10 Instagram Mistakes Agents Keep Making

Tessabella Jelten calls out 10 Instagram mistakes agents keep making, from low posting volume to weak hooks, and how to fix what’s holding your growth back.
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I’m feeling a little feisty today, so you’re going to get some real call-outs… just know it’s said with love (and a lot of experience).

After managing hundreds of real estate Instagram accounts, I’ve seen it all. The wins, the flops, the “why isn’t this working?” spirals. And honestly? A lot of agents are making the same mistakes over and over again.

So consider this your official myth-busting moment.

These are the takes I will defend with my whole chest. And if even one of these makes you rethink your strategy, this was worth it.

The 10 Instagram Mistakes I See Agents Make Over and Over Again

These aren’t complicated strategy issues. These are the small, repeatable habits that quietly hold your account back. And once you fix them, everything starts to click.

Let’s get into it.

1. Stopping When Things Get Slow

Views dip. Engagement fluctuates. The algorithm does weird things.

The agents who actually grow? They keep showing up anyway.

Consistency during the slow times is what separates the agents who build real audiences from the ones who plateau.

2. Letting Perfectionism Kill Your Output

Done is better than perfect. Every time.

The agents overthinking lighting, captions, angles, and edits? They’re the ones posting the least.

Meanwhile, the agents hitting “post” consistently—even with imperfect content—are the ones gaining traction.

3. Not Posting Enough Volume

If you’re posting twice a week and wondering why nothing is happening… that’s your answer.

You don’t need slightly more content. You need way more reps.

More posts = more data = faster improvement.

4. Not Repurposing Your Content

That post from 8 months ago? Post it again. That reel that flopped? Try a new hook.

Content has a longer shelf life than you think, and your audience isn’t seeing everything you post anyway (yet).

5. Overthinking Reel Length Instead of the Hook

7-second reels still work.

What matters isn’t how long your video is. It’s whether someone stops scrolling.

Your first line matters more than everything that comes after it.

6. Only Posting Polished Content

There’s a time and place for a videographer. But the in-between content is what actually builds connection.

The casual, everyday, behind-the-scenes moments are what make people feel like they know you.

And people hire agents they feel like they know.

7. Creating Generic Instead of Hyperlocal Content

“Interest rates explained” → meh.

“Why my clients keep moving to this neighborhood (and what no one tells you about it)” → yes. Always yes.

The more specific and local you get, the more your content resonates—and converts.

8. Treating Social Media Like a Billboard

If you want leads, stop being passive.

If someone watches your stories every week and you’ve never said hi? That’s a missed opportunity.

Your DMs are where relationships (and deals) actually start.

9. Posting Open House Graphics on Your Feed

Stories? Sure.Your feed? Please… no. 

Your feed should build your brand, not just announce logistics.

10. Not Staying Consistent

Consistency wins.

Not for a week. Not for a month.

Long enough that people start to recognize you, trust you, and think of you when it actually matters.

This Isn’t Optional Anymore

In today’s market, and honestly, today’s world, being active on social media isn’t optional.

If you’re trying to attract buyers, sellers, or referrals, your Instagram is either working for you… or it’s not.

There’s not much middle ground.

The good news?

All of this is fixable. And it doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it feels.

Want Help With Your Instagram Strategy?

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I know I need to fix this, I just don’t have the time or strategy…” that’s exactly what I help with.

My team and I work with agents to build and manage Instagram accounts that actually generate attention, conversations, and opportunities.

Book a call here to learn more (exclusive pricing for BAMx members!).

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Your weekly round-up of marketing tips and strategies to grow your real estate brand from The Broke Agent, Krys Benyamein, Tessabella Jelten and Alyssa Curnutt!

About the Author

Tessabella Jelten is widely acclaimed as a marketing strategist, real estate coach and digital marketing educator in the U.S. today.

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