Imagine starting from scratch and generating 600 leads, $3.4 million under contract, and 10,000 followers—all in just 116 days. Sounds too good to be true? Realtor Jimmy Conover from Boise, Idaho, made it a reality by leveraging social media effectively. In this post, we’ll dive into Jimmy's journey, his proven strategies, and actionable tips to help you grow your real estate business online.
The Power of a Clear Social Media Strategy
“Posting and praying that people are gonna inbound DM you is not a strategy,” Jimmy says. Social media success requires intention and consistency. For Jimmy, the key is showing up every single day with engaging content that resonates with his audience.
He emphasizes the importance of treating your social media presence as the heartbeat of your business. Your content lays the foundation for meaningful conversations in direct messages (DMs) and builds trust with potential leads.
Rebuilding and Growing: Lessons from the Ground Up
Jimmy’s social media journey wasn’t without challenges. After experiencing technical issues with his first real estate Instagram account, he was forced to start over. However, this setback became an opportunity. Armed with lessons from his first attempt, Jimmy’s second account grew ten times faster.
“Without that first one going down, I don’t think I would be where I’m currently at,” Jimmy admits. The key takeaway? Every failure is a chance to learn and refine your approach.
Mastering the Three Content Buckets
One of Jimmy’s signature strategies is his “three-bucket” approach to content creation. Here’s how he breaks it down:
Local Content: Inspire your audience by showcasing your area’s best parks, communities, events, and attractions. This type of content engages locals and attracts out-of-state buyers dreaming of a better quality of life.
Real Estate Content: Highlight neighborhoods, communities, and occasionally, houses. While property-specific posts may not go viral, they show you’re active in the industry.
Connection Content: Share your personal story and experiences. “My story has been the crutch in this entire process,” Jimmy says. For example, he frequently recounts his family’s move from Phoenix to Boise, making his content relatable and authentic.
Why Knowing Your Ideal Customer Is Crucial
Jimmy believes the cornerstone of successful content is understanding your ideal customer. “Your ideal customer is not a price point, and it’s not an age range. It’s pain points and dream outcomes,” he explains.
For Jimmy, his ideal customer is someone looking to escape the heat of Arizona or California for the four seasons and slower pace of life in Boise. This deep understanding allows him to craft messaging that resonates on an emotional level, building trust and connection.
Actionable Lead Generation Tips
Jimmy’s strategy for generating leads goes beyond just posting content. He uses tools like ManyChat and Instagram features to spark conversations:
Story Polls: Create polls like, “Is moving to Boise in your plans for 2024?” Use responses to start conversations in DMs.
Keyword Prompts: Ask followers to comment a specific word, such as a neighborhood name, to receive additional resources. This allows you to identify interested leads.
Relocation Guides: Offer free resources in exchange for email addresses, building your contact list while providing value.
Adapting to Social Media Evolution
“Social media has changed drastically,” Jimmy says, reflecting on the introduction of Reels and other features over the years. Realtors who adapt quickly to new trends, like vertical video and interactive features, often have the upper hand.
Jimmy also highlights the importance of leveraging proven prompts from other industries. By taking ideas that work in parenting, travel, or lifestyle niches and tailoring them to real estate, he’s able to consistently create content that performs well.
Key Takeaways for Realtors
If you’ve been posting consistently but aren’t seeing results, Jimmy’s advice is simple: focus on your ideal customer. “Get crystal clear on who this person is,” he says. Identify their biggest pain points and dreams, then craft content that speaks directly to them.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to repurpose content, test new features, and draw inspiration from other industries. Social media success isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about refining what works.
Conclusion
Jimmy Conover’s story proves that social media can be a powerful tool for realtors when used strategically. By understanding your audience, creating engaging content, and leveraging Instagram’s features, you can generate leads, build trust, and grow your business.
What steps will you take to refine your social media strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with us on Instagram for more tips and inspiration. Let’s simplify social media together!
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