Episode Overview

Title: How I Stopped Posting Like Everyone Else
Host: Tristan Ahumada
Podcast: Your Daily Real Estate Podcast
Date: January 8, 2026
Episode #770

In this episode, Tristan Ahumada addresses the challenge many real estate professionals face: How to post effectively on social media without blending into the crowd. Drawing inspiration from a recent, yet-to-be-released interview with a Berkeley professor and his own experience working with Facebook and Instagram, Tristan introduces his practical STAY framework, designed to help agents stand out, engage authentically, and deliver consistent value online.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Problem with Typical Social Media Posting

• Social Media as a Mystery (00:00)

  • Many real estate professionals feel lost when it comes to social media, leading to inconsistency or inactivity.
  • Posting "just listed" or "just sold" is standard, but lacks true connection or differentiation.

• The Inspiration: Influencer Research (00:25)

  • Tristan references an interview with a Berkeley professor and highlights the importance of social media platforms like Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn.
  • Quote:

    "The algorithm favors the things that other people favor because it's showing it to people. So we've got to think about who's our audience, we've got to think about who we're trying to connect with."
    (Tristan, 01:20)

• The Importance of Having a Formula (01:40)

  • Many struggle with consistency because they lack a structured approach.

Introduction to the STAY Framework (02:02)

• Tristan's acronym for effective social posts: S T A Y
• Developed during his work with Facebook and Instagram, tested and used for years.
• Each letter stands for a different type of content, designed to build connection and relevance.

The STAY Framework: Detailed Breakdown

S – Sell with a Story (02:39)

• Storytelling is humanity's oldest and most powerful way to connect.
• Don't just post transactional updates – share authentic client stories, memorable experiences, or personal journeys in real estate.
• Example prompts:
  • Client journeys (closed or not)
  • Online lead experiences
  • Open house stories
  • Your own path as an agent
• Quote:

  "Show up connecting in the one way that humanity has always connected—through storytelling... That story will connect with others."
  (Tristan, 03:20)

T – Teach (04:07)

• Real estate professionals have expertise—share it.
• Offer actionable advice:
  • What to look for in a townhouse besides just the price
  • Home inspections: what to expect, how to choose an inspector
  • Hidden costs like utilities and HOAs
• Make educational content informative and fun, and put your personal style on it.
• Quote:

  "You have so much knowledge and you don't tell people about it. Teach me!"
  (Tristan, 04:30)

A – Advice on What You Love (05:15)

• Share advice in areas of personal passion, not just business.
• Interests and hobbies can create the most authentic and engaging content.
• Examples:
  • Journaling, toys, favorite foods, hobbies, AI insights
  • Gardening, comic books, restaurant recommendations (friends’ examples)
• Quote:

  "This is where your passion is at. This is where you stand out."
  (Tristan, 06:00)

Y – You! (06:34)

• Show your authentic self—what you're doing, eating, reading, playing.
• Personal and behind-the-scenes content deepens connection.
• If uncomfortable on camera, share your environment, meals, views—connection doesn’t require your face.
• Quote:

  "People want to connect with me. They want to know what I do on the spare time... But what about you? What do you like to do? Where do you go? Show it to us."
  (Tristan, 07:20)

How to Use the STAY Cycle (08:07)

• Practice each of the four types of posts for 30 days.

• After 30 days, review what connected most with your audience and double down on those content types.

• This iterative process helps refine your online presence and discover your unique engagement formula.

• Quote:

  "The idea is to go back and check what worked, what connected with your audience, because now you're going to press a little bit harder."
  (Tristan, 08:30)

• The formula becomes second nature; you can mix and match as you discover what works best for you.

Memorable Moments & Practical Advice

• On Putting in the Work (09:48)

  • The framework is easy to understand but requires commitment and consistent action.
  • "It's all about putting in the hard work on this one. You need to show up."
    (Tristan, 09:50)

• On Self-Improvement & Community (10:00)

  • Tristan encourages reaching out for resources or coaching and leveraging community for support and ideas.
  • Reiterates his desire to help grow and elevate the real estate industry for everyone’s benefit.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – The mystery of social media for agents
• 01:20 – The role of algorithms and knowing your audience
• 02:02 – Tristan introduces the STAY formula
• 02:39 – S: Sell with a story
• 04:07 – T: Teach with your knowledge
• 05:15 – A: Advice on personal passions
• 06:34 – Y: You—authentic, personal content
• 08:07 – How to cycle and iterate with STAY
• 09:48 – The importance of commitment and consistency

Conclusion & Call to Action

Tristan condenses over two decades of real estate and social media expertise into a simple, actionable strategy. The STAY framework helps agents, brokers, and teams create content that is authentic, engaging, and sustainable. The core message: Stand out by connecting as a human being—through stories, teaching, sharing what you love, and showing yourself.

If you want the STAY PDF or more support, reach out to Tristan directly on Instagram.

For listeners:
If you’re tired of your posts blending in, try the STAY cycle for 30 days—and discover what your audience values most. As Tristan says, "You need to show up. Have an awesome day!" (09:50)