Discover reels vs stories vs posts for real estate agents. Learn how to use Instagram and Facebook formats to attract clients, build relationships, and showcase your expertise.

Ever wonder what the real difference is between reels, stories, and posts? As real estate professionals, our job isn’t just to market homes—it’s to market ourselves. Social media has become the number one way to build relationships, establish credibility, and attract clients. Yet, many agents use these platforms without truly understanding how each format works.

Think of reels, stories, and posts like tools in your toolbox. Each one has a distinct purpose. When you learn how to use them together, you create a social media strategy that’s not only consistent but also highly effective at converting likes and follows into real business.

VIDEO: Reels, Stories, and Posts: How Realtors Use Each to Grow Online

Reels: Your Megaphone

Reels are designed for reach. They push your content beyond your current followers and into the feeds of people who don’t know you yet. This makes reels perfect for:

  • Attracting new buyers and sellers

  • Building brand awareness

  • Establishing yourself as a local market expert

Reels should be fast, engaging, and easy to consume. Think quick tips, market updates, or fun behind-the-scenes moments at open houses.

Pro Tip: Use trending audio and short captions to boost discoverability.

Stories: Your Private Conversations

Stories mostly go to your existing followers, making them ideal for building trust and connection. They’re like pulling your audience aside and saying, “Here’s what’s happening today.”

Stories work best for:

  • Behind-the-scenes peeks at your daily life

  • Quick property updates

  • Polls, questions, and engagement stickers to spark conversations

By showing up authentically in stories, you nurture your audience and keep your name top of mind until they’re ready to make a move.

Pro Tip: Use stories daily. Even simple updates (like “Just toured this gorgeous property!”) remind your audience you’re active and approachable.

Posts: Your Portfolio

Unlike reels and stories, posts live permanently on your profile. Think of them as your professional portfolio. When a potential client stumbles on your page, posts are what they’ll scroll through to decide if you’re credible and trustworthy.

Posts are perfect for:

  • Market statistics and infographics

  • Long-form educational content

  • Client testimonials and success stories

  • Professional listing photos

Consistency is key. A polished feed demonstrates that you’re serious about your business.

Pro Tip: Use branded templates and consistent colors so your feed feels cohesive.

Bringing It All Together

Here’s how to strategically combine reels, stories, and posts:

  • Reels to grow your audience

  • Stories to build relationships

  • Posts to showcase your authority

Together, this trifecta turns passive scrollers into engaged followers—and eventually, into real clients.

Social media isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing it smarter. By aligning each format with its purpose, you’ll amplify your reach.

ICT Coach Nick Baldwin

  • Social Media & Digital Marketing: Online Masterclass for Agents

    $249
    ONLINE COURSES

    Master proven systems and strategies on the most important social media channels for Realtors. Learn how to use digital marketing to increase your brand awareness and grow your real estate business.

    Designed for all learning types

    Video Training

    In-depth professional video training on every module, presented by the author, Brian Icenhower.

    Written Modules

    Detailed and downloadable written modules with detailed graphics, scripts, spreadsheets, forms, and so much more.

    Course curriculum

    Enrollment includes access to the following course materials for 2 years

    Module 1: Facebook Personal Page - Generating Organic Business
    • Video: Facebook Personal Page – Generating Organic Business
    • Workbook: Facebook Personal Page – Generating Organic Business
    • How to Create a Friends List on Facebook
    Module 2: Facebook Business Page
    • Video: Facebook Business Page
    • Workbook: Facebook Business Page
    • BONUS HELP: Creating a Facebook Page for Your Business
    • BONUS HELP: Adding Essential Information to Your Facebook Page
    • BONUS HELP: Creating a Professional Cover Image for Your Facebook Page – PART 1
    • BONUS HELP: Creating a Professional Cover Image for Your Facebook Page – PART 2
    • BONUS HELP: Stock Photo Download
    • BONUS HELP: How to Use Canva Tutorial
    • BONUS HELP: How to Find Royalty Free Images
    • Facebook Description Examples
    • Facebook Cover Templates
    • Keyword Research Toolkit
    • Keyword Examples
    • Successful Facebook Ad Examples
    Module 3: Instagram: Your Homepage & Content
    • Video: Instagram: Your Homepage & Content
    • Workbook: Instagram: Your Homepage & Content
    • STAY Social Media Strategy Calendar – Social Media Images
    • STAY Social Media Strategy Calendar
    Module 4: Websites, Landing Pages & CRMs
    • Video: Websites, Landing Pages & CRMs
    • Workbook: Websites, Landing Pages, & CRMs
    • Keyword Research Toolkit
    • Keyword Examples
    Module 5: Real Estate Blogs
    • Video: Real Estate Blogs
    • Workbook: Real Estate Blogs
    Module 6: Video Marketing
    • Video: Video Marketing
    • Workbook: Video Marketing
    • Pre-Listing Video Examples
    • Pre-Listing Video Scripts
    • 12-Month SOI Video Touch System
    Module 7: YouTube for Real Estate Agents: Creating Your Channel & Videos
    • Video: YouTube for Real Estate Agents: Creating Your Channel & Videos
    • Workbook: YouTube – Creating a Channel & Video
    Module 8: Pinterest, LinkedIn, & Twitter
    • Video: Pinterest, LinkedIn, & Twitter
    • Workbook: Pinterest, LinkedIn, & Twitter
    Module 9: Your Google Presence & Advertising
    • Video: Your Google Presence & Advertising
    • Workbook: Your Google Presence & Advertising
    Module 10: Online Reviews
    • Video: Online Reviews
    • Workbook: Online Reviews
    • Best Practices for Generating Google Reviews
    • Asking for a Review
    • Asking for a Google Review Template
    • Leave Us a Review Social Media Template
    • Google Review Request Email Template
    • Example Video: Reviews Request
    • Google Review Script & Instructions for Staff
    • Quick Tip: Reviews for each location
    • Online Review Job Post (Word doc with social post text)
    • Online Review Job Post (PowerPoint design file template)
    • Advanced Techniques for Getting Google Reviews

    About this course

    • $249.00
    • 53 lessons
    • 8 hours of video content
    Add to Cart

    Immediate Takeaways

    Here is what you can expect to gain from taking this online course.

    • SCRIPTS to help you ask for Online Reviews, the new online currency for real estate agents.
    • SOCIAL MEDIA TEMPLATES that provide you with a great jumping-off point to get your social media channels rolling with clean, professional content.
    • VIDEO MARKETING EXAMPLES from top-producing agents that will provide you with inspiration and help you get started with video marketing.
    • SOCIAL MEDIA CALENDAR to help you build your own daily prompts and inspire creative and effective posting across all social media channels.
    • VIDEO TUTORIALS that walk you through step-by-step and teach you how to set up your social media home pages for maximum impact.
    • OPTIONS for how you learn best. Each module provides a downloadable PDF workbook as well as a featured video of Brian Icenhower, teaching the topic at hand. So however you learn best -- we have an option for you!

    Certification & Designation Upon Completion

    In this ICC online course, you will receive an official designation of "Certified Social Media Associate" or CSMA upon completion, as well as a downloadable (and printable) Certificate of Completion. Add your designation seal, as well as your designation letters, to your email signature to bolster your reputation and show off your expertise to clients and colleagues alike.

    Reviews

    "I use ICC systems, the Online Learning Center, and the coaching program to coach and train my team of over 30 agents. I use the ICC dashboard systems to keep my entire team accountable for their activities and set proper expectations." Jake Rockwell Over 500 Units Sold Annually "I have coached with ICC for over five years. ICC has helped me quadruple my luxury business through marketing strategies so that I receive listings and sales through lead generation and multiple pillars of income." soi audio workbook Dennis Adelpour Luxury Agent - West Los Angeles "When we started coaching with ICC we worked all the time with some degree of success. Now, seven years later, we have grown to have the #1 market share in our area, we more than tripled our income and production, while also improving our work-life balance to enjoy our personal life with family and friends." recruit audio workbook Tammi Humphrey #1 Market Share & 100 Million in Annual Sales Volume I use ICC systems, the Online Learning Center, and the coaching program to coach and train my team of over 30 agents. I use the ICC dashboard systems to keep my entire team accountable for their activities and set proper expectations. Time Management for Real Estate Agents

    Jake Rockwell

    Over 500 Units Sold Annually I have coached with ICC for over five years. ICC has helped me quadruple my luxury business through marketing strategies so that I receive listings and sales through lead generation and multiple pillars of income. Time Management for Real Estate Agents

    Dennis Adelpour

    Luxury Agent - West Los Angeles When we started coaching with ICC we worked all the time with some degree of success. Now, seven years later, we have grown to have the #1 market share in our area, we more than tripled our income and production, while also improving our work-life balance to enjoy our personal life with family and friends. Time Management for Real Estate Agents

    Tammi Humphrey

    #1 Market Share & 100 Million in Annual Sales Volume Instructor Brian ​Icenhower. Brian Icenhower is the CEO and Founder of Icenhower Coaching & Consulting (ICC), which provides customized coaching and training programs to many of the highest producing real estate agents, teams, and brokerage owners in North America. This progressive company also produces online courses, podcasts, training materials, speaking events, video modules, and real estate training books. Brian has been in the real estate industry for decades, and he has witnessed and studied the advent of social media and what it means for Realtors. Part of a Realtor's job is to adapt and change as new technology presents itself, and with social media and digital marketing, it is no different. Brian has distilled the information you need as a Realtor to not only survive but thrive in this age of social media and digital marketing, and it's all inside this online course. Brian leads this course where you will learn the cutting edge strategies and systems that provide positive results, engage your audience, increase your sales, and grow your business.

    Become a social media & digital marketing master.

    Gain the confidence and know-how to use the social media channels at your disposal for the greatest impact on your real estate business. You'll learn the cutting edge strategies and systems that provide positive results, engage your audience, increase your sales, and grow your business. Add to Cart

    Talk to a coach

    If you've been considering hiring a coach, now's the time. Book a FREE coaching consultation session with your purchase of this course! Book Your Call Team Onboarding Real Estate Coaching See all courses
    Quick View
  • 1×1 Solo Agent Weekly Coaching Program

    $1,000 / month

    This 1×1 Solo Agent Weekly Real Estate Coaching Program designed to help you increase your production and your commission income with strategies and systems for sustainable business growth.

    Quick View

Final Thoughts

If you’re only using one of these formats, you’re leaving opportunities on the table. Social media isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing it smarter. By aligning each format with its purpose, you’ll amplify your reach, deepen your relationships, and position yourself as the go-to real estate professional in your market.