Every agent knows they should be sending a consistent market update email. The challenge is twofold: sticking with it and actually getting people to sign up.
Spokane Realtor Alyssa Curnutt showed exactly how to do both with a single Instagram Story. And The Broke Agent calls it one of the smartest ways to collect emails on the platform.
This week’s “Marketer of the Week” breaks down why Instagram Stories are the best place to build your email list, how the Story Question Sticker makes it effortless for viewers to opt in, and how you can copy this play to build your own list.
The Instagram Story That Converts
Alyssa didn’t send people to a link or try to overcomplicate the process. She recorded a quick selfie Story, gave her followers a market update, and then used the Question Sticker to collect emails on the spot.
Here’s what she said:
“Once a month, I send out an email that is just a quick, to-the-point update on what is going on in the Spokane real estate market. Today, we’re talking rates — PSA: Dropped to the lowest point they’ve been in more than a year last week.
“We’re talking how long on average it’s taking homes to sell, what is preventing homes from selling in Spokane right now, lots of good stuff. So, if you would like to be added to the list so that you can see that when it gets sent out later today, drop your email right now. I’ll make sure that you get added.”
Why this works:
- Selfie-mode builds connection. Viewers feel like you’re talking to them, not pitching at them.
- The Question Sticker makes it easy. No landing page, no link, no friction. Just type an email directly into the Story.
- Urgency creates FOMO. Saying “I’m sending this out later today” makes viewers want to get on the list immediately.
Why Stories Beat Links and Automations
The Broke Agent explains it like this:
- Links kill Story views. Pushing people off-platform drops engagement fast.
- DM automations can be clunky. Tools like ManyChat can work, but they require setup and feel less natural.
- The Question Sticker is instant. Viewers know exactly what to do, and you get an email with zero friction.
That combination (value-packed Story, personal delivery, and instant opt-in) is what makes this tactic so powerful.
How Agents Can Steal This Play
Here’s how to replicate Alyssa’s strategy:
- Record in selfie-mode. Share one or two quick market insights (rates, days on market, inventory).
- Mention your email update. Keep it short and position it as a monthly habit.
- Use the Question Sticker. Ask viewers to drop their email right into the Story.
- Create urgency. Let them know the email is going out soon (like the same day), so they don’t want to miss it.
- Send the update consistently. That’s how you build trust and keep your list engaged.
Final Takeaway for Agents
Our recent BAM x ReminderMedia Social Media Survey found that most agents don’t send regular emails, which means they’re missing one of the most effective ways to stay top of mind. This Story strategy eliminates the hardest part (growing the list) while also giving you a built-in reminder to actually hit send each month.
If you struggle with what to send, BAMx has your back. Every week, members get access to email templates, fresh content, and strategies like this one to keep you consistent.
Not a member yet? Start a 7-day free trial of BAMx and send your first email this week.
