Social media has transformed the real estate industry in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I first started my career over a decade ago. I’ve seen firsthand how effectively leveraging social platforms can significantly boost engagement, build trust, and generate valuable leads. Hi, I’m Anna Alemi, Realtor, CEO, Broker of Record, and host of the Driven Realty Podcast. Over the last 10 years, I’ve successfully grown my business through strategic social media use, and I’m excited to share these proven strategies with you.
1. Create Engaging Video Content
Video content is no longer optional – it’s essential. Early in my career, I remember hesitantly posting my first property tour video, unsure of how it would be received. To my surprise, it generated double the inquiries compared to my traditional listings!
| Statistic | Impact |
| Listings with videos | 403% more inquiries |
| Real estate videos shared on social media | 1200% higher share rate |
| Buyers who watch video tours | 85% more likely to contact the agent |
Consider using video for property tours, client testimonials, and neighborhood spotlights to boost your engagement significantly.
2. Leverage Facebook Advertising
Facebook remains a powerful tool for targeted marketing in real estate. One of my first significant breakthroughs was a targeted Facebook ad that resulted in three high-quality leads in just two days. Around 90% of realtors today use Facebook to reach prospective clients, and there’s good reason why – the platform offers unmatched precision in audience targeting. Regularly update your campaigns based on the analytics you gather, refining your approach to reach your ideal audience.
Comparative Effectiveness of Facebook Ad Strategies for Realtors:
| Ad Strategy | Pros | Cons | Effectiveness Level |
| Boosted Posts | Easy setup, quick reach increase, suitable for engagement | Limited targeting, lower conversion rates | Moderate |
| Lead Generation Ads | Directly captures user details, high conversion potential | Higher cost per lead, needs robust follow-up | High |
| Carousel Ads | Showcase multiple listings, interactive, increases engagement | Requires high-quality images, more setup time | High |
| Video Ads | Higher engagement, strong emotional connection | Higher production effort, potentially costly | Very High |
| Retargeting Ads | Highly targeted, better conversion rates, cost-effective | Requires existing audience, limited fresh reach | Very High |
| Messenger Ads | Direct communication, personalizes user experience | Requires immediate response, can be intrusive | Moderate to High |
My Recommendation:
- For quick reach and engagement: Boosted posts.
- For targeted leads and high-quality conversion: Lead generation and Retargeting ads.
- For showcasing multiple listings: Carousel Ads.
- For strong emotional connections and high engagement: Video Ads.
3. Connect with Younger Audiences via Instagram and TikTok
Instagram and TikTok aren’t just platforms for trendy dances—they’re fantastic spaces to connect with younger, first-time homebuyers. Early on, I didn’t see the potential of TikTok, thinking it was “too casual” for real estate. That changed when one short video showcasing a quirky but charming home went viral, attracting several qualified buyers under 30. Currently, about 52% of realtors use Instagram effectively, and an increasing number are embracing TikTok to showcase listings in a more dynamic, engaging way.
4. Maintain a Consistent Posting Schedule
Consistency builds trust. Think of social media as your digital storefront: if it appears active and vibrant, clients naturally feel more confident reaching out. I learned this the hard way when I initially posted sporadically, resulting in low engagement and fewer leads. Creating a content calendar was a game changer, helping my team and me stay organized and visible.
5. Master Hashtag Strategies
Hashtags aren’t just trendy—they’re your visibility powerhouses. A well-chosen hashtag can significantly expand your audience. One of my posts with the hashtag #OttawaHomes reached thousands of potential buyers outside my usual circle. Conduct regular research to identify hashtags that align well with your properties and audience, making sure your posts get the attention they deserve.
6. Showcase Testimonials and Success Stories
Nothing builds credibility quite like testimonials. Early in my journey, I shared a video testimonial from a delighted client who had recently bought her first home. That video alone attracted multiple new inquiries from similar buyers who related to her genuine excitement. Always highlight your clients’ experiences; their authentic stories resonate deeply and help build your authoritative reputation.
7. Invest Wisely in Social Media Ads
Social media advertising isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment with significant returns. Nearly half of all realtors believe that paid social media advertising provides the best return on investment, and my experience aligns with that. An early experiment with a modest advertising budget led directly to several successful closings, underscoring the importance of strategic ad spending.
8. Grow Your Brand and Expand Your Reach on YouTube
YouTube is one of the most powerful yet underused platforms in real estate marketing—especially when it comes to building long-term trust and visibility. Over the years, I’ve found that agents who consistently show up on YouTube build deeper relationships with their audience, even before that first consultation call.
In the world of real estate social media, video continues to dominate. Compared to even the highest-quality photos, listing videos offer a far more immersive view of a property. Research also suggests that making eye contact through video builds a stronger sense of trust with potential buyers.
One of our most valuable tools has been our very own Driven Podcast, where we dive into the real estate industry, share insider strategies, and spotlight stories that inspire both new and seasoned agents. Hosting it on YouTube has allowed us to reach a wider audience, grow our community, and stay top-of-mind for agents looking to level up.
Here’s how to get started with a strong YouTube presence:
- Share weekly market updates, buyer/seller tips, or local spotlights to provide value.
- Repurpose long-form content (like podcasts) into short clips or highlight reels.
- Add clear, consistent branding and CTAs in your video descriptions.
- Engage with comments to build community and boost algorithm visibility.
Here’s a great example of using YouTube to improve your social media strategy as a Realtor:
Subscribe to the Driven Podcast on YouTube to stay inspired, informed, and in-the-know with everything real estate!
9. Optimize Your Social Media Profiles
Your social media profile is your digital business card. A clear, professional bio with optimized keywords helps potential clients find you more easily. Early in my social media journey, I overlooked this detail and lost out on potential leads. Once I updated my profiles, clearly outlining my expertise and contact details, engagement and leads increased noticeably.
10. Analyze and Adapt Regularly
Social media isn’t static; what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Regularly reviewing analytics and adapting your strategies accordingly is essential. Initially, analytics felt overwhelming, but once I recognized patterns and adjusted my posts accordingly, the results were impressive. Use these insights to continually refine your strategy and maximize results.
Mastering social media strategies has been pivotal to my success in the real estate industry over the past decade. Whether you’re a seasoned realtor or just starting your journey, integrating these strategies can significantly impact your business growth and lead generation.
At the Anna Alemi Real Estate Team, we’ve witnessed firsthand how a thoughtful, consistent social media presence not only attracts clients but also builds lasting relationships based on trust and genuine connection. Ready to elevate your social media strategy?
Visit us at Suite 205 – 2283 Saint Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa, K1G 5A2 or call us at (613) 900-0009.