With online advertising, you can increase your community's visibility and drive more traffic to your property.  By following these simple techniques, you'll expand your branding opportunities while keeping your community in front of potential residents.

Update Your Listings.  Did you know that Internet users make a judgment about your site in 1/20^th of a second?¹  Be sure to make the most of your online presence by keeping it current!  Up-to-date ads will draw people to your listings quicker, making it more likely that prospects will contact the leasing office.

Our research shows potential renters search for properties three ways²:

•  
  • 60% by maximum price
  • 53% by total number of bedrooms
  • 35% by amenities

 Specials and Coupons.  Free rent for a month?  No deposit? If your community is running a promotion, let your potential renters know! In these economically challenging times, renters are looking for deals. Running a monthly special and publicizing it online will separate you from your competition.  Post your promotions anywhere you can, using headlines, bullet points or coupons.  Be sure to update these frequently and always include an expiration date.

Showcase Your Property and Units.  Research shows that apartment shoppers are a visual audience. When searching for apartments, they want to see pictures! Interior shots allow apartment seekers to imagine where they'll be living.  Large, high quality images will grab their attention.   Here's what they're saying:  "I like when properties include photos of the interior of the units.  The amenities are great, but I will be spending most of my time inside my apartment and would like to see what the interior looks like. ²"

Give a Real Life Perspective.  Want to take it one step further? Include online video! According to the most recent comScore report, a record 81 percent of U.S. Internet users watched online video in July 2009 alone. Online video is growing as a cost-effective, dynamic form of media for multi-housing professionals to reach potential renters. It allows the prospect to visit a community before they physically travel there.  Our research shows an average 24% increase in LEADS^TM when properties use Community Theater^® video from For Rent Media Solutions to showcase their community. ²

So remember, make the most of your online advertising! 

1G. Lindgaard, "Attention Web Designers: You have 50 milliseconds to make a good first impression." 2Based on internal sources.