If you’ve been paying attention to marketing trends, one thing is clear: social media isn’t optional anymore. In 2025, roughly 25% of U.S. retail holiday revenue came from social and affiliate clicks, and TikTok Shop alone helped sellers generate over $500 million in U.S. sales in just one shopping weekend.

These numbers aren’t just impressive they signal a fundamental shift in how people discover, evaluate, and buy products. And while this data comes from retail, the lessons translate directly to real estate, especially for agents and buyers in Idaho’s fast-growing markets like Boise, Meridian, and Nampa.

In this blog, we’ll break down why ignoring social media is costly, how top brands and agents leverage it effectively, and what it means for both buyers and sellers navigating Idaho’s housing market.

The Reality of Social Commerce Growth

Traditional digital ads search, display, and video still matter. But social media influence is growing at a pace few brands can ignore. Consumers aren’t just discovering products through ads anymore they’re discovering them where they spend time: on social platforms.

Some key highlights from 2025:

• Roughly 1 in 4 holiday retail dollars in the U.S. came through social or affiliate marketing
  
• Platforms like TikTok Shop generated $500M+ in sales in a single weekend
  
• Social commerce growth continues to outpace traditional expectations
  

In other words, social isn’t just a “nice-to-have” or a channel for brand awareness it’s now a direct revenue driver.

For real estate agents, this shift is equally relevant. Buyers and sellers increasingly look to social media for insights, recommendations, and validation before ever contacting an agent. Agents who ignore this space risk missing both engagement and leads.

Why Traditional Marketing Alone Isn’t Enough

Traditional marketing like search ads, listing portals, and paid video still plays a role. But it doesn’t capture the organic trust and discovery that social platforms provide.

Consider how consumers behave today:

• They follow local experts on Instagram for neighborhood insights
  
• They watch TikTok walkthroughs to understand layouts and features before visiting a home
  
• They engage with client testimonials and agent stories, building trust before ever picking up the phone
  

Social media allows agents to be visible, relatable, and influential in ways traditional ads can’t replicate. It’s where buyers go first, long before email, phone calls, or open houses come into play.

The Opportunity for Agents

For real estate professionals in Idaho, social media isn’t just about posting listings it’s about engaging, influencing, and converting. Here’s how:

1. Show Up Where Buyers Are

If your target buyers are on Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, that’s where you should be. Showing up consistently:

• Builds recognition and credibility
  
• Allows you to share local insights and tips
  
• Creates a first impression before the first in-person interaction
  

For example, sharing short videos about Boise neighborhoods or behind-the-scenes tours of new Meridian listings helps buyers get to know you and your expertise naturally.

2. Leverage Influencers and Affiliates

Just like retail brands partner with influencers to expand reach, real estate agents can collaborate with local content creators or community figures to highlight:

• Upcoming open houses
  
• Neighborhood features
  
• Client success stories
  

These partnerships amplify your presence, reach new audiences, and build social proof all critical for generating leads in competitive markets.

3. Optimize for Discovery, Not Just Ads

Social media isn’t just a place to run ads it’s a discovery engine. Buyers scroll, search, and engage with content before contacting agents. That means your posts should:

• Provide value, not just listings
  
• Educate buyers about the market, schools, and community amenities
  
• Tell authentic stories that showcase your personality and expertise
  

By creating content that resonates, agents turn social followers into warm leads over time.

Lessons From Brands That Don’t Skimp

Brands that underinvest in social media aren’t just losing visibility they’re losing revenue. Adobe’s 2025 data illustrates that ignoring social channels comes at a high cost:

• Missing direct sales from social commerce
  
• Failing to influence buyers where they spend their attention
  
• Allowing competitors who are active online to dominate the conversation
  

For Idaho agents, the implications are similar. Agents who post sporadically or ignore social platforms risk losing out to competitors who actively engage and educate online.

Applying Social Media Strategies to Idaho Real Estate

Let’s translate these lessons into actionable strategies for agents working in the Treasure Valley:

1. Create Engaging, Local Content

• Post walkthroughs of homes in Boise, Meridian, or Nampa
  
• Highlight local amenities, parks, and community events
  
• Share client stories and testimonials
  

The goal is to provide value while showcasing your expertise. When buyers see you consistently posting helpful content, you’re already building trust before a single phone call.

2. Use Stories, Reels, and Short-Form Video

• Short videos perform best for engagement and discovery
  
• Instagram Reels and TikTok content can reach buyers beyond your immediate network
  
• Consistent posting keeps you top-of-mind
  

In a market like Boise, where out-of-state buyers are relocating sight-unseen, videos help convey neighborhood vibes and home features in a way photos alone cannot.

3. Engage, Don’t Just Broadcast

Social media isn’t a one-way megaphone. Engage with your audience by:

• Responding to comments and DMs promptly
  
• Asking questions in posts to spark conversations
  
• Sharing polls or interactive content about local market trends
  

Engagement strengthens your presence and converts passive viewers into active leads.

4. Track Performance

Measure engagement, follower growth, and conversion from social posts. This is your social KPI. Data helps refine your approach, so you know what resonates with buyers and sellers in your target market.

Why Idaho Buyers Should Pay Attention

If you’re considering a move to Idaho, social media can be a powerful research tool. Buyers can:

• Follow agents to learn about neighborhoods and communities
  
• Watch walkthroughs to assess properties remotely
  
• Check out local reviews, testimonials, and success stories
  

Working with agents who are active online ensures you’re connected with professionals who are responsive, knowledgeable, and up-to-date on local market trends.

The Bigger Picture: Social Media as a Revenue Driver

The 2025 holiday season made one thing clear: social media can drive real revenue. For real estate, this translates to leads, appointments, and sales. Agents who understand this shift can:

• Capture attention before competitors do
  
• Build relationships at scale
  
• Establish authority and trust online
  

The takeaway is simple: showing up consistently on social, providing value, and engaging authentically can directly impact your success.

Conclusion: Don’t Leave Social to Chance

Ignoring social media is no longer a viable option whether you’re a retail brand or a real estate agent in Idaho. Social platforms aren’t just about visibility; they’re where buyers discover, evaluate, and decide.

For agents, this means posting consistently, engaging authentically, and leveraging content to educate and influence. For buyers, it means following knowledgeable agents online to get a head start on your home search.

Take Action: Follow for Local Insights

Stay ahead in Idaho’s dynamic real estate market by connecting with professionals who understand the power of social media. Follow @Realestategrowthnetwork for tips, strategies, and updates that help buyers and agents make smarter moves in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and beyond.