The Secret to Growing Your Business through Social Media w/David Denning

Let’s be honest — social media can feel like a necessary evil.
Everyone says you have to be on it. Post more. Go viral. Do the trends.
But if you’re like most agents, you’re thinking, I didn’t get into real estate to become a content creator.

I get it. The constant pressure to post on every platform, stay “relevant,” and somehow turn likes into closings is exhausting.
That’s why I invited my friend David Denning, founder of Jumpstart Go, to talk about how to actually build your business through social media — without losing your mind (or your mission).

What David shared flipped the script for me.
It’s not about chasing algorithms. It’s about creating conversations.

Social Media Isn’t the Problem — Strategy Is

Most agents treat social media like a megaphone — shouting into the void and hoping someone hears them.
But as David reminded me, Facebook, Instagram, and every other platform were never meant to replace real relationships — they’re tools to start them.

Before the internet, agents built businesses by showing up in their communities.
You joined the Chamber of Commerce, met people at church, sponsored local events, shook hands, built trust.

Today, those same conversations just happen online — in Facebook groups, comment threads, and DMs.
It’s not a new strategy. It’s a modern version of what’s always worked: people doing business with people they trust.

Stop Trying to Be Everywhere

David said something I’ll never forget:

“You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to be effective somewhere.”

Most of us are spreading ourselves too thin — posting on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn — and wondering why nothing sticks.

Each platform has its own language and rhythm. Mastering all of them at once is like trying to learn five instruments at the same time.

The truth? You don’t need to.
Pick one platform (David recommends Facebook), learn how it works, and commit to being consistent there.

When you focus, you get traction.
When you scatter, you get tired.

Leverage What Already Exists

Here’s another mindset shift:
You don’t have to create the audience — you can join it.

Thousands of local Facebook groups already exist — moms’ groups, neighborhood buy/sell pages, homeschool networks, church communities.
They’re filled with the very people you want to serve.

Instead of building a new group from scratch, start by serving someone else’s.
Reach out to the admin and ask, “How can I add value here?”
Comment thoughtfully. Answer questions. Share helpful resources.

Over time, people will start recognizing your name — and trust will grow organically.
That’s where real conversations (and real leads) begin.

Understand the Algorithm (Without Worshiping It)

This part blew me away.
David explained that Facebook is a business — and it rewards what keeps people on the platform.
If your post sends people away (like dropping a link to your website), Facebook buries it.

Instead, invite engagement.
Post something like, “Comment ‘guide’ if you want my free home-buying checklist” — then send it to them in Messenger.
Now you’re having a real conversation instead of shouting into the void.

That’s where connection happens — not in a post, but in a person-to-person moment.

Think Relationship, Not Reach

Social media success isn’t about how many followers you have.
It’s about how many relationships you’re building.

When you engage with people — comment, respond, DM — Facebook’s algorithm notices. It says, “Hey, these two talk a lot. Let’s show them more of each other’s posts.”

Suddenly, the people you’re chatting with see your business content naturally.
You’re not chasing them. You’re just showing up consistently in their world.

That’s the secret to social media that actually works — because it’s built on relationship, not reach.

Practical Steps to Make Social Media Work for You

If social has felt overwhelming, try this:

1️⃣ Pick your platform.
Focus on one for 90 days — and master it.

2️⃣ Join five local Facebook groups.
Be a contributor, not a consumer.

3️⃣ Avoid links.
Use comments and DMs to continue the conversation.

4️⃣ Collaborate with referral partners.
Partner with a loan officer, insurance agent, or title rep. Create joint posts, trainings, or giveaways that serve your local community.

5️⃣ Pray for discernment.
Ask the Lord to show you how to use your influence online for connection, not comparison.

Final Thoughts

Friend, social media isn’t the enemy — distraction is.
When you use these tools with intention, they can become a bridge to real relationships and kingdom impact.

Stop chasing likes. Start building trust.
Show up with value, lead with integrity, and let your conversations reflect the One you represent.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about the algorithm — it’s about people.
And people are worth showing up for.

The PDA Formula: The PDA Formula gives you a simple system to finally take control of your business. Learn how to focus on what’s Predictable, Dollar-Productive, and Aligned so you can stop spinning your wheels and start building a business that grows consistently without costing you your peace.