The number one priority of an apartment marketing strategy is to maintain and increase leases through satisfied residents. Each and every tactic within your strategy should either directly or indirectly come back to this goal.
If you notice your resident retention rate slipping, it might be time to examine your marketing initiatives and change things up a bit. Here are just a few resident retention marketing ideas to get your juices jogging:
1 | Host Events for Residents
A great place to live just got even better is free events are part of the deal. Let residents know they are appreciated with events such as brunch on-the-go, wine and paint nights, tacos on Tuesdays, etc. Greeting residents with complimentary food can go a long way after a rough day at work or just needing to ‘wine’ down.
2 | Surprise New Residents with a Move-In Gift
Again, showing appreciation sits well with residents. Greeting them with some branded swag and practical items – coffee mug, bottled water, hat, tote bag – says “welcome home” and “we’re happy you’re here.” Plus, it shows that you understand that it’s tough to move and they have a friend in their corner.
3 | Maintain and Update the Apartment Property
An apartment community doesn’t have to be built in 2019 to feel new. Continually evaluate your community’s amenities to see what needs updating and if any new amenities are needed. We’re talking fitness equipment, computers for the business center, dog wash station, etc. Plus, keep your grounds clean and pristine to show residents you care about the community just as much as they do.
4 | Ask for Reviews
How will you know what you’re doing well and what needs improvement if residents don’t give you feedback? Invite residents to leave reviews to learn more about their experience. Review campaigns through platforms like BirdEye can help with generating resident feedback.
5 | Offer Incentives for Referrals
Word of mouth is a classic marketing strategy that never get outdated. Inspire your current residents to spread the word by offering them a free gift for each referral that results in a new lease. Find out what kind of incentive works best for your residents – if free gifts don’t seem to do the trick, perhaps try a leasing special.
6 | Investigate Competitors
And finally, don’t forget to check out your competitors to see what they’re up to. Remember, your residents have several options when it comes to housing. If other communities offer something you do not, it may be time to step up your game to maintain a competitive edge.
The Brindle team has ample experience in marketing for apartment communities to increase leases and improve resident relations. We’d love to work with your apartment community to help it reach its full potential. Contact us today to get started.