Episode Description
Instagram in 2026 is not about going viral, posting pretty homes, or chasing trends.
It’s about clarity, trust, and conversations.
In this episode, Broker & Real Estate Educator Althea Hearst breaks down exactly how Realtors should be using Instagram in 2026 if they want real visibility, real engagement, and real leads—not just likes and views.
This conversation goes beyond surface-level social media tips and dives into how the algorithm actually works, what type of content builds trust, why saves matter more than likes, and how Realtors should be positioning themselves as educators and decision guides—not performers.
If you’re posting consistently but not seeing results, this episode will shift how you approach Instagram entirely.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
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Why Instagram is infrastructure in 2026, not a bonus platform
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What the algorithm is really rewarding now
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Why posting for other Realtors is killing your reach
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The three content pillars that drive saves, shares, and trust
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How to create content buyers and sellers actually want to save
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Why long-form Reels are outperforming quick trend content
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How to use Stories to build real relationships and start conversations
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The difference between virality and conversion
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A simple weekly content structure Realtors can actually maintain
Key Takeaways
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Likes don’t build pipelines—conversations do
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Saves signal value, trust, and authority
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Educational clarity outperforms aesthetic content
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Depth beats trends in today’s algorithm
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Realtors who win in 2026 use Instagram as a decision-making tool
Action Steps from This Episode
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Audit your content: is it useful or just pretty?
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Shift from posting for peers to posting for clients
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Focus on content that explains decisions, timelines, and money
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Create Reels that teach one concept clearly
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Use Stories daily to talk, explain, and connect
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Optimize for saves, shares, and replies—not likes
Who This Episode Is For
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Realtors posting consistently with little return
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Agents confused about Instagram’s changes
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New and seasoned Realtors wanting real lead flow
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Educators, brokers, and agents building long-term authority
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Anyone tired of posting just to “stay visible”
Connect with Althea
For more clarity-driven marketing, systems, and real estate education:
📲 Instagram: @iamaltheahearst
🔗 Link in the description