to make the most out of hashtags on Instagram for real estate success.

1. Research Relevant Hashtags

To attract the right audience, focus on hashtags that are relevant to your real estate niche and local market. Overly generic hashtags like #dreamhome or #realestate may not give you the visibility you need due to their saturation. Instead, aim for hashtags that:

• Relate to your specific services, such as #LuxuryRealEstate or #FirstTimeHomeBuyer.
• Are specific to your local market, such as #AustinHomes or #SeattleRealEstate.
• Have a mix of popularity—some widely used and others more niche.
• Pro Tip: Use Instagram’s search bar to find local hashtags. Check how many posts are associated with a hashtag to gauge its popularity, and incorporate a mix of hashtags that balance reach with specificity.

2. Use a Mix of Hashtag Types

A diverse hashtag strategy will help you maximize your reach and engagement in the real estate market. Include these types in your posts:

• Branded Hashtags: Create a unique hashtag for your business, such as #HomesByYourName, to build your brand identity and encourage user-generated content.
• Property-Specific Hashtags: Use tags like #ModernHomesForSale or #CozyCottages to attract buyers interested in specific property styles.
• Location-Based Hashtags: These are essential for targeting your local market. Examples include #DallasRealEstate or #LosAngelesCondos.
• Lifestyle Hashtags: Appeal to the aspirations of your audience with hashtags like #HomeSweetHome or #LuxuryLiving.
• Pro Tip: Research competitors and successful real estate agents in your area to identify the hashtags they’re using and adapt them for your content.

3. Don’t Overdo It

While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, it’s better to focus on quality over quantity. Overloading your caption with hashtags can make it look cluttered and unprofessional. Instead:

• Use 10-15 carefully selected hashtags per post.
• Prioritize hashtags that are most relevant to your audience and content.
• Experiment with different combinations to find out what works best for your brand.
• Pro Tip: To keep your captions clean, place your hashtags in a comment or beneath a line break in the caption. This ensures your post looks polished while still benefiting from the reach hashtags provide.

4. Monitor and Adjust Your Strategy

Real estate markets and trends evolve, so it’s important to regularly evaluate the performance of your hashtags. Track metrics such as:

• Engagement: Use Instagram Insights to measure how hashtags contribute to your reach, impressions, and interactions.
• Local Trends: Stay updated on trending hashtags in your area, such as seasonal events or new developments.
• Audience Preferences: Pay attention to which hashtags resonate most with your followers and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Pro Tip: Save different hashtag groups for various types of posts. For instance, create one set for property showcases, another for client success stories, and a third for market insights or community highlights.

Hashtags are a crucial part of a real estate agent’s Instagram strategy. By researching relevant hashtags, diversifying your hashtag mix, keeping your posts clean and professional, and continually refining your approach, you can expand your reach and connect with your ideal clients. Start implementing these tips today to elevate your Instagram presence and grow your real estate business!