An Easy Way to Showcase Your Personality on Social Media

Mortgage broker Ashley McPoland wasn’t trying to create an Instagram template for real estate agents. But she kinda did. 

Her recent post, a carousel with the text overlay, “Clocked In vs Clocked Out,” gives agents a genius hack for showcasing their personality on IG. 

Here’s how it’s structured: 

• A hyperlocal visual hook on the cover photo
• Collage #1: 9 photos showing a day in the life when Ashley is “clocked in”
• Collage #2: 9 photos showing Ashley in “clocked out” mode

Every slide gives viewers a peek into Ashley’s personality and values, whether she’s on the clock or off. And as several commenters noticed, her caption said it all:

“…Even though I’m technically never clocked out (iykyk).”

Something most real estate agents can relate to.

 

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A post shared by Ashley McPoland (@mortgagexashley)

Here’s why this post works and what agents can take from it. 

Why Ashley’s Post Works

The first thing viewers see is the cover image, which is a snap of Ashley at a Suns game. Her face is turned away from the camera, leading the viewer’s eyes to the stadium court below. It’s also no accident her head lines up with the words “Suns Up” on the Jumbotron. 

The text overlay reads: 

CLOCKED IN VS CLOCKED OUT 

as a mortgage broker

And while the first image feels more like a “clocked-out” moment, it’s not lost on us that she’s brought the equipment she needs to capture it. 

So, while she’s not technically working, she’s thinking about that moment’s marketing value. 

Next up is slide number two with the first photo collage: nine images all showing scenes from her professional life as a mortgage broker. They’re static snapshots, but each one tells a story. 

• Sitting at her kitchen table, one knee up, working at her laptop. 
• Sitting outside with a friend or coworker, both glued to their laptop screens
• Another laptop shot, but with a coffee and muffin on the side

Slide number three has the second collage, with nine images showing scenes from Ashley’s personal life: 

• Images of Ashley with her adorable dog
• Images of Ashley hanging with her friends in the outdoors.
• Snaps of meals she’s enjoying at her favorite local spots 

All these scenes build trust without a single mention of a mortgage product or a sales pitch for her services. Viewers can see there’s a real person behind the IG handle. 

They can see her relationships are important to her, that she loves spending time with her dog, that her career as a mortgage lender is a 24-7 identity, and that she loves sharing local highlights. 

Being a Suns fan is as much a part of Ashley’s identity as her commitment to excellence as a mortgage broker. 

Both collages, the “clocked-in” as well as the “clocked-out,” humanize Ashley in a way even the best headshot never could. 

How Agents Can Apply the Takeaways

If you’re looking to create a post like this, here’s what you’ll need to lock in: 

• Cover image: choose a photo of you at a local event or well-known hot spot
• Collage #1: pick nine photos that show scenes from your day-in-the-life as a real estate agent
• Collage #2: pick nine photos that show scenes from your personal life, giving viewers a peek into what’s important to you

Here are some photo ideas to get you started. 

For your clocked-in professional collage (slide #2): 

• You dressed and ready for a client meeting
• You welcoming guests at an open house, or preparing your client’s home for one
• You at your laptop (conducting market research, replying to comments on social, etc.)
• You connecting with other agents at a real estate event
• You door knocking in your neighborhood, possibly holding a gift for the next homeowner

For your personal, clocked-out collage (slide #3): 

• People you love hanging out with
• Places in your neighborhood that hold a special place in your heart
• Events you associate with memorable (or even defining) experiences
• Places you’ve traveled, or your favorite modes of travel
• Hobbies you make time for when you’re not working
• Weekend routines and adventures that restore you

Finally, don’t forget your caption. 

Write one that leans into the always-on reality of life as a real estate agent. Other agents will get it. Consumers will admire the dedication and see you as someone who’s likely to answer the phone if they call. 

You can also use location features and tag local businesses as a shout-out. 

As for the overall aesthetic, keep it cohesive without being overly polished. 

This goes back to a point we made in another recent BAM article. With all the hyper-polished AI content out there, less polished content feels more authentic. Viewers are more likely to engage with a post if they can sense a real person behind it. 

Sometimes the best content inspo comes from outside your industry. Ashley McPoland’s “Clocked In vs. Clocked Out” format is a case in point and 100% worth stealing. 

Give it a try and make it your own.