You can market your apartments by raising your presence on the web, in your community and through local business. Start with free online classifieds or step it up to establish your own web page. Spread the word about your complex with discount cards and referral bonuses. Talk to businesses in your area about how you can help to promote each other.
Web Presence
Internet marketing is a fast and inexpensive way to market your apartment complex. Some websites offer free online classifieds that you can compose and post yourself. Real estate or rental-specific sites often charge listing fees, but will usually offer a free trial period. This allows you to test the visibility of your ad and what kind of traffic volume it would generate. For many renters, the search for a new apartment begins online. Put your units' best foot forward with quality pictures and detailed amenity descriptions. Try to answer any questions you may think prospective renters may have about your units. Starting a website for your complex is a more expensive option for online marketing. Ask your webmaster to fill the site with information and keywords that will give your site prominence on search-engine queries.
Friends and Family
Reach out to your current and past tenants with incentives to attract new renters. Offering bonuses and discounts for referrals can be a powerful marketing tool for apartment managers. Start everyone in your complex with five small business-size cards that explain the discounts offered to new renters on one side and bonuses offered for qualified referrals on the other. Ask your tenants to choose people they would like as neighbors and give them a card so they can get a deal on a new lease or rental agreement. When prospective renters come into the management office with a discount card, ask who gave them the discount so a bonus can be awarded. Encourage your residents and management staff to ask at school, church, coffee shops and among family and friends. Doing this will have more eyes and ears searching for new tenants.
Business Networking
Join forces with local business to market each other and mutually benefit. Approach busy restaurants that offer advertising space on their menus. See if they are willing to provide you with gift certificates so you can promote their restaurant to your residents. These gift certificates can be used as referral awards and introduce your residents to local eateries. Talk to managers of local businesses about offering lease discounts to their employees. Some businesses may in turn be willing to offer your renters a special discount. Grocery stores often have community bulletin boards where you can post print ads and leave pamphlets. Co-sponsor local events along with other businesses. This style of marketing will raise community visibility and increase word-of-mouth advertising for your apartment complex.
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