Are your posts getting crickets? Coach Nick Baldwin shares how your privacy settings might be blocking the algorithm—and your growth.

You’ve got great lighting, a clear message, and solid captions. You’re consistent. You’re showing up. And yet—your engagement is flatlining.

Sound familiar?

As a real estate agent trying to grow your business through social media, nothing feels more frustrating than putting effort into creating great content only to be met with silence. No likes. No shares. No comments.

Here’s the kicker: it might not be your content that’s the problem. It might be your settings.

 

Let’s dive into how one small overlooked detail—your privacy settings—could be blocking your growth and how to fix it.

VIDEO: This One Social Media Setting Is Killing Your Engagement

You’re Not Being Shadowbanned—You’re Being Silenced by Your Own Settings

I talk to agents every day who feel like the algorithm is out to get them. And I get it—these platforms can feel impossible to crack. But more often than not, it’s not an algorithm problem at all. It’s a visibility problem.

If you’ve never reviewed your privacy settings on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok since setting up your account, there’s a good chance you’re limiting how your content can be shared and interacted with. That’s a massive problem.

Because here’s the thing: algorithms reward engagement. They want to see likes, comments, shares, stitches, tags, and saves. That’s how content gets surfaced to more people. But if your settings block those features, the algorithm has nothing to go on—and your post dies on the feed.

What Settings Are Hurting Your Social Media Engagement?

Let’s take a look at what could be holding you back behind the scenes.

Here’s a quick checklist every real estate agent should review right now:

  • ✅ Are your posts public?

  • ✅ Can people comment on your posts?

  • ✅ Can others tag you in relevant content?

  • ✅ Can your videos be shared, stitched, dueted, or remixed?

  • ✅ Is your profile discoverable to people outside your follower list?

If you answered “no” to any of the above, your content is basically trapped behind a digital wall.

Why Real Estate Agents Can’t Afford to Stay Private

I get it—privacy concerns are real. Maybe you turned off comments because of trolls. Or maybe you limited tags after being bombarded by spam. Those are fair reasons.

But here’s the hard truth: if you want to build your brand, grow your visibility, and attract new clients, you need to meet the algorithm halfway. And that means creating engageable content—both in format and functionality.

As a real estate agent, your goal isn’t just to show up—it’s to be seen, to build trust, and to generate leads. Social media is no longer optional. It’s where your next seller, buyer, or referral partner is hanging out. If your settings are locked down, they’re not even seeing you.

Here’s the thing: algorithms reward engagement. They want to see likes, comments, shares, stitches, tags, and saves. That’s how content gets surfaced to more people. But if your settings block those features, the algorithm has nothing to go on—and your post dies on the feed.

ICT Coach Nick Baldwin

How to Fix Your Social Media Privacy Settings (Step-by-Step)

Let’s walk through how to update your settings across Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok:

✅ Instagram:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy

    • Turn your account Public

    • Enable Comments from Everyone

    • Allow Tagging and Mentions

    • Enable Reels Remix and Story Sharing

✅ Facebook:

  • Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Privacy

    • Set your posts to Public

    • Enable Sharing and Tagging

    • Make your profile Searchable

✅ TikTok:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy

    • Turn off Private Account

    • Enable Comments, Duets, Stitches, and Downloads

These simple toggles can drastically boost how often your content is seen—and by who.

Give the Algorithm Something to Work With

Real estate professionals often focus on the visuals, the caption, or the message—and yes, all those things matter. But if no one can engage with your content, the platform can’t do anything with it.

When you open your settings, you:

  • ✅ Allow content to be shared by viewers

  • ✅ Enable people to comment, which increases visibility

  • ✅ Invite tags and mentions, expanding your reach

  • ✅ Encourage interaction, which is what platforms reward

So if you’ve been wondering why your amazing content is going unnoticed, check your settings. You might be unintentionally silencing yourself.

Why This Matters for Real Estate Agents

Let’s bring this back to your business. You’re not just making content for fun—you’re making it to grow. Social media is a lead source. It’s a digital version of door-knocking. So why would you lock the door?

When your content is discoverable:

  • Potential sellers in your area see your expertise

  • Relocation buyers find your listings

  • Referral agents get inspired to connect with you

  • Clients are reminded of your value and professionalism

In short, visibility drives business. If your posts aren’t visible, you’re leaving money on the table.

Final Thoughts from Coach Nick

Your content probably doesn’t suck.
It’s just trapped.

Don’t let one overlooked setting keep you invisible. Do a quick audit of your profiles today. Make sure everything is open, public, and interaction-friendly.

Because sometimes, the smallest tweak makes the biggest difference.

🧠 Pro Tip:

Put a reminder on your calendar to check your privacy settings quarterly. Platforms update their options all the time, and what’s public today may be private tomorrow.

📌 Recap: How to Unlock More Engagement Today

  • ✅ Make your content public

  • ✅ Enable comments, sharing, and tagging

  • ✅ Check settings on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok

  • ✅ Let the algorithm help you by giving it signals to work with

  • ✅ Stay visible to buyers, sellers, and referral partners