The #1 Way to Grow Your Instagram Following
he #1 Way to Grow Your Instagram Following in 2025
If you’re new to Instagram, you’ve probably figured out one thing: it’s a completely different beast than other social media platforms.
What works on Facebook or X (formerly Twitter) doesn’t always translate on this highly visual, algorithm-driven app. This can make creating a strategy especially difficult—especially for real estate agents starting from scratch.
The biggest puzzle, however, is this: how do you grow a following that actually turns into clients?
Luckily, there’s one simple strategy that still works in 2025: hashtags.
With these updated tips, you’ll be growing your following faster than you can type #justlisted. Here’s how:
What Is a Hashtag?
Let’s start with the basics.
A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by the pound symbol (#) used to categorize content. It helps Instagram group your post with other posts on similar topics—whether that’s #dreamhome or #richmondrealestate.
When someone follows or searches a hashtag you’ve used, your content may appear in their feed, even if they don’t follow you directly. That’s a powerful growth tool.
Learn more from Instagram’s official guide to hashtags.
Why Use Hashtags in 2025?
While Instagram’s algorithm continues to evolve, hashtags are still relevant, especially when used strategically.
Here’s what they help you do:
- Expand your reach beyond your followers.
- Increase post engagement (likes, shares, and comments).
- Show up in search and Explore feeds, boosting visibility with new audiences.
According to Later’s 2025 Instagram Trends Report, posts with at least one hashtag average 29% more engagement than those without.
Best practice: Use 5 to 10 highly relevant hashtags per post. More than that can look spammy or reduce engagement, according to Meta’s recommendations.
How to Use Hashtags
Here’s the updated formula for 2025:
✅ Use 1–2 branded or topical hashtags in your caption
✅ Add the rest as the first comment
✅ Keep them relevant to the content, location, and your niche
✅ Avoid banned or overly generic tags like #followme or #love
This keeps your captions clean while still allowing your content to be discoverable.
Example: KCM Member Keri White uses this strategy consistently in her listing and market update posts—and it’s helped her grow an engaged, local audience.
You can see what we mean from KCM Member Keri White’s Instagram post:
For the hashtags that you put in your post, you should always include your real estate business name. You can also include another topical one. For instance, if your post is a new listing, you could do #justlisted. Pretty simple, right?
What Hashtags Should Real Estate Agents Use?
To grow a following that turns into clients, your hashtags should attract local buyers and sellers.
Here are some examples for a Los Angeles agent:
- #losangelesrealestate
- #larealtor
- #justlistedla
- #losangeleshomes
- #openhouseLA
- #luxuryhomesLA
Want local leads? Geo-targeted hashtags like #yourcityrealestate or #yourcityhomes are key.
You can also use a free or paid hashtag research tool like:
Test, analyze, and repeat. Don’t be afraid to swap out underperforming tags.
Use KCM to Streamline Your Hashtag Strategy
If you’re a KCM Member, you’re already ahead.
Two key KCM features include ready-made hashtags designed for your real estate content:
1. Your Blog for Instagram Graphic
Pair your daily blog post graphic with hashtags that boost reach.
2. Social Graphics
Market updates, infographics, and motivational quotes—all with suggested hashtags to help your post perform better.
Use these hashtags as they are, or customize them with branded or hyperlocal tags (like #YourTeamName or #HomesIn[YourCity]).
Bottom Line
Growing your real estate Instagram following takes time—but hashtags are still one of the fastest ways to increase visibility, reach, and ultimately, leads.
In 2025, the key is intentional use:
- Focus on quality over quantity
- Stay local and relevant
- Combine branded, niche, and community hashtags
The more you show up with the right strategy, the faster you’ll grow. And the faster you grow, the more likely you are to convert that audience into actual clients.
Need further support? Our team is happy to assist—just contact us by visiting here.
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