BAM Camp 2025 is well underway, and we’re sharing some highlights from the Morning Mastermind. This morning, agents split into breakout sessions for marketing and business audits, each designed to push their strategies—and their mindset—to the next level.
During the Marketing Audits breakout session, Eric Simon, aka The Broke Agent, was joined by fellow Mastermind panelists Haley Ingram, Luke Acree, Krys Benyamein, and Tessabella Jelten.
Before they dove into live Q&A, Eric dropped something special: his Tactical 10. Ten quick, no-fluff tips that every agent in the room could start using immediately to sharpen their marketing game.
We can’t give away the full mastermind experience (you had to be in the room for that), but here’s your sneak peek. These 10 tips are the kind of tactical gems that can create instant momentum in your content.
10 Tactical Tips for Real Estate Content Creators
1 – Use the Edits App
Eric started with what he called “a very easy hack right now”: Film directly in Instagram’s new Edits tab.
“The reason my stats are monstrous is because I’m using the Edits tab,” he explained, adding that even Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri has confirmed it will boost views.
Another benefit: the Edits tab makes it simple to add captions. Since 70% of people watch video content with the sound off, captions are non-negotiable.
2 – Collab with As Many Accounts As Possible
Collabs aren’t just a growth hack; they’re a necessity in today’s algorithm.
Breaking through the Instagram algorithm isn’t easy, but collaborations help.
“The more you collab, the better it is for your social content.”
He recommended collabing with other agents, your brokerage, and local businesses.
The key is communication. Blindly sending collab requests usually doesn’t work. Instead, Eric recommended reaching out to the business owner or social media manager first. Alyssa Curnutt (who’s presenting later today) was highlighted as someone who excels at this. She DMs businesses ahead of time or talks to them in person before filming content.
Eric admitted that in the past, he was “cagey” about collaborations because he was protective of his brand. Now, he sees collabs as a way to get the word out and tap into audiences he wouldn’t otherwise reach.
3 – Use Keywords in Your Content, Captions & Comments
Eric delivered the next tip in flawless deadpan fashion: Hashtags are “completely dead” and “utterly useless.”
Instead, agents need to focus on keywords. Instagram is now more SEO-searchable, complete with an AI chatbot that surfaces results based on the text in your posts and comments. In other words, your IG content can now show up in a Google search, but only if your SEO is on point.
“Type in ‘San Diego real estate,’ and if you don’t have that in your captions, you’re not actually going to pop up.”
Eric even suggested working keywords into your replies. For example, if someone comments on your post about an open house, responding with “Yes, this San Diego open house is happening Sunday at 2” keeps the keyword visible and boosts discoverability.
Haley Ingram added that this is a way to double your discoverability, both on Instagram and off.
Here are some examples:
4 – Use Captions & Text-Based Hooks
If you want people to stop scrolling, Eric stressed the importance of text hooks.
“Instead of being reliant on a visual or verbal hook, this provides the context before they even start scrolling.”
Whether it’s “How I got 100 replies from one Instagram Story” or “This agent gets over 50 leads per month,” text-based hooks give viewers a reason to pause before they’ve even heard a word.
Cases in point:
Eric recommended leaving the hook up for at least three to five seconds at the start of your reel, or even for the entire video if it doesn’t cover important visuals.
He also doubled down on advice to include captions. Data shows most consumers watch with the sound off.
5 – Mix It Up: Post More Carousels
Reels are still valuable, but they can be overdone.
“In fact, we’ve pulled back on posting Instagram clips on reels almost 80-90% because it’s so oversaturated.”
Carousels are now one of the best ways to grab attention.
Eric recommended mixed-media carousels (combining images and videos), using recognizable faces or memes to increase recognition, and leading with proof over promise.
For example, instead of saying “Here’s how I sell homes faster,” you might start with “I’ve sold 600 homes in six years.”
Lead with proof instead of promises. Numbers build trust from the first slide.
Eric also warned against leaning too heavily on AI or stock images.
“That’s going to actually hurt your engagement because there’s no recognition there.”
6 – Use Audio
Even a static market update can perform better with music. In Eric’s words:
“Anytime I use audio, whether it’s in still images or reels, I see a significant engagement increase.”
He gave an example of pairing a Red Hot Chili Peppers track with a dry market update, which immediately grabbed attention and made viewers stick around.
Tessabella noted that the right audio “really does help to elevate whatever emotion you might be trying to convey.”
The takeaway: choose audio that enhances the mood of your content, not just whatever song is trending. The pairing should feel intentional, not random.
7 – Post Trial Reels
Trial reels let you experiment with new content by showing it only to non-followers. Eric called it “one of the best ways to reach non-followers.”
The feature used to allow straight reposts of past high-performing reels, but Instagram has since cracked down on duplicates. To get around this, one panelist suggested reworking your captions with ChatGPT.
By slightly rewording the text, you can post a new version that feels fresh to the algorithm.
Eric shared that a trial reel he tested recently earned 800 shares before he added it to his main feed, where it continued to perform. That’s the kind of reach trial reels can unlock when used strategically.
8 – Focus on Hooks & Watch Time
Eric identified two metrics that matter most in Instagram Insights: the three-second view rate and average watch time.
“The algorithm is looking at how long someone stays on a post.”
That means your hook isn’t just the first slide or the first few seconds. Every frame of a reel or carousel should keep people engaged, so they don’t swipe away too early. Even your third or fourth carousel slide should be strong enough to pull the viewer deeper into the post.
9 – Stories Over Stats
Dropping raw data points rarely works. As Eric told the room:
“Anytime someone shares just a stat… no one cares.”
Data points by themselves don’t land. Instead, wrap stats in a story:
- An anecdote from a showing
- A client conversation
- A moment in the car between appointments
Numbers need context. Instead of posting “Inventory is down 20%,” tell the story of a client who walked into a packed showing with five competing buyers. Then tie it back to inventory levels.
Stories give numbers meaning. Eric encouraged agents to record these quick stories in their cars right after showings. That kind of raw, in-the-moment content resonates far more than a polished graphic with a chart.
A pinned post by Sharran Srivatsaa is the perfect example:
10 – Mix In the Sell
Pure “just listed” and “open house” posts don’t work anymore. Instead, Eric suggested embedding your sales message inside content that delivers value first.
He shared an example of a post that starts with “Three things to do this Sunday in Nashville” and ends with “stop by my open house.”
Another format he recommended: headline-style graphics that mimic breaking news. These “news headline posts” stop the scroll and let you present a listing without looking like an ad.
These aren’t just recycled social media hacks. They’re reminders that attention is earned by value, creativity, and consistency. From keyword-stuffed captions to news-style open house promos, every tip was about meeting the audience where they are.
Stay tuned for more highlights from this year’s sold-out event!
