A few weeks ago I came across an Instagram ad for a new type of garden badminton game.
The video was brilliant.
I watched it twice.
Then I bought it.
Weeks went by, and nothing arrived.
I started to get the feeling like I’d been had.
So I went looking for reviews of the company, trying to find their social media profiles.
It took me about 30 seconds to realise I’d been scammed.
The signs were all there. I just hadn’t looked before I handed over my money.
The irony is that I spend my working life teaching brokers how to use social media to build trust and win clients.
And I still got caught out by a dodgy Instagram ad.
Because I didn’t do my research.
When someone is thinking about sorting their mortgage or buying a home, they will do their research.
Because it’s not a cheap garden game they’re buying.
They’ll look you up before they ever pick up the phone.
So the question is — what will they find?
Here are 3 things you can do to make sure what they find builds trust:
- Show real reviews.
Not links to a profile: actual posts on your social media showing real clients, real results, real stories.
People want to see that you’re a real person helping other real people. That’s what builds confidence.
- Get Meta Verified.
Starting at £11.99 a month, you get a blue tick on your Instagram profile.
It tells anyone who lands on your page that you’re a legitimate, verified business.
It removes doubt before they’ve seen one post.
- Post relevant news.
Speak about topical events, what’s happening in the market, things in real time.
When you share timely content, you show people you know your industry.
Which builds credibility fast.
Most brokers skip all three, and people click off their profiles.
Don’t be me with the badminton set.
Chris.