6 Things Instagram Can Do For Your Flipping Business

Here are six unique things I've seen people doing with their Instagram accounts:

1. Lead generation: Sellers

1. Many companies across industries use Instagram as an entry point to their sales funnel, and real estate is no different. While there is value in having many contact points for potential sellers, Instagram provides yet another bucket of potential leads with really unlimited potential; as long as you create content that is engaging enough. By producing content about your real estate activities, you build a presence that adds yet another puzzle piece to your company's brand. Using Instagram, along with more traditional marketing methods to let people know you're out there is a great strategy.

2.Lead generation: Buyers

Have a nice product and want people to know about it? Why not show them. Instagram, similar to Pinterest has the main benefit of being a visually focused social medium. You do great work while flipping properties like staying on top of the most recent trends, using high end finishing materials; why not show people.

3. Fill a Vacancy

Sick of using craigslist? Try Instagram. While this approach requires a large follower base if used alone, you can pair Instagram with another marketing tactic to show potential tenants what your property looks like before deciding to see it in person. These potential tenants will also check out some of your other work and learn just how serious you are about the real estate game.

4. Hire a contractor

While I've only seen this done once (see below), it seems like a great idea. While contractors themselves may not be on Instagram (although they should be to showcase their work), your network of followers may be able to provide a referral. Offering a referral bonus may speed up this process.

5. Humanize your brand

Whether it is through comedy, or by providing views into who you and your family are, Instagram can provide a way for people to get to know you, and understand your company values.

6. Create a visual library of your work for potential investors

Time and time again, we hear one of the most important things for success with generating interest in investing with you is your track record. Yes, numbers say a lot, but are not always the easiest thing to start a conversation with. Why not show people pictures of your work to get their curiosity peaked. Here, they can see exactly how qualified you are and how low risk investing with you would be because of your skill and finished products.

I have seen a few notable Instagram accounts in the Boston area I wanted to mention:

1. Aponte Development (@apontedevelopment)
   1. Highlights: A group of developers working in the Greater Boston area doing flips and condo conversions using Instagram to showcase post demo highlights, new company branding initiatives, and challenges they have tackled on the job like getting appliances into hard to fit places.
   2. Interesting Use Case: They posted an ad for a carpenter including a referral fee. Definitely a cool idea that I have never seen before.
2. HRV Homes (@hrvhomes)
   1. Highlights: Two developers, Ray and Dan, working mainly out of Dorchester and the South Boston area. Their Instagram has some cool shots from some of their projects including demolition, plan outlines, and some very nice looking finished products
3. Mass Home Sales (@masshomesale)
   1. Highlights: Managed by Shaun Reilly, this account's focus recently has been some hoarder house gold. I always find it interesting reading about peoples horror story hoarder houses, and this definitely lines up with Shaun's main tag line; buying houses other people wouldn't even look at.

The bottom line here: Generate content, and lots of it! While all of these things are very useful, you will have a much easier time doing them when you have a large amount of followers. By posting a ton of high quality pictures, you are destined for success!

What do you focus on with your Instagram account? Do you have one? Do you find it valuable? Do you have any favorites you like to follow or would recommend? Let me know what you think.