Using Instagram Polls to Engage and Pre-Qualify Leads
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Why Instagram Polls Matter:
Instagram polls are not just for fun – they’re a powerful tool for real estate agents to increase engagement and gain insights into your audience. When you use polls effectively, you can create a two-way conversation that builds trust and keeps your followers interacting with your content.
Benefits of Using Polls
✅ Boosts Engagement:
Polls are easy for followers to interact with, which signals the algorithm to push your content further.
✅ Provides Market Insights:
You can learn what your audience actually wants in a home, their lifestyle priorities, and buying intentions.
✅ Pre-Qualifies Leads:
Strategic poll questions help identify potential buyers and sellers who are serious and ready to act.
How to Create Effective Instagram Polls
Creating effective Instagram polls is all about strategy. It’s not just about putting up a question, it’s about crafting polls that drive engagement and deliver insights you can use to grow your real estate business.
Follow these steps to maximize your results.
Step 1: Open Instagram Stories
Tap the “+” icon to add a Story. Choose a photo or background (a listing photo works great!).
Step 2: Add a Poll Sticker
Select the sticker icon from the top menu and tap “Poll.” Write your question and provide two answer options.
Step 3: Ask Targeted Questions
Keep your questions simple and specific.
For example:
“Are you looking to buy a home in the next 6 months? Yes/No”
“Would you like to know your home’s market value? Yes/No”
Step 4: Use Eye-Catching Visuals
Add a high-quality listing photo, a branded color background, or a fun GIF to grab attention. Use bold text overlays to ensure the question stands out.
Step 5: Post at Optimal Times
Use Instagram Insights to determine when your audience is most active. Post during those peak times to maximize engagement.
Examples of Poll Questions for Agents
Home Preferences:
“Which kitchen style do you prefer?”
Modern ✨ | Farmhouse 🏡
“Would you rather have a pool or a big backyard?”
Buying Intentions:
“Thinking about buying this year?”
Yes 🏡 | Maybe later 🤔
Lifestyle Choices:
“Work from home or commute to the office?”
“Fixer-upper or move-in ready?”
Market Education:
“Do you know how much your home is worth right now?”
Yes 💰 | Not sure 🤷♀️
Engagement Starters:
“Which would you choose: beach house or mountain cabin?”
What Do You Do with the Responses?
Collecting poll responses is only the first step. Here’s how to turn that data into real value for your business:
✅ 1. Follow Up Directly
If someone votes “Yes” to thinking about buying or selling soon, send them a quick DM to start a conversation. Example:
"Hey! I saw you’re thinking about buying this year – would you like me to send over a few listings to get an idea of what’s out there?"
✅ 2. Categorize Responses
Keep track of responses by adding them to your CRM or a simple spreadsheet. Categorize by buyer vs. seller, timeline (ready now vs. later), or preferences (home style, features). This helps tailor future outreach and content to each segment.
✅ 3. Use Responses for Future Content Ideas
Poll results show what your audience cares about. If most people choose “Farmhouse kitchens,” plan a Reel or carousel post showcasing farmhouse design tips or local listings that match the style.
✅ 4. Leverage Poll Data for Future Campaigns
Incorporate insights into your broader marketing strategy. For example, if 60% of your audience wants move-in ready homes, create an email campaign highlighting the best turnkey listings in your area or a blog post about buying move-in ready vs. fixer-uppers.
✅ 5. Share the Results
People love seeing what others picked. Post the results in your Stories and add your expert commentary to build authority. Example:
"Looks like 70% of you prefer move-in ready homes – here’s what to expect in today’s market for turnkey listings."
✅ 6. Build Relationships Over Time
Continue the conversation with follow-up polls or questions that go deeper. This keeps your audience engaged and positions you as their go-to real estate resource.
The takeaway: Polls are just the start – how you categorize and use responses determines the impact on your brand, content, and lead generation.