Are you missing out on 90% of your potential business because you're afraid to show your face on social media?

In this episode of the Real Estate Excellence Podcast, Tracy Hayes welcomes Amy B. Cotney, a real estate powerhouse who's turned her authentic personality into a thriving brand online. With over 300,000 followers on Instagram and more than 1.3 million on TikTok, Amy breaks down the real ROI of social media for agents and why being yourself is your biggest marketing weapon. From humble beginnings and mistakes to landing $4 million listings off a Jet Ski video, Amy's journey is as inspiring as it is practical.

Amy explains how being consistent, ditching perfection, and tapping into your community can organically grow your business. She shares her branding secrets (hello, orange fridge and pink sweaters), talks openly about the criticism she's faced, and reveals the real secret behind content that converts — connection, not clicks. If you've ever been stuck wondering what to post or if social media even works, Amy proves it's not just possible, it's powerful.

Ready to stop overthinking and start building your brand?

Highlights:

00:00 - 10:15 The Power of Consistency in Social Media

  • Why social media works like the gym
  • Getting over the fear of showing your face
  • 90% of Amy's business comes from social
  • From baby agent to top producer
  • Perfection is the enemy of posting

10:16 - 21:30 Building Influence Through Authenticity

  • Being relatable vs. being polished
  • How her audience grew to recognize her voice
  • Sharing daily posts at 6:30 AM
  • Creating community trust through video
  • Marketing as a daily discipline

21:31 - 34:50 Amy's Backstory

  • Her pivot from apparel to real estate
  • Early grind and learning self-discipline
  • Why coaching programs didn't work for her
  • Mentorship and first brokerage experience
  • Advice for new agents and choosing the right brokerage

34:51 - 47:30 From Orange Fridge to Luxury Homes

  • Using color, wardrobe, and props as brand signals
  • TikTok growth and audience expectations
  • Dropping the wine content to grow serious business
  • The psychology of being memorable
  • Adapting your style for luxury clients

47:31 - 58:00 Turning Videos into Listings

  • The $4M listing from a WaveRunner video
  • Facebook vs. Instagram vs. TikTok strategies
  • Customizing content per platform
  • Why Facebook is hyperlocal gold
  • Creating lifestyle video tours

58:01 - 1:12:40 Content Creation, Tools, and Staying Authentic

  • Managing multiple platforms with purpose
  • Should you post the same video everywhere?
  • Organic calls to action vs. automation
  • Stirring the pot to drive engagement
  • Leveraging your voice and personality in marketing

1:12:41 - 1:21:58 Listings, Brand Power, and Final Advice

  • Using social media stats to win listings
  • Why numbers matter in a pitch
  • Knowing your ideal client
  • Loving the process even on tough days
  • Amy's final thoughts on joy, work ethic, and being "one-take Amy"

Quotes:

"It doesn't have to be perfect. Just post it. Just go." – Amy B. Cotney

"You are your own brand. Be unapologetically you." – Amy B. Cotney

"People want to work with someone real, not someone perfect." – Amy B. Cotney

"Marketing is my jam, it's what gets me up at 3:30 in the morning." – Amy B. Cotney

To contact Amy Cotney, learn more about her business, and make her a part of your network, make sure to follow her on her Website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.

Connect with Amy B. Cotney!

Website: https://amybcotney.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweethomeauburnal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweethomeauburnal

YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/sweethomeauburnal/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amybartoncotney

Connect with me! Website: toprealtorjacksonville.com

Website: toprealtorstaugustine.com

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