Marketing is a tough but vital part of running a successful apartment complex – and not all property managers take advantage of the inexpensive (if not free) marketing tools out there. Here are ten quick tips to get you started marketing your apartment complex that can help save money and increase visibility and ultimately – leads!
1. Start a blog.
Blogging is a great way to advertise your apartment complex. You can blog about the community, upcoming events in the area, tips for renters and anything else that relates to life in the complex. Inviting your renters to submit blog posts is a great way to get your residents more involved in their community. Not only will this show potential renters what a welcoming, active community you have, but the enhanced content on your site will help search engine traffic find your site in the first place!
2. Tweet.
When used correctly, Twitter can be a powerful marketing tool – as well as a great way to show your personality and knowledge. You’ll want to make sure you interact with your online community and make connections relevant to your business in order to make the most out of this social media tool. Twitter takes time and commitment to be useful – so be patient!
3. Create a Facebook Fan Page.
A fan page is a great way to encourage a conversation about your apartment community. Post links to your blog posts and tweets on your fan page and be sure to communicate personally with the fans that leave comment. Facebook is also a great platform for promoting contests and promotions. Want a more ‘apartment centric’ social network? Try inMultifamily!
4. Create videos of your available units.
Making video tours of your available units is a great way to attract new renters. Touring units in person can be time consuming and inconvenient since it often requires a potential renter take the day off work. Producing high-quality videos can let potential renters know exactly what the units and community look like before they arrive. Make sure your videos look professional and use a wide-angle lens on the camera when filming indoors.
5. Use Google +.
Google + is a new social media tool similar to Facebook and Twitter. It’s still growing so now is the time to get involved with this online community.
6. Use text messaging.
Many people prefer to communicate via text rather than by e-mail or over the phone. If you make this an option, you’ll be reaching out to your more tech-savvy residents and making yourself more available to potential residents.
7. Be creative in your print ads.
Print is far from dead and is an important part of any successful advertising campaign. Use print ads that help you stand out from your competition instead of run-of-the-mill photos of the front office. Resident submitted photos are always nice.
8. Provide helpful information.
Being an expert in your field is a great way to reach out to your community and attract future renters, especially if you extend your helpfulness to people who aren’t a good match for your community as well. If you don’t allow pets, have some recommendations ready to provide over the phone. Word of mouth is one of the best advertising tools and if the word gets out that your apartment complex is friendly and helpful, you’ll attract more renters in the future.
9. Be more visible in your community.
Interact with the organizations in your city or town and make yourself known. Engage in mutual advertising with social clubs, recreation centers and even other apartment complexes.
10. Maintain relationships.
Keep in touch with the people who come into your office even if they decide not to rent. A hand-written thank you note goes a long way towards maintaining a good relationship. If you make it known that you care, people who chose not to rent from you once may come around the next time they’re looking for a place to live.
Unfamiliar with Facebook, Twitter, and the blog-o-sphere? Or maybe you are very interested in going even more in depth? Check out MyNewPlace RentEngine to get started!
In any type of marketing, you need character. It may be high tech selling nowadays, but even in modern marketing, your character will still show so make sure you have a consumer-friendly mindset.
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Thanks Dennis, glad to know a marketing guy like you finds value in it! Thanks for commenting.
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