You Won't Believe How Easy It Is to Get Real Estate Leads on Instagram
Hey there! Let’s talk about something you might not expect—how Instagram became the foundation for rebuilding my real estate business from the ground up.
Years ago, my husband signed me up for a Facebook account (anyone else have a techie husband who gets you into these things?). I wasn’t exactly consistent with it at first, but I vividly remember watching a neighbor build an online business using one single platform: Instagram. I saw her launch products, market to her audience, and truly grow. It stuck with me.
Then came our big move—from California to Utah.
I had to start everything over. No sphere of influence. No friends to refer me. No network to rely on. Oh, and did I mention I had four kids in school, carpools to run, and soccer practices to coach? I knew I needed to build a business that fit my lifestyle—and that’s when I leaned all the way in to Instagram.
Why Instagram?
Instagram became my way of showing up, even when I couldn’t physically be out networking. It became my virtual handshake, my open house, and my business card—all wrapped into one. Here’s how it helped me rebuild and grow:
1. Instagram is the Ultimate Visual Showcase
As a real estate agent, what we do is visual. Homes are visual. Design is visual. Our lives? Also very visual.
I started posting homes I’d toured, homes I’d sold, and even listings from other agents (with permission, of course). I’d use 30 hashtags on every post—and yes, I still use them! Despite what some people say, hashtags still work. People literally find me through them. “Selling in Salt Lake,” “Utah real estate,” “moving to Utah”—those hashtags bring in business.
The result? My posts started generating leads. Real people. Real conversations. Real results.
2. It Showcases Your Brand
When someone scrolls through your Instagram feed, they get an immediate sense of who you are. What your style is. What kinds of homes you love. Who you are outside of real estate too.
If you look at @MariahKHomes, you’ll see exactly what I mean. You’ll find beautiful homes, snippets of my family life, the conferences I attend, and a whole lot of positivity and motivation.
Stories are where I get real. You might see me with my kid at the orthodontist, hanging at the splash pad, or juggling our daily chaos. That real-life side helps people connect. It’s how I meet other moms. Other twin moms. Other transplants from California to Utah. When people relate to you, they remember you.
3. It Builds Relationships and Referrals
Instagram isn’t just for clients—it’s for relationships. I've met fellow designers, real estate professionals, and local business owners who later became referral partners or clients themselves.
One day I walked through a model home and bumped into a designer. We instantly recognized each other from Instagram and had a total "I know you!" moment. It was so fun, and we already had mutual respect because we’d seen each other’s work online. That kind of connection? Priceless.
The more connections you have, the more conversations you have. And the more conversations you have? The more business you generate. Period.
4. It Markets for You—24/7
Instagram works while you sleep. You can be at your kid’s soccer game, and someone’s scrolling through your feed thinking, “I should reach out to her.”
I’ve had clients DM me saying, “I’ve been watching you for a while. We’re relocating to Utah and want you to help us find a home.” Some of them have never even commented on my posts—they’ve just been quietly watching until the timing was right.
By consistently showing up, you build trust—even with people you haven’t met yet.
5. It Expands Your Reach Way Beyond Your ZIP Code
Your local sphere is powerful, but Instagram gives you access to a global audience. If you’re using location-based hashtags, trending audio, and engaging reels, your content will reach people you never could’ve connected with otherwise.
I’ve helped clients find investment properties, second homes, and relocation opportunities—all from people who first found me on Instagram.
The Bottom Line
Instagram isn’t just a social media app. For me, it’s been a lifeline—a place where I’ve built a community, established my brand, and grown a business on my terms.
If you’re trying to grow your real estate business without burnout—while still living your life, being with your kids, and not cold calling every day—Instagram might just be your secret weapon too.
Let’s connect over there → @MariahKHomes
And if you want to chat more about how to build your real estate business the modern way, feel free to call, text, or email me anytime.
Here’s to building a business—and a life—you love. 💛
