Recently I wrote about how Instagram just might be the best social site in the world for marketers, and I gave some fun examples of how to use it for real estate marketing. This week, I want to share with you three easy to use apps that will make you look and feel like an Instagram master — an Instamaster! Looking like you really know what you’re doing may be easier than you think, if you’re using the right tools.
Pic Stitch: Pic Stitch is a FREE and easy-to-use app for creating fun photo collages. Collage images are HOT, and there are many different uses: listing collages, lifestyle collages, neighborhood collages, vacation collages, holiday collages, and more! There are actually tons of great photo collage apps to choose from, but Pic Stitch is available for both iPhones and Androids, and features over 200 fun collage layouts. Best of all, it features automatic upload to Instagram (Facebook and Twitter, too!).
Calgary Real Estate makes tons of amazing collages! I’m not sure what app they used to make this collage, but Pic Stitch will make images just like this one.
Over: Over is an app that lets you add text to your images! Over is available for both iPhones and Androids, for only $1.99. That’s a very small price to pay for this awesome little app. Turn simple images into powerful marketing messages with just a bit of text. You can market open house dates and times, neighborhoods, listing details, inspirational messages, your website address, and so much more! Like Pic Stitch, Over allows you to instantly upload your designs to Instagram, Faceook and Twitter.
Ric Dizon made this amazing image even more powerful with a simple text overlay! I don’t know what app Ric uses, but I use Over to make similar text overlays.
InstaFrame: InstaFrame combines the functionality of both Pic Stitch and Over into one. It doesn’t have as many layout options as Pic Stitch or font choices as Over, but it’s convenient to have the collage and text options BOTH in one app. It’s free, and can be downloaded for iPhone or Android use.
Amy Youngren makes tons of fabulous Instagram posts with both text overlays and collage layouts. Here’s a great example! If you’d like to be able to make similar images, give InstaFrame a shot.
There are dozens of great collage apps available, and several apps for adding text overlays. The ones I’ve shared here are my personal favorites that are available in both the iTunes and Google Play stores. Next week I’ll share with you my two favorite management tools for Instagram!
Marci James is the director of marketing at Obeo, which provides interactive virtual tours, professional photography, virtual redecorating tools and custom real estate marketing solutions.