A strong online presence isn't only for social media influencers. It's actually an essential strategy for landlords and property owners looking to attract tenants. With nearly all property searches starting on the web, developing a robust online image can be the difference between a vacant property and a thriving rental business. Don't shy away from the internet, no matter how unpleasant you may find it in your personal life. Professionally, you'll need to use the power of online platforms to ensure your rental property stands out in the digital crowd.
Get Comfortable with the Digital Landscape
Before you begin putting together a stunning online profile, you'll want to grasp the digital channels through which potential tenants search for properties. While TikTok is fun, you won't necessarily find your next tenants there. Instead, focus on resources such as:
- Real Estate Websites: From industry giants like Zillow or Realtor.com to niche platforms for rentals, the property seekers in and around Philadelphia use these extensively. You'll want to know your way around most of the rental listing sites in order to post vacant properties.
- Social Media: Property marketing on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn can reach a broad audience if targeted effectively. Make sure you're using great photos and all the right #hashtags.
- Search Engines: Most users begin their property search with a search engine like Google. Search engine optimization (SEO) is vital to ensure your property ranks well and is visible to prospective renters.
By going to the same online places that prospective tenants are, you can tailor your strategy to ensure they find your property effortlessly.
The Essentials of an Online Listing
Your online presence begins with an attention-grabbing listing. This is often the first impression prospective tenants get, so it's vital to make it a lasting one. The basics of a compelling online listing include:
- High-Quality Photos: Good images sell properties, and your photos are what will get the attention of prospective tenants first. Ensure your photos are clear, well-lit, and show your property's best features. Consider a video as well.
- Detailed Descriptions: Highlight what makes your property special - whether it's a spacious kitchen or a convenient location. Maybe you have a fenced yard or in-unit laundry.
- Amenities and Features: List all amenities clearly, including any recent renovations, parking access, and pet policies.
- Pricing and Terms: Be transparent about all costs and lease terms to attract serious inquiries. Always advertise the rent and mention what you're asking as a security deposit.
A compelling online listing provides all the necessary information a potential tenant needs to make an informed decision and express interest in renting your property.
Leveraging Social Media
There is no online presence without a social media presence. Social media offers a platform to showcase the lifestyle your property can provide, beyond just the physical space. Here's how to use it effectively:
- Post Regular Updates: Keep your followers engaged with regular updates about your property. This could include upcoming open houses, new amenities, or local events that highlight the area's lifestyle.
- Upload Visual Content: Use a mix of photos, videos, and virtual tours to bring your property to life on social media.
- Engagement: Encourage interaction by answering questions and responding to comments promptly. This will help build a community around your property. Share and like other posts so that you prompt your followers to do the same.
By creating an engaging online persona through social media, you can attract potential tenants who resonate with your property's unique character.
Work for Positive Online Reviews
Your reputation has to be a big part of your online presence, especially if you have a good reputation. Online reviews are incredibly influential in the rental market. Positive reviews can build trust and credibility, while negative feedback can deter prospective tenants. Here's how to manage this aspect of your online presence:
- Encourage Reviews: After a successful tenancy, encourage your former tenants to leave a review about their experience living in your property. Ask for a review after you've done something for them, such as completed a repair or approved a pet.
- Monitor Feedback: Regularly check the reviews on various platforms and address any concerns or issues raised promptly and professionally.
- Provide Testimonials: Share positive testimonials on your social media sites to give a voice to the positive experiences of your tenants.
Online reviews can significantly influence your property's reputation, so actively managing and highlighting them is crucial.
Keep Up with Your Online Presence
Things are happening online every second of every day. This is not a stagnant space, and it's not a place where you can post a listing and then forget about it for a while. Unfortunately, constantly monitoring is necessary, and that may feel time-consuming and cumbersome. It's still necessary. Respond immediately to people who have seen your online listing and need additional information. Monitor your social media posts so you know when someone has left a comment or asked a question. You need to be responsive, available, and accessible when it comes to checking in online. Establishing and keeping up with a robust online presence is not easy, but it is imperative for landlords and rental property owners looking to fill vacancies. By understanding and utilizing the digital landscape, creating compelling listings, engaging on social media, managing reviews effectively, and ensuring that you remain responsive and available, you can ensure that your property doesn't just exist online it thrives. Embarking on this journey might seem daunting, but the rewards in terms of increased visibility, lead generation, and tenant interest are well worth the effort. Start by evaluating your current online presence and identifying areas for improvement. Then, with a well-planned strategy and consistent effort, watch as your property becomes a beacon in the digital rental world. When you don't have the time to invest, partner with a professional who does. Like the team at McSherry. Please contact us at Innovate Realty. We work with investors of all experience levels in the greater Philadelphia metro area as well as surrounding suburban areas in Montgomery, Chester, Burlington, and Delaware County, to the Delaware River.
