**Massive Agent Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Ultimate 2025 Instagram Strategy for Realtors feat. Tessa Bella Jelten
Host: Dustin Brohm
Release Date: April 17, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 382 of the Massive Agent Podcast, host Dustin Brohm delves into the evolving landscape of Instagram strategies tailored specifically for real estate agents in 2025. Joining him is renowned real estate content coach Tessa Bella Jelten, who unpacks the most effective Instagram techniques that transcend traditional vanity metrics like follower counts and view numbers. Together, they explore actionable strategies aimed at generating real business leads rather than merely boosting social media presence.

Evolving Instagram Strategies: Moving Beyond 2022 Tactics

Dustin kicks off the episode by challenging the effectiveness of outdated Instagram practices, emphasizing the necessity for real estate agents to adapt to the platform's evolving algorithms. He introduces Tessa Bella Jelten as the ideal guest to elucidate the ultimate Instagram strategy for 2025.

Key Insight:
Tessa Bella Jelten underscores the importance of shifting focus from vanity metrics to meaningful engagement. At [03:06], she states:

“Knock the digital dust off and start posting without so much of a marriage to the vanity metrics. [...] look at what your true goals are, what is a measurable result that we can look for, whether it's new people on an email list, more clients, new leads, new conversations, versus just chasing the views or the new followers, because that doesn't always translate into something that we actually want.”

Quality Over Quantity: Followers and Views Reimagined

The duo discusses the diminishing importance of follower counts and view numbers in 2025. Dustin references thoughts from industry leaders like Gary Vaynerchuk, who advocate that quality content can succeed without large follower bases due to sophisticated algorithms.

Notable Exchange:

At [05:51], Dustin shares a personal anecdote about his failed attempt to buy followers:

“I bought followers back in the day, like 2,500 to get over the 10,000 mark so I could get the swipe up in stories. And it completely crushed my account. It destroyed me. It was not good. I had to completely start my Instagram over from scratch.”

Tessa concurs, emphasizing that authentic engagement trumps inflated follower numbers. She explains how modern algorithms prioritize content relevance over follower counts, allowing even smaller accounts to thrive if they produce valuable content.

Consistency and Strategic Content Creation

A significant portion of the conversation centers on developing a consistent and strategic approach to content creation. Tessa introduces the concept of a Venn Diagram to help agents identify their target audience by overlapping current clients with desired future clients.

Practical Steps:

At [12:34], Tessa advises:

“Think about the person who's actually going to be consuming it and how you can communicate that you know what they're going through.”

She further elaborates on creating content that resonates deeply with the audience’s needs and aspirations, thereby fostering genuine relationships and trust.

Real-World Example:

Dustin cites Mia Willie, a realtor who successfully merges her personal life as a new mom with her real estate business, making her relatable and trustworthy to her target audience.

Diversifying Content Types: Beyond Reels to Carousel Posts

While reels remain a powerful tool on Instagram, Tessa highlights the untapped potential of carousel posts. She explains how carousel posts can be utilized to present longer, more in-depth content in a digestible format.

Tessa's Strategy:
At [22:25], she shares her "three by three strategy":

“I take one concept, create three hooks for it, and choose three different styles of content. So maybe one is a reel, one is a carousel, and maybe one is a reel with B-roll and text over it.”

This approach allows agents to repurpose content creatively, catering to different audience preferences and maximizing engagement.

Engagement Metrics Over Vanity Metrics

The conversation shifts to prioritizing engagement metrics such as comments, saves, and shares over sheer view counts and follower numbers. Dustin emphasizes the deeper connections that come from meaningful interactions.

Key Point:
At [27:07], Dustin reflects on his own experience:

“I started over, and it was one of the best things I have ever done on social. [...] Engagement is where it's at. Views only tell one little teeny part of the story.”

Tessa reinforces this by highlighting how even small metrics like a couple of saves can provide valuable insights into what resonates with the audience.

Leveraging AI Tools for Enhanced Content and Analytics

Tessa advocates for the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT and Grok to streamline content creation and analytics. She shares her experience with creating a custom GPT model tailored to her voice and content style.

Implementation Tips:

At [39:25], Tessa explains:

“It's super easy to do. [...] Go to ChatGPT, click 'Explore GPTs,' then 'Create,' and you can make a totally custom one for anything.”

This customization allows agents to generate personalized content ideas, scripts, and even analyze performance metrics efficiently.

Dustin adds his endorsement, stating at [42:45]:

“If you don't use ChatGPT or Grok or one of the others all day, every day, you are going to screw your, you're going to kill your business.”

Avoiding Common Pitfalls: The Roller Coaster of Inconsistency

A recurring theme is the detrimental effect of inconsistency in social media efforts. Tessa labels intermittent posters as "roller coaster posters", who lose momentum due to lack of a solid strategy and commitment.

Advice to Agents:

At [34:52], Tessa recommends:

“Set aside an hour and plan out even just your three posts for the week and you'll be miles ahead of other people.”

She defines consistent content as three posts a week for 90 days or more, emphasizing that this manageable routine can lead to substantial growth and engagement over time.

Actionable Takeaways and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with actionable strategies for real estate agents to enhance their Instagram presence in 2025:

1. Focus on Quality Engagement: Shift priorities from follower counts to meaningful interactions.
2. Diversify Content: Utilize both reels and carousel posts to cater to varied audience preferences.
3. Leverage AI Tools: Incorporate AI for efficient content creation and performance analysis.
4. Maintain Consistency: Commit to a regular posting schedule to build and sustain engagement.
5. Understand Your Audience: Use tools and strategies to deeply understand and connect with your target market.

Closing Remarks:

At [48:42], Dustin urges agents to take immediate action based on the insights shared, highlighting the importance of not overthinking but consistently implementing learned strategies.

Notable Quotes

• Tessa Bella Jelten [03:06]:
  “Knock the digital dust off and start posting without so much of a marriage to the vanity metrics.”

• Dustin Brohm [05:51]:
  “I bought followers back in the day, like 2,500 to get over the 10,000 mark so I could get the swipe up in stories. And it completely crushed my account.”

• Tessa Bella Jelten [12:34]:
  “Think about the person who's actually going to be consuming it and how you can communicate that you know what they're going through.”

• Tessa Bella Jelten [39:25]:
  “It's super easy to do. [...] Go to ChatGPT, click 'Explore GPTs,' then 'Create,' and you can make a totally custom one for anything.”

• Dustin Brohm [42:45]:
  “If you don't use ChatGPT or Grok or one of the others all day, every day, you are going to screw your, you're going to kill your business.”

Where to Connect

Tessa Bella Jelten encourages listeners to connect with her on Instagram and join the Massive Agent Society for additional resources, training, and community support.

• Instagram: Tessa Bella Jelten
• Massive Agent Society: Join Here (Link provided in show notes)

Dustin Brohm also directs listeners to the show notes for links to Tessa's Instagram, Mia Willie’s professional account, and other relevant resources discussed during the episode.

Conclusion

This episode of the Massive Agent Podcast provides real estate professionals with a comprehensive roadmap to harness Instagram's potential in 2025. By prioritizing genuine engagement, diversifying content types, leveraging AI tools, and maintaining consistency, agents can build a thriving, scalable business that aligns with their ideal lifestyle. Tessa Bella Jelten offers invaluable insights and practical strategies affirming that success on Instagram is attainable through deliberate, informed actions rather than superficial metrics.

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