This week, we have what The Broke Agent himself describes as a standout example of trendjacking done right.
Space Coast Realtor Shane Burgman took the viral “my boyfriend wants to show you” format and gave it a real estate twist with his new Instagram reel.
But instead of highlighting typical agent wins like x-number of closed sales or brag-worthy sales numbers, he focused on relationships.
One photo at a time, Shane gave a verbal snapshot of the story behind it, all with a deadpan delivery and guileless expression that makes the storytelling reel equal parts funny and endearing.
If you’re familiar with Shane’s content, you know. He makes it work.
We’re breaking down the post to show why it works as well as it does and how you can apply his strategy to your own content.
Shane’s photo wall is his tribute to his clients and to the lifetime value of those relationships. At the same time, it’s a masterful spin on a viral social media trend.
If you haven’t watched it yet, take a look. Then read on for the biggest takeaways.
View this post on Instagram
Why This Outperforms Traditional Testimonials
Let’s take a closer look at why Shane’s trendjack is more likely to stop the scroll than a collection of testimonials (even the best kind).
Here’s what it does:
- Uses a familiar viral format that immediately stops the scroll
- Feels like social content first, marketing second
- Showcases real humans, real moments, and shared history
- Turns closings into short stories instead of sales wins
- Delivers social proof through repeat clients and long-term relationships
- Builds trust visually without bragging or scripted praise
Shane’s reel is powerful because of the way he turns a viral social media trend into something that reaches right into your soul and makes you wish you knew him personally, like the clients he’s helped and built real relationships with.
So, it’s genius marketing. But it goes well beyond that.
Shane isn’t trying to sell anything or get his viewers to do anything. He’s sharing stories about relationships that matter to him, as much now as when they were built.
And it makes his content sticky in the best way.
Compare that to a collection of testimonials. Yes, they’re valuable as social proof. And yes, they’re worth collecting and sharing. But future clients don’t know whether or not the authors of those testimonials are still in contact with you. They don’t know whether you even follow up with them. It’s a snapshot frozen in time. The testimonial’s value is social proof: “Check out this client who loved working with me.” And that’s where it stops.
A testimonial isn’t proof there’s an actual and ongoing relationship between the client and you. Neither is it proof you value that relationship enough to keep their picture up on a photo wall.
Shane’s Trendjack Framework
So, here’s how you can apply Shane’s strategy, or specifically the principles behind it:
- Start with recognizable trends or formats audiences already engage with
- Replace generic or self-centered flexing with real client moments and memories
- Focus on storytelling over stats and production polish
- Capture celebrations, milestones, and behind-the-scenes experiences
- Build a content library from everyday business, not just listings
- Prioritize entertainment and authenticity to drive engagement and credibility
Rather than trying to recreate Shane’s reel, borrow the structure and the spin that makes it human and entertaining, as well as persuasive.
What are your favorite client stories? Any pictures or videos to go along with them? Start a collection and see where it takes you.
Meanwhile, what do you think? Is Shane’s trendjacking reel a BAMMYs 2026 contender?
