If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Does Instagram even work for real estate anymore?” Charleston, South Carolina Realtor Lauren Delamater is here to say "

Because while some agents are still posting “5 Reasons to Refinance” graphics and wondering why no one is blowing up their DMs, Lauren quietly closed five million in sales from Instagram in her first year of taking it seriously.

This feature in our Top Agents Are Selling From Instagram in 2026 series breaks down how she did it, why it worked, and how agents can replicate it.

- Instagram still drives real leads in 2026. Good ones.
- Lauren’s best performing content leans a lot more local lifestyle and lot less real estate.
- Her reels don't always take off instantly. They slow burn for weeks and that right there, is the magic.
- Guides, as lead magnets, are the most underrated lead gen tools agents should be putting to work daily.
- Consistency beats confidence, every time.
- Lauren followed the exact strategies inside C&C and saved a lot of guesswork.

At the start of 2025, Charleston Realtor Lauren Delamater promised herself one thing: ‘This is the year I start taking Instagram seriously."

But what she did next is not what you think. She didn't overhaul her brand or try to become a viral influencer.  She decided to show up; and if she was going to show up, it had to be in a way that felt real to her and real to the people looking for homes in Charleston.

After committing to the strategies inside Coffee and Contracts consistently, everything began to click for her.  Lauren started having more local conversations in the DMs with people saying things like "I've been following you for awhile and have a quick question" which escalated (honestly, kinda quickly) to five million dollars in closed business.

🎯 The Content That Built a $5M Instagram Funnel

What made Lauren's strategy work is that it focused on what people naturally gravitate toward on Instagram. It wasn’t overly produced or complicated; it matched the way people want to experience a city when they are dreaming about a move. Here's what we can learn from Lauren's funnel:

If we zoom out on Lauren's content strategy (and what we focus on the most at C&C), it's that the best performing posts aren't a noisy sales pitches or market updates. The posts that changed everything were small slices of Charleston, local hot spots, corners of neighborhoods you could only feel if you lived there and the hidden gems that makes someone pause and think "I could picture myself here".

This isn't the kind of strategy that takes off instantly but starts compounding and picking up views, sometimes long after she hit post. That slow and steady reach is what turned casual browsers into people who felt connected to her when it came time to make a move. 

The biggest takeaway here is that people don't come to Instagram to memorize housing data. They want to explore how life might feel in a new place and Lauren captured exactly that with her content. Her content allowed people to feel the city in a way that was warm, real and welcoming.

Lauren shared with us that the number one driver for her was value packed lead magnets that had viewers raising their hands and asking for more.

She uses a mix of relocation resources, neighborhood comparisons, and Charleston themed guides to start conversations with people who are researching their move.

“The guide downloads are definitely great conversation starters,” she said.

Guides create a natural bridge between "just looking" and "tell me more"  because they contain information that's actually useful and gives potential clients a comfortable way to start a dialogue without any pressure.

🧲 The Secret Behind Lauren’s Instagram Lead Flow

Lauren's philiopshy is simple. She believes Instagram works when you treat it like a long game instead of a quick experiment, which she's experienced first hand.

“The proof is in the pudding. Anyone who says it doesn’t work probably didn’t give it a real effort. Testing it for a few weeks isn’t fair.”

A lot of agents struggle with posting only when the motivation shows up and they assume the platform is the problem when traction doesn’t happen instantly. But Instagram rewards familiarity and showing up often enough that you've established an audience that recognizes your content without seeing your username; stories they don't want to skip, but soak in because they relate to you.

Lauren’s year proves that slow and steady visibility creates real momentum. Her biggest advice is to start and stay committed. “Just start. It’s going to feel uncomfortable. Give it twelve months.”

Lauren believes that it takes that long to get comfortable and for people to feel like they really know you. Visibility begins to stack every time you post something that helps people understand who you are and how you work. Eventually, that familiarity turns into trust which translates to real business.

🔥 How to Use Lauren’s Strategy to Get Leads in Any Market

Lauren’s results weren’t about lucky timing or a unique market. They were the outcome of a few simple practices any agent can adopt.

In 2026, overly produced content is out and what people really want is to get a feel for what life actually looks like where you live. When people can picture themselves becoming part of the community, they’re already one step closer to reaching out.

Create a strong guide and use it consistently

Lauren leaned on two guides: a local guide and a relocation guide, from the C&C Content Vault, and she used them consistently. Each one played a clear role in her strategy. 

The local guide helped show that she really understood what everyday life in her area looks like which positioned her as the expert in her market. The relocation guide gave people who were still quietly researching, a low pressure place to start. Together, they offered real value and built a database of warm leads.

Instead of asking people to DM cold, which most won't, the guide gave them a natural next step to engage. When you share it regularly, it becomes an easy conversation starter and a steady part of your Instagram funnel.

Choose a posting routine that feels sustainable

Lauren found a rhythm she could stick with and did, even when she didn't feel like posting. 

Her routine was simple: lifestyle reels that highlighted Charleston from the local's point of view, guides shared regularly as a reminder that she had something helpful to offer,a. And stories that showed her day-to-day work.

That steady presence is what kept her top of mind and is the same structure C&C members follow.

☕️ How Coffee and Contracts Helps a Real Estate Agent Grow their business on Instagram

“Coffee and Contracts makes it so easy to show up and position yourself as an expert. There’s no excuse not to give it a shot.”

That’s the difference C&C makes. Instead of guessing what to post, starting from scratch or chasing whatever Instagram gurus are saying every week, you're following a clear and (most importantly) proven structure that tells you exactly what to share, why it works and how it fits into the bigger picture of converting more leads from social media.

Inside the membership, agents get fresh monthly plug- and- post templates, weekly trending social media concepts to easily replicate, guides that work with the content and practically build your database on autopilot, plus so much more. 

Did we mention the coaching and community? There's that too because along the way, you're going to need support from "am I doing this thing right?" to motivation to keep going even when you don't feel like it, because everyone in the community wants to see you win too!

Ready to give it a try? Grab a free week of content 

 and when you're ready to unlock the full C&C strategy, 

use code START20 for $20 off your first month. 

$5M From Instagram in One Year

Top Agents Are Selling From Instagram in 2026: How Charleston Realtor Lauren Delamater Closed $5M From Social Media in One Year

LIVE Tuesday, January 6 | 2 PM ET - 3 PM ET

Open House Live is your all-access look inside Coffee & Contracts. Join Haley Ingram , Founder of C&C, and Alyssa Stalker, Head of Member Education & Strategy, for a live walkthrough of the membership, a preview of next month’s content, and an open Q&A.

Whether you’re a future member curious about what’s inside or a current member looking to make the most of your tools, this call gives you the inside scoop on everything new, next, and can’t-miss.

We would love to see you there, click the link at the top to register for this free training! 

C&C Open House Live 

Viral Listing Reels for Real Estate

Our Coffee & Contracts members are racking up hundreds of thousands of views on their listing reels — and it’s not by accident. When done right, this kind of 

 can bring you more reach, engagement, and conversations than a basic “Just Sold” graphic ever will.

Whether your ideal clients are upsizers, downsizers, or relocation buyers, listing reels work because they:

Show potential clients what’s on the market

Highlight how you market homes strategically

Spark conversations with people interested in specific properties

Why This Strategy Works for Any Ideal Client

, showcase homes that meet their next-step lifestyle goals.
If you’re focusing on 

, highlight properties that simplify and fit their needs.
If you want 

, show homes that capture the charm and lifestyle of your area.

The key? Even if it’s not your listing, you can ask the agent for permission to feature it on social media (and give them credit in the caption).

The Formula for a Viral-Worthy Listing Reel

From hundreds of reels tested, the winning formula comes down to:

Most reels flop because they lose attention in the first few seconds. Those first three seconds are everything on Instagram.

Filming with your arm extended, sweeping around the room in one long shot

Using 0.5x, which can make your video blurry or distorted

Moving too much, creating dizzying footage

Hold your phone with both hands, arms tight to your sides (or use a gimbal)

Shift your body slightly instead of moving your arms

 — the best corners, features, and finishes

Keep clips short (under 1 second in your final edit)

Keep the total video under 10 seconds for maximum watch time

 If filming outside with natural movement (like trees blowing in the wind), you don’t even need to move — let the environment add life to the shot.

Your on-screen text is prime real estate for grabbing attention.

Keep fonts clean and simple (no distracting animations or neon colors)

Speak directly to the buyer — focus on their lifestyle and pain points

 Instead of “New Listing – $700,000,” say:

POV: You move into this St. Pete bungalow under $700k and tend to your garden every morning.

If the home itself isn’t a showstopper, sell the 

 instead (acreage, price point, or future build potential).

Your audio choice matters just as much as your visuals.

Pick trending sounds (bonus if they have fewer uses)

Match the vibe of the home — slow and classic for historic homes, upbeat for modern spaces

If speaking to the camera, use a mic for crisp sound

Cut any dead space at the beginning (no “millennial pause”)

Your caption should support your reel’s discoverability and conversion.

Add real estate-related keywords (e.g., “Nashville real estate,” “Florida homes”)

Reels aren’t just for views — they’re for leads.

Ask viewers to comment a keyword (like “listing”) for more info

You can automate this through tools like ManyChat or Stand Store — or do it manually when starting out.

After sending the listing, ask about their timeline, budget, or needs

Position yourself as their go-to agent for local opportunities

A “Just Sold” post tells your audience you closed a deal.
A 

 them what’s possible — and invites them to be part of it.

If you want more reach, more engagement, and more leads from Instagram, focus on 

scroll-stopping visuals, intentional hooks, and follow-up systems

. That’s how you turn viewers into clients.

The Ultimate Guide to Real Estate Viral Instagram Content: Listing Reels That Sell

The Ultimate Guide to Viral Listing Reels: What to Post as a Realtor on Instagram Instead of “Just Sold”

? If so, you may have noticed Instagram reels showing up in the results—and it’s no accident.

As of July 10th 2025, Instagram released a huge new update. Instagram is now actively allowing search engines to index your photos, videos, and Reels more widely (unless you opt out). Now, we’re going to see way more Instagram content on Google.

As a Realtor, this is a huge opportunity. By optimizing your Instagram reels for 

, you can get your page and reels to show up on Google searches and attract potential clients. 🎉

Why Realtors should care about Google search results

When your reels appear in Google search results, you’re reaching people beyond Instagram—people who are already searching for answers about moving, buying, or living in your market. Imagine someone Googling 

 and finding your reel at the top of the results. You’re positioning yourself as the local expert before they’ve even thought about hiring a realtor.

And here’s what’s even better: after Googling a few local terms, I noticed a trend.

 to see what kinds of Instagram reels rank on Google. Here’s what stood out:

Reels that rank well on Google are typically recent

Every reel I found was posted within the past few weeks. This means 

—the more regularly you post, the more likely Google will surface your content.

“Tampa just took a major step towards redeveloping”

 ranked high. Why? People love fresh, relevant information tied to what’s happening now or in the near future.

The agents whose reels were ranking consistently used city names, neighborhoods, and industry-specific hashtags like #TampaRealtor or #TampaRealEstate. Incorporating these into your captions and hashtags ensures your content is highly searchable for people exploring your area online.

Instagram accounts with local keywords are coming up in Google search results. Make sure your display name looks something like this: 

And make sure to include these keywords in your bio as well.

The common thread for getting your Instagram account to show up on Google search results?

 Local keywords, consistent posting, and timely topics. Let’s break down how you can do this.

Checklist to Optimize Your Instagram Posts for Google

Before your reels can show up on Google, your Instagram account needs to be visible to search engines.

If your profile is private, Google can’t index your content—simple as that. Make sure your account is set to public.

2. Turn on “Allow public photos and videos to appear in search engine results”

Instagram has a specific setting that allows your public content to show up in search engines.

“Allow public photos and videos to appear in search engine results.”

Once you’ve done this, Google will be able to index your reels and include them in search results.

The key to ranking on Google is to create reels 

about topics people are actively searching for

. After analyzing what’s working, here are a few content ideas to focus on:

Create reels that tie into current events or future-focused topics.

“The future of City Name real estate: My 2025 predictions”

“New developments coming to City Name this year”

“How interest rates are affecting City Name’s housing market”

 Look for local news stories, trends, or upcoming events that your audience will care about and create content around them.

Reels showcasing listings perform incredibly well because they’re specific and tied to local searches.

“Moving to [City Name]: What you need to know”

“Best neighborhoods in [City Name] for families”

, we have tons of reel templates ready for you to pop your listing videos into.

Even with great content, your reels won’t rank unless they’re optimized for search. Here’s how to do it:

✅ Use local keywords in titles and captions

Make sure your reel title and caption include keywords people are searching for.

When posting your reel, use the description field in advanced settings to provide a summary with keywords.

Tag your city or neighborhood in the reel’s location. This helps both Instagram and Google associate your content with local searches.

Include hashtags that combine local and real estate-specific keywords, like:

Reels that rank on Google often appear on more than one platform. Share your Instagram reels on:

: Upload your reel with a keyword-rich title like 

“Moving to Tampa: What you need to know.”

: Pin your reel with local keywords like 

: Embed your reel into a blog post with a matching title, like 

Quick checklist for getting reels on Google

Instagram SEO for Realtors

How to Get Your Instagram Reels to Show Up on Google Search Results

If you're ready to elevate your real estate marketing game, B-roll is your secret weapon. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of capturing smooth, high-impact B-roll footage that makes your listings (and your personal brand) stand out. Whether you're filming a cozy listing or the buzz of your local coffee shop, these tips will help you shoot like a pro.

B-roll refers to quick, simple video clips that highlight your listings, your local area, and even yourself. Think of it as the background footage that adds depth, context, and storytelling power to your content. It’s especially effective on social media, where polished, visual snippets grab attention fast.

Here are a few quick tips to enhance your video quality before you even hit record:

If you're using an iPhone, make sure your settings are optimized:

Common Filming Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Filming at 0.5x zoom (which often creates a distorted look)

Capture multiple tight shots instead of long sweeping ones

Practice these smooth, repeatable motions:

Shift – Gently move the camera side to side

Rock Forward – Slightly move forward toward your subject

Capture Movement – Subtle actions like opening curtains or walking forward

Organizing your content like this makes it easy to batch create, repurpose, and stay consistent without constantly scrambling for footage.

What to Film: A B-Roll Shot List for Every Scenario

Listing reels are powerful. When done well, they reach a wide net of potential buyers and open direct conversations with leads with questions like “Is this house still available?"

Use this section to help you get scroll-stopping listing clips for your reel.

Local reels are a secret weapon for attracting locals (future buyers & sellers) and people relocating to your your area.

The hardest part about filming local b-roll? Remembering to capture it when you’re out and about – this section gives you the ideas to make it easy.

Restaurants: Walk into the restaurant, food arriving at the table, ambiance

Coffee Shops: Order a drink, take a sip, laptop setup

Shops: Local boutiques, artisan goods, street views

Scenery: Sunrise, waterfront views, bike rides, walking the sidewalk

Community Events: Farmers markets, festivals, patios

Strolling on the sidewalk with your dog, on a walk, or biking 

Filming through a rolled down car window 

Use a tripod or partner up with a friend to help. Use this section for inspiration whether you’re at a listing, in your own home, or out and about in your city.

Showing your face creates instant trust with the viewer. Personal reels are great for nurturing followers and jumping on trends.

How to Record B-Roll as an Agent in 2025: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re a real estate agent looking to grow your business on Instagram in 2025, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You just need a smart, consistent strategy. Here’s a simple, effective plan to show up online, connect with your audience, and turn followers into clients.

Make it a weekly habit to preview at least one listing. Reach out to local agents and ask to feature their properties, giving proper credit in your captions. This keeps your content fresh and positions you as active in the market.

Capture the vibe of your city with short video clips of neighborhoods, coffee shops, parks, and hidden gems. Film these regularly while you’re out or set aside dedicated time to shoot around town. Local footage helps build connection and trust with your audience. 

Step Three: Focus on Scroll-Stopping Videos

Record short (3 to 6 second) clips that highlight small details like a sun-drenched window, a cozy corner, or a striking front door. Keep your camera steady, avoid big movements, and wipe your lens before recording. These types of clips stop the scroll and invite curiosity.

Step Five: Post Content That Speaks to Locals and Relocators

Every post should provide value to people living in your area or thinking about moving there. Showcase listings, local lifestyle content, and tips about relocating. Make your feed a go-to resource they want to follow.

Stay laser-focused on what your audience actually wants. Skip general educational posts that don’t serve your niche. Relevance boosts engagement more than random trends ever will.

Step Seven: Become Your City’s Number One Hype Girl or Guy

Follow and support local businesses, creators, and community accounts. Show love in the comments, tag them in stories, and build relationships. Showing up consistently for your city helps your city show up for you.

Step Eight: Use Stories to Build Relationships

Get on Stories daily. Share behind-the-scenes moments like grabbing coffee, touring a home, or working from your car. Use question boxes, polls, and DMs to create conversations, not just content. This builds trust and loyalty fast.

Step Nine: Use Storytelling Over Generic Tips

Instead of sharing generic real estate advice, share real client wins, market updates through the lens of a story, and educational tidbits wrapped in personal experience. This builds trust and keeps people coming back.

Join the Coffee & Contracts community to get templates, strategies, and support. It’s packed with tools to help you get seen, grow your following, and convert leads without burning out trying to create everything from scratch.

You don’t need to go viral to grow your business.

You just need to show up, stay focused, and create content that serves the people you want to work with.

Looking for the best content membership and community for real estate agents?

, we give real estate agents everything they need to show up confidently online — from customizable templates and content strategies to training on how to actually attract leads (yes, even from ChatGPT).

 and get an inside look into what C&C members have access to.

Thousands of super strategic, beautifully designed social posts.

Print marketing templates like listing presentations, buyer guide, relocation guides, and much more

Ready to build a brand that gets noticed 

Posts tagged in "Uncategorized"

Top Agents Are Selling From Instagram in 2026: How Charleston Realtor Lauren Delamater Closed $5M From Social Media in One Year

C&C Open House Live

The Ultimate Guide to Viral Listing Reels: What to Post as a Realtor on Instagram Instead of “Just Sold”

How to Get Your Instagram Reels to Show Up on Google Search Results

How to Record B-Roll as an Agent in 2025: The Ultimate Guide

How to Grow as a Real Estate Agent on Instagram in 2025

16 Carousel Post Ideas for Real Estate Agents to Grow on Instagram in Summer 2025

How To Show Up On ChatGPT When Someone Asks For A Local Real Estate Agent: The Ultimate Guide

18 Reel Ideas for Camera-Shy Agents

How to Get Real Estate Leads from Instagram in 2025: Top Performing Lead Magnets

How She Sold 25 Homes on Instagram Without Spending a Single Dollar on Ads

What to Post on Instagram in Summer 2025 as a Real Estate Agent (That Actually Generates Leads)

Posts tagged in "Uncategorized"

Top Agents Are Selling From Instagram in 2026: How Charleston Realtor Lauren Delamater Closed $5M From Social Media in One Year

C&C Open House Live

The Ultimate Guide to Viral Listing Reels: What to Post as a Realtor on Instagram Instead of “Just Sold”

How to Get Your Instagram Reels to Show Up on Google Search Results

How to Record B-Roll as an Agent in 2025: The Ultimate Guide

How to Grow as a Real Estate Agent on Instagram in 2025

16 Carousel Post Ideas for Real Estate Agents to Grow on Instagram in Summer 2025

How To Show Up On ChatGPT When Someone Asks For A Local Real Estate Agent: The Ultimate Guide

18 Reel Ideas for Camera-Shy Agents

How to Get Real Estate Leads from Instagram in 2025: Top Performing Lead Magnets

How She Sold 25 Homes on Instagram Without Spending a Single Dollar on Ads

What to Post on Instagram in Summer 2025 as a Real Estate Agent (That Actually Generates Leads)

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