With more than 200 million active monthly users, Instagram holds awesome potential for real estate professionals. But how can you use Instagram to grow your own network of followers? Here’s a few tips you can try out to get more followers:

1. Create a theme:

Try to make your Instagram page stand out by working out a theme of what you’re trying to promote, then stick to it. That means you should make a separate profile for work and personal use if it’s not possible to separate the two.

2. Choose a strong use name:

Ideally you will want to use the same handle across all of your social media networks, as this improves brand recognition and makes it easier for people to find you.

3. Like lots of photos:

Of course, you should only be liking those that are related to your posts. Once you begin liking other people’s photos, they will likely take an interest in you and might begin to follow you back. One way to find users in your industry is to search for popular tags.

4. Write comments:

You need to comment on user’s pictures to get attention. Comment on as many as you can, and also you can try to target those that haven’t received as many comments, in order to get more attention early on. By doing so, other Instagram users will notice you, appreciate your interest and hopefully reciprocate.

5. Follow other users:

You can use the “Fine people to follow” button on Instagram to import your Facebook friends for starters. Another option is the “Explore” section that allows you to search through suggested accounts. Data suggests that around one third of the people you follow on Instagram will return the favor and follow you back, so this is a good way of getting yourself noticed.

6. Post pictures regularly, but don’t overdo it:

This is what Instagram is all about, after all. Make sure you caption your pictures too, but keep the sentences short and sweet. Alternatively you can ask questions in your captions as a way to create more engagement. While you should post regularly, be careful not to overdo it or you might be labelled as a spammer. Ideally, you should be looking to post two-to-three images a day, and do it at times when more people are likely to be looking at Instagram, such as in the morning, lunch times and after work.

7. Don’t forget the tags:

You’ll want to use lots of tags as this helps to make your pictures more discoverable. Use popular tags that are relevant to your post to get it to a wider audience.