How you set up and manage your Instagram can shape how you connect with people and grow your real estate business. Choosing between a personal, business, or creator account—and deciding whether to keep personal and business content separate—can make a big difference.
Let’s go over the options, the pros and cons, and the best strategy to make the most of your Instagram presence.
Instagram Account Types: Personal, Business, or Creator?
Picking the right type of account helps you access the tools you need to grow. Here’s what each option offers:
Personal Account
- Private Option: You can keep your profile private, so only approved followers see your posts.
- No Post Scheduling: You can’t schedule posts in advance.
- No Analytics: No insights into who’s engaging with your content.
- No Ad Features: You can’t boost posts or run ads.
Business & Creator Accounts
Both options give you access to powerful tools for real estate marketing:
- Public Profile: Your content is visible to everyone.
- Post Scheduling: You can schedule posts and Reels using Instagram’s Creator Studio or tools like Planoly or Hootsuite.
- Analytics: Get insights into your audience and post performance.
- Ad Features: Boost posts and run paid ads.
- Inbox Tools: Organize messages, use saved replies, and respond faster.
Business vs. Creator Accounts: What’s the Difference?
Both accounts offer great tools, but here’s how they differ:
- Scheduling Tools: Both support post scheduling, but Creator Studio is designed more for Creator accounts.
- Profile Categories: Business accounts include options like “Real Estate Agent,” while Creator accounts focus on personal branding labels like “Public Figure.”
- Business Address: Business accounts let you display your office address, which is helpful for local marketing.
- Music Access: Creator accounts often have more trending music options for Reels.
Our Recommendation:
- Pick a Business Account if you need features like a public business address.
- Choose a Creator Account if personal branding and creative flexibility matter more.
One Instagram Account or Two?
Many real estate agents wonder: Should I combine my personal and business content into one account, or keep them separate? Let’s look at both options.
Reasons to Have One Account
- Feels More Personal: Mixing business with personal content makes your brand feel more real and relatable.
- Wider Reach: Your existing followers—friends, family, and past clients—are potential leads and referrers.
- Saves Time: Managing one account is easier than juggling two.
- Best for Minimalists: If you don’t love posting all the time, one account keeps things simple.
Pro Tip: If you go with one account, set it up as a Business Account and link it to your Facebook Business Page for extra marketing tools.
Reasons to Have Two Accounts
- Love Posting Everything? If you like sharing frequent personal updates (pets, workouts, family life), keeping a business account separate keeps your content more polished.
- Privacy: A personal account lets you post freely without mixing in work-related content.
Things to Consider with Two Accounts:
- Takes Time to Grow: A new business account won’t have followers right away, so be patient.
- Mix in Personal Touches: Even on a business page, showing your personality helps people connect with you.
- More Effort Required: Managing two accounts means posting and engaging in two places.
Our Recommendation: One Account Works Best
People follow real estate agents for both expertise and connection. Keeping everything in one account helps you build relationships, grow your reach, and make social media easier to manage.
Final Tips for Real Estate Agents
✅ Use a Business or Creator Account: Gain access to scheduling, analytics, and ad tools.
✅ Balance Your Content: Whether you have one account or two, mix personal and professional posts to build trust.
✅ Keep it Simple: A single account saves time and effort while still letting you showcase your personality and expertise.