Unlocking the Mystery Behind Email Marketing for Apartments

Email marketing is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways for apartment communities to reach their residents and grow their email lists. Email marketing lets you stay in touch with your residents, keep them informed about special events or promotions, and increase resident loyalty. 

https://info.criterionb.com/weekly-email-sign-up/

It’s also an incredibly valuable tool for engaging potential renters who may be interested in leasing in your community. However, email marketing success depends on various factors, including open rates, click-through rates (CTRs), content quality, email design, subject lines, and more. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss our top email marketing best practices so that you can maximize engagement from your current residents as well as attract new ones.

1. Grow your email subscriber list with lead forms.

Email list growth is key to successful email marketing. You should always use opt-in apartment lead generation forms to encourage people to join your email list. This can be done through various channels, such as email blasts, social media posts, and website CTAs. Additionally, you can work with an email marketing agency that will help you maximize the effectiveness of your campaigns. 

The best way to earn a new email is to offer the person something valuable in exchange. For example, an eBook, guide, checklist, or another valuable downloadable offer can be offered in exchange for their email.

Want to see this in action? Check out our CTA button below! You can click the landing page to see how we have this offer presented, along with our lead capture form.

2. Segment your email list.

Another email marketing tip that can be used to increase engagement is segmenting your email list. By creating tailored messages for different audiences within your email list, you can optimize the content of each email to better suit each audience’s needs. This can result in higher open rates and more relevant content being sent out.

By creating tailored messages for different audiences within your email list, you can optimize the content of each email to better suit each audience's needs.

For example, once your email list is large enough, you’ll want to segment the list by current, prospective, engaged, non-engaged, etc.

3. Monitor your email marketing analytics.

Email marketing should be tracked closely to see what is and isn’t working for your email campaigns. You should track metrics such as open rate, click-through rate (CTR), email forwards, and unsubscribes to understand your email campaigns’ performance better. 

Statistics show that email marketing continues to be one of the most successful multifamily digital marketing tactics. Email marketing has significantly risen in recent years. According to Campaign Monitor, email open rates have increased by 6% from 2020 to 2021, and email click-through rates increased by 9%. And email open rates in 2022 average 21.5%; typically, open rates between 20% and 40% are viewed as average.

And email open rates in 2022 average at 21.5%; typically, open rates between 20% and 40% are viewed as average.

This clearly indicates that email marketing is becoming an increasingly effective way for businesses and apartment communities to reach their residents.

Pay close attention to email open rates to determine the success of your subject lines. To determine your open rate, divide the number of unique opens by the number of emails sent minus those that bounced. Although it’s not always exactly accurate, open rates provide a good gauge of your engagement over time. If your open rate starts to dip, it’s a sign that you need to review your subject lines or sending frequency.

Pay close attention to email open rates to determine the success of your subject lines. To determine your open rate, divide the number of unique opens by the number of emails sent, minus those that bounced. Although it’s not always exactly accurate, open rates provide a good guage of your engagement over time. If your open rate starts to dip, it's a sign that you need to review your subject lines or sending frequency.

4. Pack your emails with high-quality, relevant content. 

Never (and we mean NEVER) send an email to send an email. Writing quality content that resonates with your target audience is essential for email marketing success. Ensure that emails are well written and offer valuable information to readers so they will open them in the first place. 

It’s also important to ensure that content is properly displayed on different devices, including mobile phones and tablets since most people now access their emails via their phones. 

5. Don’t stress about your email design.

Email design matters too. But not in the way you think it does.

Designing visually appealing emails with engaging images and colors CAN help keep your email list engaged, but you need to determine what is best for your audience.

What we mean by this is that you don’t always need a fancy email design to build, maintain, and grow a successful email campaign. We’ve tested this theory with designed and visually appealing email newsletters vs. a plain text html email we send to our list. In every occurrence, our email open rate and CTR were higher with the plain text email.

Our theory? People are inundated with emails every single day. Emails flood your inbox and the designed sales emails typically end up in the spam folder. Or, if the person opens it, they quickly delete it if something (the content) doesn’t grab their attention immediately.

Html text emails feel and look more personal. We started sending these emails to our list from one team member. It’s sent as a one-on-one email exchange and garners more engagement than a highly designed email.

So, next time you plan your next email campaign, we recommend A/B testing a designed email vs. html text to see what works best for your audience.

6. Subject lines are critical.

First impressions matter and that’s exactly what a subject line is. It’s arguably the most important part of your email and should talk almost as long to perfect the subject line as it does to write the whole email. 

Attention-grabbing subject lines will encourage people to open your emails instead of sending them straight to the trash bin. We treat subject lines like a landing page: Keep it straightforward, pique your audience’s interest, and don’t overwhelm your audience.

Using attention-grabbing subject lines will also encourage people to open your emails instead of sending it straight to the trash bin. We treat subject lines similar to that of a landing page: Keep it simple, straightforward, pique your audience’s interest, and don’t overwhelm your audience.

Here are a few things we’ve learned from A/B testing email subject lines:

  • 60 characters MAX or no more than 9 words.
  • Most email subject lines are 41-50 characters long, but the true sweet spot is 25-30.
  • Punctuation is not needed.
  • Sentence case is favorable.
  • Emojis can be added but they should be done with intention.
  • Emojis at the beginning of your subject line tend to perform better than at the end.

Our most popular subject lines:

  • 3 keywords for more lease traffic
  • 🚨Property SEO mistakes to avoid
  • Win Yeti merch in 5 minutes
  • Potential renters will love to see THIS
  • Are you using this type of ad?
  • This will keep leads on your website longer
  • Increase open rates with this 1 tip!

After 4 months of A/B testing email subject lines, we’ve increased our overall open rate per email from 10% to 20%. Specifically, our five best-performing subject lines all had an open rate of 25%-30%.

7. Invest in email marketing automation software.

The final tip we suggest when it comes to email marketing is email automation. Automating email campaigns can save apartment communities time and money while also providing a more personalized experience for users. The key here is to provide targeted content at specific times to maximize the impact of your email marketing campaigns.

You can use platforms like Campaign Monitor, MailChimp, SharpSpring, HubSpot, and many more to help you automate your emails. The goal of automation is to make sure no lead is forgotten. You can create email workflows triggered when someone signs up for a property tour, fills out a contact form on your multifamily website, or clicks on a link in one of your email blasts.

Email marketing software will also make tracking your analytics and A/B testing content a breeze.

Get the Most Out of Your Email Campaigns

Email marketing can provide great results for apartment communities — if done correctly. Email offers an incredible opportunity to engage with current residents, attract prospects, and build renter loyalty. 

By following email marketing best practices and taking advantage of email tracking data, you can get the most out of your campaigns and see positive outcomes for your property.

https://info.criterionb.com/weekly-email-sign-up/

3 X (Twitter) Social Media Marketing Features You Should Already Be Using

As a multifamily property manager, staying on top of the latest X (formerly Twitter) marketing trends and social media platforms is important. X is one of the world’s most influential and widely used social networks, offering multifamily marketers an excellent opportunity to reach potential residents. From engaging with prospects to showcasing your properties, X marketing services can provide various benefits. 

Multifamily marketing guide to social media and social media for apartments.

With X, engagement is directed toward a broader community: residents, local businesses, other properties, corporate management offices, the multifamily industry, etc. While Facebook is predominantly B2C (business to consumer), X’s social media marketing incorporates more B2B (business to business).

Understanding the basics of X

X is a social media platform that allows users to share short messages limited to 280 characters. Users range from individuals to major corporations, and they can follow or subscribe to each other’s updates. 

Hashtags allow users to carry on conversations with larger groups, and X’s retweet feature enables messages to bridge networks of people quickly. You can also use trending hashtags related to current events or popular topics, which can help get more eyes on your posts and boost engagement levels.

X marketing lends well to news-like updates, quick conversations, and viral messages. Several multifamily properties have found their way onto X, and our X marketing agency is frequently asked for direction on its use. 

What are the use cases for X?

  • Important updates: While residents are one of many audiences on X, they’re still important. X is an excellent tool for sharing information updates, including upcoming resident events, inclement weather, or reminders about daylight savings time. Quick thoughts and well wishes (e.g., Happy holidays! Safe travels, everyone!) are also conducive to the platform.
While residents are one of many audiences on Twitter, they’re still an important one. Twitter is an excellent tool for sharing information updates, whether that’s upcoming resident events, inclement weather, or reminders about daylight savings time. Quick thoughts and well wishes (e.g., Happy holidays! Safe travels everyone!) are also conducive to the platform.
  • Community engagement: Begin following and interacting with local businesses. Your multifamily property is part of a larger community, so being a good community member is essential. Support local events by spreading the word and sharing business specials when they’re relevant to your residents or your community. You’d be surprised how much support you’ll receive in return, both online and off.
Begin following and interacting with local businesses. Your multifamily property is part of a larger community, so it’s important to be a good community member. Support local events by spreading the word, and share business specials when they’re relevant to your residents or your community. You’d be surprised how much support you’ll receive in return, both online and off.
  • Environmental scanning: X marketing is an excellent tool for monitoring conversations surrounding your property, city, and industry. What are people saying about your property? Banter the good and address the bad. It’s essential always to respond. Is someone searching for apartments in Uptown Dallas? Perhaps you could be the one to reach out and offer to answer any questions they have about the neighborhood. A simple keyword search allows you to keep an eye on conversations that might be relevant to you.
Twitter marketing is a wonderful tool for monitoring the conversation surrounding your property, your city and your industry. What are people saying about your property? Banter with the good, and address the bad. It’s important to always respond. Is someone searching for apartments in Uptown Dallas? Perhaps you could be the one to reach out and offer to answer any questions they have about the neighborhood. A simple keyword search allows you to keep an eye on conversations that might be relevant to you.
  • Cross-platform promotion: X is a great way to spread the word about your actions on other platforms. If your property keeps a blog or if you’re holding a contest on Facebook or Instagram, X is an excellent platform for sharing links or sending out reminders.
Twitter is a great way to spread the word about things you’re doing on other platforms. If your property keeps a blog, or if you’re holding a contest on Facebook or Instagram, Twitter is a great platform for sharing links or sending out reminders.
  • Displaying your personality: When interacting on X, people should feel like they correspond with a person, not a business. Be friendly, be personable, and be neighborly. Remember that social media is a cocktail party, so take the time to get to know the other party members. The customer-centric approach pays off through relationships, the foundation for referrals, retention, and leasing. Trust us on this one.
  • Lead generation: You can also use X’s targeted advertising features to reach new audiences interested in renting an apartment home at your property. With targeted ads, you can select specific demographic criteria such as age, location, gender, etc., which allows you to target specific users who are likely interested in renting from your property. This helps ensure that your ad spend is efficient and effective by focusing on users who are more likely to convert into leads or tenants for your property. 

Don’t forget that social media activity improves your SEO (search engine optimization) — that is, the likelihood that your property will appear near the top of search engine rankings. This is important because it helps more people find your property.

Twitter is an amazing place. With over 368 million monthly active users worldwide, Twitter has an active community that all different types of people embrace.

Who is using X?

X is an amazing place. With over 368 million monthly active users worldwide, X has an active community that all different types of people embrace.

Almost every type of industry has a community on X, including engineers, multifamily marketing professionals, fashion designers, lawyers, and even realtors. But how can these industries use X to their benefit and gain something positive out of a social network?

We’ve talked a lot about social media and how it benefits the multifamily market, but let’s talk about one specific thing that may interest realtors, developers, and everyone: Tweetchats.

What are the benefits of online chats?

Online chats have been around for years and are continually rising in popularity.

These online chats are scheduled, moderated conversations about a specific topic. Any X user is welcome to join any chat of their choice, but it’s a chance for users to connect with influencers and other uses and converse over similar interests. For instance, a chat about community fitness will probably bring groups of social runners and yoga lovers together to talk about health and wellness in community settings.

There are several different types of Tweetchats within real estate, each catered to people interested in multifamily, apartment hunting, developments, or traveling. However, Tweetchats are scheduled at a certain time each week. Make sure to find out when exactly your chat is and add it to your calendar. There are a few websites out there that list almost every Tweetchat created and their time.

How to get involved

There are several types of chats within real estate, each catering to people interested in multifamily, apartment hunting, developments, or traveling. However, chats are scheduled at a certain time each week. Make sure to find out when exactly your chat is and add it to your calendar. There are a few websites out there that list almost every chat created and their time.

Questions & Answers

The format for a chat is fairly simple to understand: a moderator from a single X account usually tweets out questions for other users to respond to. Using the form “Q1” or “Q2”, moderators can let you know what question they’re on, and you reply to those questions with “A1”, “A2”, or whichever number corresponds to the question. This makes it easy for other participants to understand what everyone is responding to and ultimately helps everything stay organized.

Engage With Others

So you’re answering the questions, getting favorites on your tweets, and maybe a few replies. What do you do now? Engage with them! This is when you can interact with the rest of the community, reply to interesting answers you see, and favorite some tweets that catch your attention. Overall, it’s your chance to get your name out there, grow your following, and make some connections.

While you may think chats won’t help people in the industry, it’s still important to know that a social presence benefits all types of professionals. With the digital age constantly evolving, multifamily must stay on their toes; engaging with the community through social media is one way to stay up-to-date.

Beyond X: What are the latest features you should be using?

With countless tools and features at your disposal, it’s no wonder that many businesses are taking advantage of X’s social media marketing to boost their reach. So, what are some of the newest features? And how should your property be using them? Let’s take a look. 

Threads 

The thread feature allows you to create longer messages by connecting multiple tweets in one thread. This is great for sharing lengthy stories that would otherwise be too long for a single tweet. To do this, hit the “add another tweet” button when composing a tweet and start adding more content. You can also add images and videos to make your threads more engaging. 

The tweet thread feature allows you to create longer messages by connecting multiple tweets in one thread. This is great for sharing lengthy stories that would otherwise be too long for a single tweet. To do this, hit the “add another tweet” button when composing a tweet and start adding more content. You can also add images and videos to make your threads more engaging. 

Polls 

Polls allow you to gather feedback from followers quickly and easily without having to send surveys or contact people directly. You can ask simple questions with a few options for responses or complex ones with up to four answers each. This is a great way to get valuable insights into what potential renters may look for in an apartment complex or what amenities they prioritize if given a chance. 

Moments 

Moments are related tweets about noteworthy topics, such as events, trends, or announcements from around the world or within your community. They can be shared through links and hashtags and embedded on websites, making them highly visible and easy to access. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase some of the events at your property, like upcoming concerts or weekend activities, so you can reach new audiences who may not already be following you on X. 

Add X to your multifamily marketing toolbox.

X marketing services is simply another tool in your multifamily marketing toolbox, and it has the power to foster relationships and positive word-of-mouth. With the ever-growing community on X, putting yourself out there and interacting with your residents is essential.

X social media marketing has endless possibilities for getting your message out there — but only if you know how to use its tools effectively. By taking advantage of new features, you can unlock powerful opportunities that will help get your property noticed by potential renters who may not have been aware of it.

Multifamily marketing guide to social media and social media for apartments.

How to Convert Apartment Leads Into Leases Using Your CRM

Sales are all about converting apartment leads into residents. And a CRM (customer relationship management) system can be an invaluable tool for making that happen for your property. 

You can improve your chances of converting leads into leases by tracking apartment leads and resident interactions. Key features to look for in a CRM include apartment lead management, multifamily email marketing automation, and contact management.

How can different marketing methods impact your brand? This marketing story infographic looks at four popular marketing methods and explains how each impact a fictional company looking to grow and expand. Discover how these different methods could impact your business.

Apartment lead management is important for monitoring prospects and keeping track of their progress. Multifamily email marketing automation can help you nurture leads with automated email campaigns. And contact management can help you keep track of resident interactions and follow up with them effectively.

When it comes to multifamily marketing, these CRM features can be extremely helpful in booking more property tours. By using a CRM system, you can better manage your apartment leads, automate your email multifamily marketing, and keep track of resident interactions. This will all lead to more sales and a higher conversion rate.

That being said, not all CRMs are created equal. Some CRM features are more helpful than others when it comes to conversions. 

Here is a closer look at what our team views as the most important CRM features for conversions (and what we use every day in our multifamily marketing efforts!): 

1. Customizable lead capture forms

A good CRM will allow you to create custom lead capture forms that fit your needs. This is important because you want to ensure you’re capturing all the information you need from potential customers to follow up with them effectively.

A good CRM will allow you to create custom lead capture forms that fit your specific needs. This is important because you want to make sure you’re capturing all the information you need from potential customers, in order to follow up with them effectively.

Custom lead capture forms are online forms that allow you to gather leads for your multifamily property. By collecting contact information and other key data points, you can nurture leads through the sales process and ultimately convert them into residents.

A good CRM will allow you to create custom lead capture forms that fit your specific needs. This is important because you want to make sure you’re capturing all the information you need from potential customers, in order to follow up with them effectively.

There are several features that can be included on custom lead capture forms, but some of the most important for conversions include the following:

  • Property type: By asking leads what type of multifamily property they’re interested in (e.g., apartments, townhomes, etc.), you can ensure that you’re marketing to the right audience.
  • Budget: Collecting budget information helps you qualify leads and determine whether they can afford your multifamily property.
  • Location: Knowing where your apartment leads are interested in living helps you target your multifamily marketing efforts and ensure that you provide relevant information.
  • Contact information: To follow up with leads, you’ll need to collect their contact information (e.g., email address, phone number, etc.).

By including these key data points on your custom lead capture form, you can increase the likelihood of conversion by ensuring that you’re marketing to the right audience and providing relevant information.

2. Lead scoring and grading

A lead scoring system will help you determine the most promising leads, so you can focus your energy on converting them. This is important because it allows you to prioritize your time and resources and increase your chances of making a sale.

If you have access or interest, marketing automation software offers lead scoring to qualify your apartment leads. Lead scoring involves tracking any lead in your CRM across your multifamily website. With lead scoring, you can ascribe value to different blogs or page views, offers or email interactions. When a lead reaches a certain score, decided on by your team, they become sales qualified.

With lead scoring, you can ascribe value to different blogs or page views, offers or email interactions. When a lead reaches a certain score, decided on by your team, they become sales qualified.

3. Automated follow-up

Automated follow-up is one of the most valuable features a CRM can offer. Once an apartment lead has been captured, it’s important to follow up with them as quickly as possible. An automated follow-up system will ensure no potential sale slips through the cracks. It allows you to set up automatic email or phone reminders to follow up with apartment leads, so you never miss an opportunity to convert them. 

An automated follow-up system will ensure that no potential sale slips through the cracks. It allows you to set up automatic email or phone reminders to follow up with apartment leads, so you never miss an opportunity to convert them.

For example, you will want to set up automated follow-up emails for anyone who fills out a form on your multifamily website to book a tour, contact your leasing team, or if they download any of your free resources.

Don’t forget to use personalization tokens in the body copy of your email to ensure your message is catered to the specific resident. However, be cautious with personalizing your subject lines, as recent studies found that emails with personalized subject lines get lower open rates (18.79%) than those with generic ones (22.14%). Further, the personalized subject line click-through rate was 1.74% versus 2.74%. 

However, be cautious with personalizing your subject lines as recent studies found that emails with personalized subject lines actually get lower open rates (18.79%) than those with generic ones (22.14%). Further, the personalized subject line click through rate was 1.74% versus 2.74%.

4. Detailed customer profiles (AKA get to know your prospects)

The more information you have about a resident, the better equipped you are to provide them with what they need and want. A detailed resident profile will include contact information to lease history and interests. 

This profile can also help you refine your resident buyer persona. Potential residents should never be looked at as an entry in a database or a contact in a CRM. Multifamily marketing messaging is meant to connect and provide powerful content that is useful and relevant to their problems. All the while, it’s helping transform your properties through real and honest data. 

Potential residents should never be looked at as an entry in a database or a contact in a CRM. Multifamily marketing messaging is meant to connect and provide powerful content that is useful and relevant to their problems.

What renters perceive is reality to them, which is why it is important to ensure your residents feel comfortable and welcome at your property. This requires properties to anticipate the needs of community members, and the best way to do that is to get to know them.

Qualifying your apartment leads to increase conversions

Just because a lead is sales-qualified does not mean they are a good fit. As a multifamily marketer, you’ll likely never know if a lead meets sales’ needs. That requires sales to engage with the lead first. Instead, it’s imperative to use lead qualification methods to ensure your apartment leads are qualified from a multifamily marketing perspective and ease sales jobs on the rest. 

With the right CRM tool and marketing automation software, you can more easily determine who your hot leads are and take action, so no sales fall through the cracks. Or, you can use this information to nurture those leads to eventually become leases. Ultimately, with the right tools, you’ll be well on achieving your leasing goals.

How can different marketing methods impact your brand? This marketing story infographic looks at four popular marketing methods and explains how each impact a fictional company looking to grow and expand. Discover how these different methods could impact your business.

Our Top 10 Tips to Increase Your Ranking in Google SERP

If you manage a multifamily property, you know how important it is to be visible online. After all, potential residents will likely start their search for a new place to live by turning to the Internet. But with so many properties vying for attention, how can you ensure that yours stands out from the rest? The answer is multifamily SEO.

SEO, or search engine optimization, is improving your property’s ranking in Google and other search engines. Following a few simple tips, you can ensure that your property appears at the top of the search results when potential residents are looking for a new place to live.

14 Multifamily SEO Facts You Didn't Know (Plus Tips for Implementing these SEO Tips Into Your Multifamily Marketing Strategy)

Solving the Mystery of Multifamily SEO

The mysterious art that is multifamily SEO is not that mysterious at all. From this perspective, things become a little clearer when we think about multifamily SEO. We all do searches and all happen across results less than valuable to our needs.

Google only cares about one thing and one thing. Relevance. That is it — just relevance. They do not care about you or your multifamily business — they only care about the person searching.

Google only cares about one thing and one thing only. Relevance. That is it — just relevance. They do not care about you or your multifamily business — they only care about the person doing the search.

Google’s job is to get the user the best results as quickly as possible. It is not easy when so many people are trying to game the system to increase traffic to their site. Google gives us one directive, “Be Relevant.”

From time to time, you hear about Google’s major algorithm updates and descriptions of what they do from a technical standpoint. You need to know less of the technical aspects and more of the overarching strategy — relevant content. If you can follow that advice and do it well, you will find yourself rising in the ranks of Google.

So you want to know how to do it well? Do you want to know the secret to get your multifamily business listed?

Just follow these SEO tips to improve your ranking in Google:

1. Create remarkable content

Remarkable content is sharable content. You want your content to be so good that people want to share it with their friends, families, and others within their circle of influence. This, while a little daunting, may be simpler than you think. You can start by identifying pain points that your prospective renters may have and give them a solution. 

Your content shouldn’t be about driving a sales pitch, it should be about educating. Add value to your viewers. They will appreciate it, and in turn, pass it around to those within their circle of influence.

Your content shouldn’t be about driving a sales pitch, it should be about educating. Add value to your viewers. They will appreciate it, and in turn, pass it around to those within their circle of influence.

2. Create a catchy, relevant headline

Your headline is your first impression, and first impressions count. It’s just as important as having a strategic meta description and title tag. You want your headline to be catchy and engaging but also contain your primary keywords.

Try using numbers combined with the primary keyword you are trying to rank for. People are drawn to lists because they are faster reads, such as:

  • 5 Ways to Decorate Your Luxury Apartment in Dallas
  • 10 Steps to Declutter Your One-Bedroom Apartment
  • 30 Things to Do in Charlotte, N.C. This Summer.”
Multifamily SEO (search engine optimization) is one of the great mysteries of the web. This free guide reveals the multifamily SEO practices we know are worthwhile, and which are a huge mistake.

3. Always include a call-to-action (CTA)

Throughout your blog, or at least at the end of it, provide a way for your viewers to get more helpful information by providing you with a little bit of information. Give them something of value for providing you their name and emails, such as a whitepaper on the “Top Multifamily Market Trends of This Year,” an infographic on “What Amenities Your Residents Really Want,” or perhaps an eBook on how to win more business by using your multifamily product or service. (Psst … a great example of a marketing offer is the one you see promoted throughout this blog!)

This is one way to help identify which content is truly remarkable and what is not. When someone fills out your form requesting additional information, this is what we like to call an apartment lead — it shows interest!

4. Distribute your multifamily content

Simply put, don’t just post content to your site and leave it at that. Get the word out. Post a link across your social channels, send it out in an email blast, and get your coworkers and others in your circle to post it. This will create a buzz around your multifamily business, and you will start seeing a spike in traffic to your site just because of this. Every post you make needs to include social sharing icons, making it easy for your viewers to share it. The easier it is to share, the wider your reach. 

Every post you make needs to include social sharing icons, making it easy for your viewers to share it. The easier it is to share, the wider your reach.

5. Enhance your outreach backlink strategy

Distributing your content is also a great strategy for enhancing your backlink strategy. A backlink is a link from another website to your multifamily website, web page, or web directory. This is comparable to a citation. These backlinks are critical to any good multifamily SEO strategy as it shows Google that your multifamily website has authority and relevance in the market.

By getting the word out about a new blog you published, for example, you increase your chances of similar websites linking back to your content and increasing your authority with Google (and thus, your ranking!) Distributing your content and reaching out to similar publications are two easy (and free) ways to increase your backlinks.

These backlinks are critical to any good multifamily SEO strategy as it shows Google that your multifamily website has authority and relevance in the market.

Just be very cautious about blackhat multifamily SEO tactics that could harm your rankings, such as irrelevant and spammy backlinks.

6. Encourage commenting and respond to comments

This point is not that hard, invite viewers of your content to leave you feedback through comments. This provides a great way to build relationships with prospects interested in using your multifamily product or service. These comments can come from social media or your multifamily website.

7. Claim your Google Business Profile

Google Business Page (formerly Google My Business) is a free service offered by Google that allows businesses to manage their online presence. When you claim your listing, you can control what information appears about your property when it comes up in a search. Ensure all of your property’s information is accurate and up-to-date, and take the time to respond to positive and negative reviews.

Make sure that all of your property's information is accurate and up-to-date, and take the time to respond to any reviews, both positive and negative.

8. Optimize your multifamily website for SEO

Your multifamily website should be designed with SEO from the beginning. That means incorporating relevant keywords into your content, ensuring your site is easy to navigate, and ensuring all your content is original and error-free. You should also ensure that your site is mobile-friendly, as more and more people use their phones and tablets to access the internet.

9. Get involved in local community events

Local community events are a great way to get your property’s name out there. Sponsor a Little League team, host a food drive or partner with a local charity. Anytime you can get your property’s name in front of potential residents, you’re increasing the chances that they’ll remember you when they’re ready to start looking for a new place to live.

10. Make use of social media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram are great ways to connect with potential residents and create an engaged online community around your property. Use social media to share your property’s news updates, highlight available units, and promote community events. 

And don’t forget to respond quickly and courteously to any questions or concerns posted on your social media accounts — you want potential residents to know they can count on you for excellent customer service.

And don't forget to respond quickly and courteously to any questions or concerns that are posted on your social media accounts — you want potential residents to know that they can count on you for excellent customer service!

Writing Remarkable Content to Earn Higher SERP Rankings

To sum up, there is nothing magical about these SEO tips. As a wise man once said, “If it is not worth doing right, then it’s not worth doing.” Writing remarkable content to improve your multifamily SEO takes time and effort, but it ultimately pays off.

Following these simple SEO tips can improve your multifamily property’s ranking in Google and attract more attention from potential residents. Investing in SEO will pay off in the long run as you see an increase in traffic to your website and ultimately lease up more units at your property.

14 Multifamily SEO Facts You Didn't Know (Plus Tips for Implementing these SEO Tips Into Your Multifamily Marketing Strategy)

The Secret to a Successful Multifamily Marketing Strategy: Influencer Marketing

Millennial and Gen Z renters no longer consider commercials or ads the major influence in their decision-making process. Many brands know this, using their marketing tactics to focus on influencer marketing to reach beyond the typical leasing billboard.

Grow your online presence and enhance your multifamily marketing strategy with this free social media for apartments checklist.

From reviews to thought leadership, social media for apartments offers a unique outlet to build fans as an influencer. Social media influencers in the real estate world are recognized for their large following and insights covering all aspects of the multifamily space. 

A strong social presence is necessary to hold an influencer status in addition to quality posts. Turning to these influencers as a voice within the industry will result in valuable relationships that companies can leverage.

So who exactly are these valuable assets? 

Social media influencers are users with a large following and are “influencing” the community. They are often viewed as a more trustworthy resource than advertisers, thus better capturing an audience. 

According to Nielsen, 92% of people trust recommendations from individuals (even if they don’t know them) over brands. It makes sense, right? Who sounds more reliable, a brand trying to sell you something or an individual just stating opinions?

According to Nielsen, 92% of people trust recommendations from individuals (even if they don’t know them) over brands. It makes sense, right? Who sounds more reliable, a brand trying to sell you something or an individual just stating opinions?

Influencer marketing has become an increasingly important tool for businesses in recent years, and the multifamily industry is no exception. Influencers are social media users with a large and engaged following who can help to promote your brand or product. When done correctly, influencer marketing can be an extremely effective way to reach new prospects and generate apartment leads.

Multifamily marketing guide to social media and social media for apartments.

What does influencer marketing mean for multifamily?

As property managers take to more nontraditional methods for reeling in renters, social media influencers hold an interesting opportunity for multifamily. Influencer marketing is an indispensable asset as it allows a third party to promote your property.

For instance, influencers have brought attention to properties through guest blogging and social promotion, like TweetChats. Most of them participate or host weekly Tweetchats, like #AptChat and #REOnline, where real estate professionals exchange ideas while networking. Apartment communities can join the conversation and leverage the popularity of online hashtags run by influencers.

For instance, influencers have brought attention to properties through guest blogging and social promotion, like TweetChats. Most of them participate or host weekly Tweetchats, like #AptChat and #REOnline, where real estate professionals exchange ideas while networking. Apartment communities can join the conversation and leverage the popularity of online hashtags run by influencers.

Leveraging influencer marketing for your property

There are a few key things to remember when leveraging influencers for social media

  • First, it’s important to identify influencers who are a good fit for your multifamily brand and who have an audience that overlaps with your target market. 
  • Second, you’ll want to develop a clear strategy for working with influencers, including what type of content you’d like them to create and how you’ll promote it. 
  • Finally, ensure you measure the results of your influencer marketing campaign to continue improving your multifamily marketing strategy over time. 

Connect and Engage With Influencers

Connecting with real estate professionals is the first step to becoming aware of how influencers can help your marketing. Engaging with these professionals in relevant topics will help develop a network that can be used to get involved with the community.

Twitter and LinkedIn have a large commercial real estate community, so it’s important to know where to go to connect with the right professionals. TweetChats and LinkedIn groups are great places to engage with property managers, so use these to your advantage. As long as you’re getting your name out there, other professionals will start to see you as a reputable source.

Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn have a large commercial real estate community, so it’s important to know where to go to connect with the right professionals. TweetChats and LinkedIn groups are great places to engage with property managers, so use these to your advantage. As long as you’re getting your name out there, other professionals will start to see you as a reputable source.

Socialize With Quality

Focusing on sharing quality content is important to real estate influencers. Social media should be an outlet for property managers to be themselves and talk with other professionals. Sharing relevant content and using popular real estate hashtags will elevate your presence. Further, voicing opinions on certain trending topics will show a positive interest in building an active, involved community.

Boost Your Multifamily Marketing Efforts

Influencers are great marketing tools because they know the ins and outs of the industry. Connecting with these professionals allows property managers to market their property simply by becoming visible to their followers. 

Rather than spending large marketing dollars on billboards or print ads, influencer marketing is free or significantly cheaper. Consider allowing one of these professionals to guest blog on your property’s site, for example. They can share your article with their followers, and you have more content to add. It’s a win-win!

Rather than spending large marketing dollars on billboards or print ads, influencer marketing is free or significantly cheaper. Consider allowing one of these professionals to guest blog on your property’s site, for example. They can share your article with their followers, and you have more content to add. It’s a win-win!

By following these tips, you can maximize the impact of influencer marketing for your multifamily business.

Grow your online presence and enhance your multifamily marketing strategy with this free social media for apartments checklist.

Winning Tactics to Attract More Gen Z Renters to Your Property

The oldest members of Gen Z are turning 25 this year. They were only seven years old when Facebook launched; they had never known a time before the internet.

And guess what else? They will be the largest generation of apartment renters the industry has ever seen.

We just adapted to millennial renters, and now here comes Generation Z in full force. Before long, it will be time to adapt again to Generation Alpha (AKA “mini millennials”), but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.

While you may be overwhelmed, the gear-up process for your marketing strategy can be a breeze with the right tools. This free inbound marketing kit includes four major tools we use in-house to outline our inbound marketing efforts and strategy.

Meet your Gen Z renters

First, who are your Gen Z renters? They’re the buzzed-about generation, and rightfully so, with $360 billion in disposable income. And Gen Z’s spending power is continuously on the rise.

While millennials have historically garnered all the attention from multifamily apartment properties, Generation Z has overtaken the rental market. This age group is typically born between the mid-1990s and 2010.

While millennials have historically garnered all the attention from multifamily apartment properties, Generation Z has started to overtake the rental market. This age group is typically born between the mid-1990s and 2010.

When comparing them to previous generations, online connectivity emerges as the defining characteristic. As such, this young population should be an extremely important part of your apartment marketing strategy.

Gen Z by the numbers

Let’s consider a few stats from a recent rentcafe.com survey of 2,500 Gen Z renters:

  • 39% of Gen Z renters searched Google for their next apartment, while 27% specifically went to apartment search websites.
  • 52% of Gen Z said they prefer non-agent apartment tours (e.g., self-guided or virtual tour options).
  • 30% of this generation check ratings and reviews first, as compared with 28% of millennials and 25% of Gen X.
  • 62% of Gen Z said apartment technology is either “extremely important” or “very important.”
  • The No. 1 most important amenity to Gen Z renters is high-speed internet, followed closely by garage and parking.
  • 36% of Gen Z renters said Instagram is their #1 social media platform.
  • Smart locks and smart thermostats are twice as important to Gen Z as to millennials or Gen X.
The No. 1 most important amenity to Gen Z renters is high-speed internet, followed closely by garage and parking.

What do Gen Z renters want?

Gen Z renters seek efficiency in leasing, new communication channels, and enhanced amenities. As these young adults continue to enter the rental market, it will become increasingly crucial for you to understand their expectations.

1. Smart technology

Now is the time to get ahead on your smart apartment technology and high-speed internet connectivity, as these amenities are more important to Gen Z renters than gyms, pools, and coffee bars.

Now is the time to get ahead on your smart apartment technology and high-speed internet connectivity, as these amenities are more important to Gen Z renters than gyms, pools, and coffee bars.

2. Mobile-first strategy

Gen Z’s technology use is fast-evolving in consumer marketing and the real estate industry. Smartphones are considered an extension of the body. Gen Z touches their smartphones 45 times daily for communication, entertainment, and informational purposes. About 29% of Gen Z are on their phones after midnight every night, and 31% said they feel uncomfortable without their phone for 30 minutes or less.

We don’t know what will if these stats don’t tell you to prioritize your mobile-first website!

3. More activity on social media

Social media is a natural forum for Gen Z to interact with friends and companies. In fact, their preferred method of communication is on social media rather than in person (even when it comes to their friends and family). This generation’s lifestyles and technology habits are causing us to rethink how we approach brand development, particularly in real estate.

Social media is a natural forum for Gen Z to interact with their friends and with companies. In fact, their preferred method of communication is on social media rather than in person (even when it comes to their friends and family). This generation’s lifestyles and technology habits are causing us to rethink the way we approach brand development, particularly in real estate.

With technology at their fingertips, everything of interest to Generation Z is connected to social media. Your apartment marketing should focus extensively on the most popular social media platforms (i.e., Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok) and continually adapt as new social tools gain popularity.

While these young adults are known for their multitasking abilities when juggling various social platforms simultaneously, they are also known for “scrolling.” Your social media ads should, therefore, be attention-grabbing and specific. Hone in on your core message quickly or risk losing engagement. Focus your apartment marketing efforts on videos and other visually appealing content for the best results. 

4. Rent longer. Rent by choice.

Aside from being the most coveted demographic, they’re also the most baffling for a traditional multifamily industry to understand. Compared to the generations before them, changing lifestyle preferences are beginning to propel several trends in multifamily development. 

Gen Z is poised to rent longer than generations before, often by choice. If you compare it to the millennial generation, who waited longer to get married and start a family, Gen Z is expected to follow in a similar path. This trend will undoubtedly extend their rental lifetime well into their professional years.

5. More tour options and an adaptable leasing process

With over half of Gen Z renters preferring non-agent apartment tours, it will be up to your property to adapt and offer a mix of in-person, self-guided, and virtual tour options to increase conversions.

With over half of Gen Z renters preferring non-agent apartment tours, it will be up to your property to adapt and offer a mix of in-person, self-guided, and virtual tour options to increase conversions.

Regarding communication and the leasing process, a mobile-first strategy is also important. Gen Z is unlikely to hand-write a rent check or manually fill out a leasing application. They expect everything online, which includes leasing paperwork and payments.

Marketing to Gen Z renters

Gen Z lifestyle preferences drive key changes in multifamily development, but what does that mean for multifamily marketing? If you understand what’s important to them, you can understand how to attract them. This is how to maintain a customer-centric approach. 

However, remember that being familiar with multifamily marketing trends is only a starting point. Your greatest demographic insights will come from the research you do yourself. The best way to research your target market is to develop resident personas. You can learn all about developing personas on our blog.

Again, when we know what’s important to prospective residents, we can understand how to attract and engage them.

While you may be overwhelmed, the gear-up process for your marketing strategy can be a breeze with the right tools. This free inbound marketing kit includes four major tools we use in-house to outline our inbound marketing efforts and strategy.

Understanding the Relationship Between Multifamily SEO and Social Media

Did you know that multifamily SEO matters on social media?

More and more multifamily properties are hopping on social media, which serves as another channel for them to share and interact with renters and the community. But perhaps you don’t see the appeal of a social media presence?

14 Multifamily SEO Facts You Didn't Know (Plus Tips for Implementing these SEO Tips Into Your Multifamily Marketing Strategy)

Well, we’re here to give you another very important reason to be on social media, and that’s search engine optimization (SEO). Multifamily SEO is essentially the process of optimizing your content for search engines. 

For most platforms (i.e., Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Tumblr, to name a few), there are a few simple steps you can take to move your multifamily property up in search engine rankings:

How do you optimize your social media profiles?

1. List Basic Information

All social media platforms have a place for users to list basic information: Company Name, Location, About Us, Address, etc. Make sure to fill out all the information sections on your profiles with specific keywords. The more information you share, the more chances you have to be indexed by Google. Besides, you want to make sure that anyone who comes across your property online knows exactly where it’s located and how to contact you.

2. Anticipate Popular Keywords

Brainstorm words or phrases that are relevant to your multifamily property. Perhaps it’s “lofts in downtown Dallas” or “Houston apartments with a dog park.” What is your property or multifamily business offering? What would your target audience search specifically? Use these keywords at a high density throughout your social media profiles and bios; include them in your social media captions when it’s natural to do so. You also might want to use them in hashtags (within the caption and not the comments) to get users on social media to find you more easily.

hat is your property or multifamily business offering? What would your target audience search specifically? Use these keywords at a high density throughout your social media profiles and bios; include them in your social media captions when it’s natural to do so. You also might want to use them in hashtags (within the caption and not the comments) to get users on social media to find you more easily.

3. Invite Reviews

Display a section for reviews when possible. Facebook pages have a review section on the left side panel with 1-5 star ratings for the user to evaluate and post comments. It shows real people living in your multifamily property, providing real feedback. Again, it’s more opportunities to be indexed by search engines. This also allows you to publicly address any issues that your residents may be having, ultimately showing potential residents that you’re on top of handling problems.

Facebook pages have a review section on the left side panel with 1-5 star ratings for the user to evaluate and post comments. It shows real people living in your multifamily property, providing real feedback. Again, it’s more opportunities to be indexed by search engines. This also allows you to publicly address any issues that your residents may be having, ultimately showing potential residents that you’re on top of handling problems.

4. Link Often

Outbound links are one of the most important aspects to multifamily SEO, so be sure to link to other sources! In your use of social media, provide links to relevant blog articles and neighborhood events. Spread the word out about the great happenings going on around your neighborhood and property. Not only is it good for multifamily SEO, but “linking” is a great way to connect with people and businesses in your community.

Multifamily SEO (search engine optimization) is one of the great mysteries of the web. This free guide reveals the multifamily SEO practices we know are worthwhile, and which are a huge mistake.

5. Create Shareable Content

Inbound links are equally as important to SEO, yet you have to earn them. When people link back to your multifamily website or social media pages, it means you’re sharing content that is high quality, compelling, and helpful. 

Some ideas include:

  • Make and share a weekly newsletter with information about what’s going on at your property.
  • Post interior design tips for small living spaces. 
  • Write about apartment decorating and storage hacks.
  • Promote local events and happy hour specials in your community.

Creating shareable content starts with knowing your audience and what they would find interesting and resourceful.

Inbound links are equally as important to SEO, yet you have to earn them. When people link back to your multifamily website or social media pages, it means you’re sharing content that is high quality, compelling, and helpful. Creating shareable content starts with knowing your audience and what they would find interesting and resourceful.

6. Utilize Multifamily PPC

While SEO is the organic approach to driving traffic, multifamily PPC is the paid. PPC ads display at the top or in the sidebar of search engine results. A successful multifamily PPC campaign combines your keyword research and your insights to design highly targeted ads that drive traffic to your website. It’s important to note that well-qualified traffic is the result of research and continued testing. Understanding your residents should be an ongoing learning process and the foundation of any SEO or PPC campaign (not to mention, all digital marketing).

7. Update Your Instagram Bio

Potential renters don’t just use Google to find new apartments, they use Instagram too. They go to the search bar on the explore page a type in “apartments in [city]” and maybe even include a descriptor such as “affordable” or “luxury.”

The way you give your property’s account the best chance of showing up in a related search is by adding keywords right into the “Name” of your profile’s bio. While the label for this section might make you assume you’re limited to just having your property’s name, there are actually no rules for this section. You can put whatever you want for your bio’s name. There’s also quite a bit of space you have to work with. 

Here are some examples: 

  • Rio Villa Apartments | San Angelo, TX
  • LVL 29 | Luxury Apartments in Plano
  • Willow Creek | Affordable Apartments in Austin
  • Prairie Pride | New Homes in Midlothian 
keywords right into the "Name" of your profile's bio. While the label for this section might make you assume you're limited to just having your property's name, there are actually no rules for this section. You can put whatever you want for your bio's name. There's also quite a bit of space you have to work with. 

If you feel like your Instagram handle is enough to communicate the name of your property, you could even remove the name entirely and focus more on longer or multiple keywords. 

Following these simple steps is a great way to improve your search engine ranking with the social media platforms you’re already using. It ultimately makes your content easier to find, allows you to connect with your audience, and helps you build the brand that you’re striving towards.

14 Multifamily SEO Facts You Didn't Know (Plus Tips for Implementing these SEO Tips Into Your Multifamily Marketing Strategy)

Summary: Criterion.B, a leading digital marketing and multifamily branding agency, has completed an extensive rebranding effort in response to accelerated company growth.

DALLAS, TX April 26, 2022 — Criterion.B, a leading digital marketing and multifamily branding agency, has completed an extensive rebranding effort in response to accelerated company growth and renewal of its mission and core values. At the heart of this rebranding is a complete website redesign.

The marketing industry is ever-changing, and so are multifamily marketing methods. The latest shift — beyond the focus of snappy headlines and eye-catching graphics, is one that has staying power. In this rebrand, Criterion.B plans to continue to forge its own path through innovative methodologies, with a fresh new look and more targeted brand identity. 

The website redesign includes additional work pages highlighting the multifamily branding agency’s past work, clients, case studies, and achievements. Also included on the new site, is an enhanced resource section full of free downloadable marketing tools and a much more succinct yet informative layout.

“Over the years Criterion.B has cemented its status as one of the leading marketing and multifamily branding agencies with a growing team and client roster,” said Jon Simpson, CEO of Criterion.B. “We want our brand refresh to reflect that success so that we can best position ourselves and our clients for continued growth and scalability in this ever-changing industry.”

Operating as Criterion.B, the agency aims to drive strong ROI, business growth and build brand identities for its clients. Visit criterionb.com to explore the new multifamily branding layout and learn more about the multifamily marketing agency.

About Criterion.B

Criterion.B is an agency focused on branding and inbound marketing for the commercial real estate industry. We provide ROI, drive business growth, and build brand identities for our clients. 

For more information, visit www.criterionb.com.

Contact Ashley Tyndall at ashley@cb.agency with any questions.

How to Build, Measure, and Scale Your Multifamily Marketing Approach

When most real estate developments begin to create their multifamily marketing strategy to attract marketing-qualified leads, you can imagine that the conversations are more or less the same each time. 

Namely discussions on ad buys, billboards, large banners, and sales calls. These methodologies are often inefficient, having little ROI and little reach in meeting business goals.

A key reason these methods are inefficient is that multifamily marketing has changed. 

For many years, marketing was based on interruption through things like cold calls and advertising. But as society became more digital — from the VHS and DVR allowing people to fast forward to programs like AdBlock preventing ads from displaying on websites — these methods have become inefficient. 

Technology has empowered consumers to take the buyer’s journey online; therefore, your multifamily marketing efforts should be online too.

How is multifamily marketing evolving?

The better question is, how are residents evolving? Whether you like it or not, millennials (and now Gen Z renters) comprise a sizable chunk of the multifamily market.

Millennials rent longer and by choice, and their lifestyles are vastly different than generations before. Trends like pet ownership and hyper-connectivity define this generation, along with a willingness to sacrifice square footage for prime locations.

And yet, while these lifestyle trends drive development, they’re only a starting point for multifamily marketing.

While these lifestyle trends are driving development, they’re only a starting point when it comes to multifamily marketing and generating marketing qualified leads. Building the perfect product and selling it are two different things.

Here are a few secret keys to attracting and converting web visitors into marketing-qualified leads for your multifamily business:

1. Giving every property or organization a custom approach.

Development and the creative process should cater to the audience — not the other way around. 

Development and the creative process should cater to the audience — not the other way around. Start by really understanding the target demographic for your multifamily property or organization. Immerse yourself in understanding of their lifestyle, pain points, and interests. Bring in a multifamily branding agency who can help you turn insights into a concept that will remain top of mind throughout the entire development process, from contractors to vendors, from building to multifamily branding.

Let’s start by really understanding the target demographic for your property or organization. Immerse yourself in understanding their lifestyle, pain points, and interests. Bring in a multifamily branding agency that can help you turn insights into a concept that will remain top of mind throughout the development process, from contractors to vendors, from building to multifamily branding.

Customizing your apartment marketing approach is essential in today’s world. Marketing strategies vary per market because each market is remarkably different. It would be ignorant to believe that Lincoln, Nebraska residents want the same things as residents in Charlotte, N.C, for example.

2. Creating a narrative and telling your multifamily brand story.

With an earnest understanding of your target audience, a narrative about your residents should unfold. Their motivations, lifestyle choices, and demographic characteristics should come together as a story. From these insights, the concept for your property will be born.

Focus on building something that inspires the people living there. Watch a car commercial, and you’ll see how well the auto industry understands this concept of storytelling. It’s not so much about the product as the lifestyle it promotes.

This aspirational lifestyle affects every facet of multifamily development — from site selection to design and multifamily branding.

When it comes to differentiating your property, it starts with knowing your audience better than they know themselves. Only through thoughtful research can you begin to develop the environment, the lifestyle, and the creative messaging that resonates (and ultimately generates marketing-qualified leads).

When it comes to differentiating your property, it starts with knowing your audience better than they know themselves. Only through thoughtful research can you begin to develop the environment, the lifestyle, and the creative multifamily marketing messaging that resonates and generates marketing qualified leads.

3. Building your digital marketing funnel.

What’s the first thing you do when you’re looking to buy something? Odds are, you do some research on Google first. This is where apartment marketing begins in the modern age. As everything moves online, the internet has become the source of major information exchange.

Having relevant information on your multifamily website isn’t enough to generate marketing qualified leads, however. That information needs to be optimized for search engines to read, which attracts visitors.

What keywords should you be using? Well, imagine what your typical buyer is searching for. If you’re looking to attract people to your blog about real estate developments in Dallas, you shouldn’t mention attractions in Chicago. From there, the information needs to be broad enough and address the buyer persona’s problem in a way that drives interest.

The information should exist as a content offer and will be “gated” so that the visitor will complete the relevant information to download it. That information turns the visitor into an apartment lead

These apartment leads might then consume more relevant information and provide more sales information to become marketing-qualified leads, and so on. This is called building the multifamily marketing funnel, and this funnel ensures that leads are qualified before reaching sales. This methodology also sees apartment leads being pulled in to ask questions and do research rather than pushed and bombarded by unwanted advertising messages.

Your apartment leads might consume more relevant information and provide more sales information to become a marketing qualified leads, and so on. This is called building the multifamily marketing funnel, and this funnel ensures that leads are qualified before reaching sales. This methodology also sees apartment leads being pulled in to ask questions and do research, rather than pushed and bombarded by unwanted advertising messages.

Why is this significant? Because not only are you spending less on obtaining these types of leads, but these marketing-qualified leads are more likely to convert, minimizing your overall ROI.

4. Tracking how you are featured online.

You need to build the funnel to be successful with your apartment marketing to ultimately generate more marketing-qualified leads. The next issue is making sure that you’re presenting this information well. As we stated before, it’s not enough to exist online. Your presence needs to be in tip-top shape!

Why, you ask? Because first impressions are important on the web. People will leave your site within 5 seconds if they cannot find the information they want. So how do you make sure you’re relevant?

Building the funnel is what you need to do to be successful with your apartment marketing to generate marketing qualified leads. The next issue is making sure that you’re presenting this information well. As we stated before, it’s not enough to just exist online. Your presence needs to be in tip-top shape!

Keywords

Ensure you’re using accurate multifamily SEO keywords that your customer will search. You want to feature these regularly enough that search engines will map your content but not so much that they’ll dock you for keyword stuffing.

Focused Content

Staying relevant with your content — including linking to other trusted sites and keeping your information objective — is key to keeping consumers on your site. When a consumer feels like they’ve stepped into an infomercial on your homepage, they’re likely to leave. However, if you keep your content focused and informative, from blogs to social media posts, consumers will more likely see you as an authority and keep coming back.

UX Multifamily Web Design

People are tempted to go with style over substance in multifamily web design. Contrary to what your boss might believe, multifamily websites should always be designed for the consumer and with their interests in mind. What does that mean? The consumer doesn’t want to hear about you. They want to hear about how you’re going to solve their problem.

Keeping your content and multifamily web design consumer-friendly makes consumers more likely to stay on the site. This includes making the site ADA-compliant for your user too. Mobile-friendly designs are here to stay, so make sure your site cooperates.

The Future of Multifamily Marketing

With these aspects implemented, you can expect an improved search presence and a lead ROI that can deliver substantial returns. 

This is the future of multifamily marketing. Rather, this is the roadmap for building brands in today’s world to bring in more marketing-qualified leads, and this industry has finally got its hands on it.

From Likes to Leases: Here’s What You Need to Be Doing on Instagram

Instagram marketing has become a powerful tool for multifamily businesses and properties to engage with their target audience, showcase their unique offerings, and build a strong sense of brand loyalty. 

In the competitive commercial real estate market, successful Instagram accounts are those that understand the value of creative content, personalized experiences, and a genuine connection with their audience.

Grow your online presence and enhance your multifamily marketing strategy with this free social media for apartments checklist.

Let’s explore some of the top Instagram accounts for multifamily (in no particular order) and uncover the reasons behind their success:

1. LVL 29

For multifamily properties, your Instagram marketing strategy should include showcasing your residents, events, and being a part of the community.

Located in West Plano, Texas, LVL 29 is a luxury apartment community that has harnessed the potential of Instagram to the fullest. Through captivating visuals, this Instagram showcases unit interiors, available floorplans, leasing specials, and unique community amenities. What sets LVL 29 apart is its consistent Instagram marketing strategy, fostering a growing following and encouraging residents to engage by tagging the property and resharing posts actively.

2. Discovery Park Apartments

Discovery Park Apartments in Denton, Texas, is another property that uses Instagram as a leasing tool. While the graphics are not ground-breaking or design-heavy, they are clean, eye-catching, and focus on showcasing the property’s interiors and amenities in a way that will engage potential renters.

3. 3700M 

3700M is a luxury apartment complex located in West Village, Dallas that frequently uses its Instagram to highlight property staff. This Instagram marketing strategy allows both current and prospective renters to put a name to 3700M managers and employees. By personifying the property and showcasing the friendly faces that make up its resident community, 3700M humanizes the rental process and opens the line of communication for its resident community and future tenants.

For multifamily properties, your Instagram marketing strategy should include showcasing your residents, events, and being a part of the community.

4. AvalonBay Communities

AvalonBay Communities, an equity REIT, also showcases its staff and company culture on Instagram. From posts about National Hiring Day to interviewing staff for Hispanic Heritage Month, AvalonBay publishes a variety of content to inspire its followers while uniquely personifying the company.

5. AMLI Residential

AMLI Residential is a property management company that has mastered the art of creativity on Instagram. The company showcases everything from new property photos to cute canine residents, but most importantly, they’re not afraid to get crafty. In one of many contests, AMLI encouraged residents to share their creative DIY projects. Their Instagram is worth a visit, as AMLI does a great job sharing photos that spark opportunities for resident engagement.

For multifamily properties, your Instagram marketing strategy should include showcasing your residents, events, and being a part of the community.

6. Century Apartments

Century Apartments is another property management company that has multifamily properties nationwide. They often use Instagram to promote upcoming resident activities at each of their properties and provide coverage of events being held. Not only does this approach encourage participation from current residents, but it allows prospective residents to get a sense of the personality of Century Apartment communities. They also share photos from various philanthropic events, which show how their properties are giving back to the community.

7. Prairie Ridge

Prairie Ridge, a master-planned community in Grand Prairie, Texas, maintains a cohesive Instagram feed aesthetic with an even mix of promoting the community’s available homes and floorplan options and upcoming events in nearby Midlothian, Texas.

Prairie Ridge also changes its content with the seasons to show prospects exactly what life can be like in their homes. For example, Prairie Ridge shifts to images of homes with Christmas trees and cookie decorating in winter. In the summer months, the community’s feed transforms into children playing in the sprinklers in the front yard and eating ice cream in the driveway.

For multifamily properties, your Instagram marketing strategy should include showcasing your residents, events, and being a part of the community.

8. Anatole at City View

While Anatole at City View is located in the smaller town of Lubbock, Texas, the apartment community embraces its city and small-town charm on social media by focusing some of its Instagram posts to showcase nearby eateries. 

For multifamily properties, your Instagram marketing strategy should include showcasing your residents, events, and being a part of the community.

9. NE Property Management

With prime locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Wyoming, NE Property Management’s communities each showcase the incredible views that come with location, location, location. From relaxing pool views to breathtaking rooftop views, NE paints a picture of luxury at its properties. Each of its properties’ Instagram accounts is portrayed as if from the eye of a resident — one who loves their city and loves what their property location has to offer. 

10. Winsted at White Rock

Your residents are the ones who make your community great, so why not focus on them? Winsted at White Rock in Dallas, Texas, celebrates the faces and personalities of the people who live there. Not only is this a great way to engage with current residents, but it also gives prospective residents an idea of the people who currently live in your community.

11. The Morris Apartments

The Morris Apartments in Nashville, Tenn., taps into influencer marketing regularly by having social media influencers “take over” their Instagram page for a day. For example, beauty influencer Leigh Taylor took over the page to share beauty tips and advice on the property’s Instagram Stories.

9 Strategies for Building an Engaging Social Media Presence

Success with Instagram marketing varies for every industry. For multifamily properties and businesses, some are finding success by highlighting residents, showcasing events, and being a part of the community.

Here are some ways to find success with your commercial real estate Instagram marketing strategy to help build your social media presence.

1. Adopt Instagram as a leasing tool.

Commercial real estate Instagram marketing is about more than just scheduling out some posts and letting it be. To take full advantage of your social media, you need to use it as another leasing tool. Your Instagram should inform, engage, and delight your residents — enough so that your prospects want to follow you and schedule a tour to learn more about your property.

2. Feature your world-class staff.

Showcasing your team and company culture can work wonders for your property’s image. By highlighting your staff members, you create a personal and approachable touch that resonates with both current and prospective renters.

Start by introducing the friendly faces behind your property. Let your Instagram be the stage where your team shines, allowing your audience to know the individuals who make your community thrive. This simple yet powerful strategy humanizes the rental process and fosters a stronger sense of community among residents.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your content. From celebrating National Hiring Day to honoring Hispanic Heritage Month, take inspiration from your property’s unique culture and values. Share engaging posts that inspire your followers and paint a vivid picture of your company’s personality.

3. Get crafty. Hold a contest.

Mastering the art of creativity on Instagram can take your property’s social media game to the next level. Spotlight a wide range of content, from new property photos to heartwarming moments with cute canine residents. But don’t stop there — embrace your crafty side and think outside the box!

Consider holding engaging online contests. Encourage your residents to share their creative DIY projects, inspiring a sense of community and camaraderie among them. A contest like this boosts resident engagement and provides valuable user-generated content that you can share with your audience.

Remember, creativity knows no bounds on Instagram. Let your imagination run wild, and share posts that will captivate and inspire your followers. The more unique and inventive your content, the more your property will stand out in the crowded world of social media.

4. Highlight resident events.

As a property management company with multifamily properties nationwide, you have a wonderful opportunity to use Instagram to build a sense of community and showcase the unique personality of your properties. One effective way to do this is by promoting upcoming resident activities and events at each of your locations.

When you share coverage of these events on Instagram, you encourage participation from current residents and offer a glimpse into the vibrant and engaging atmosphere that your properties cultivate. Prospective residents will get a taste of the lively community they can be a part of, making them more likely to envision themselves living in your properties.

And don’t forget to showcase your properties’ philanthropic efforts. Sharing photos from various philanthropic events and initiatives demonstrates your commitment to giving back to the community. Prospective residents will appreciate your dedication to making a positive impact, and current residents will feel proud to be part of a community that contributes to a greater cause.

By fostering a sense of community and highlighting your properties’ charitable endeavors, you’ll strengthen your brand and create a lasting impression on your Instagram audience. Embrace the power of social media to showcase the heart and soul of your multifamily properties!

Multifamily marketing guide to social media and social media for apartments.

5. Change with the seasons.

Being helpful on social media is crucial for building strong connections with your audience. To make a lasting impression on your followers, consider adopting a cohesive Instagram feed aesthetic while also embracing seasonal changes.

Incorporate the spirit of each season into your content to resonate with your audience. During December, for instance, you can feature images of festive holiday decorations and heartwarming activities like cookie decorating. This allows your audience to envision the cozy and joyful atmosphere they could experience in their future homes.

As the summer months arrive, shift your focus to more outdoor-oriented content. Capture the excitement of children playing in the sprinklers or enjoying refreshing ice cream in the driveway. By showcasing these seasonal moments, you give prospects a genuine glimpse into the vibrant lifestyle they could enjoy within your community.

Embracing seasonal changes on your Instagram feed keeps your content fresh and engaging and creates a relatable and aspirational experience for your audience.

6. Embrace your city.

Regardless of your property’s location, you can leverage Instagram to embrace and celebrate the unique culture of your city. Focus on showcasing nearby eateries and local hotspots to create an authentic connection with your audience.

Expand your commercial real estate Instagram marketing strategy by posting content that supports local businesses, highlights upcoming events, and showcases nearby retail shops. Feature the best coffee shops in the area, inviting your followers to try their signature drinks and experience the local charm.

Celebrate what makes your location special, and your Instagram will become a powerful tool for fostering a sense of community and belonging among your audience.

7. Showcase your location.

If your multifamily properties boast prime locations with stunning views, leverage Instagram to showcase these picturesque scenes. Whether it’s breathtaking rooftop vistas or serene poolside landscapes, use your Instagram to paint a picture of the luxury and beauty that comes with “location, location, location.”

Take a resident’s perspective when curating your Instagram content, giving your audience a glimpse of what it’s like to wake up to such captivating views every day. Let the imagery speak for itself, evoking a sense of awe and appreciation for your property’s surroundings.

By sharing the allure of your location through Instagram, you create an emotional connection with your audience, instilling a desire to be a part of the community that offers such natural beauty and convenience. Highlighting the incredible views on your Instagram can be a powerful way to attract potential residents and leave a lasting impression on your current ones.

8. Celebrate your residents.

Your residents are the heart and soul of your community, so why not put them in the spotlight on Instagram? By showcasing the faces and personalities of the individuals who call your property home, you can create a sense of community and build a stronger connection with both current and potential residents.

Make your residents the stars of the show. This approach fosters engagement with current residents and provides prospective residents with a glimpse of the vibrant and diverse community they could become a part of.

Sharing stories, experiences, and testimonials from your residents can be a powerful way to humanize your property and demonstrate residents’ genuine sense of belonging. Use Instagram as a platform to showcase your residents’ unique personalities and stories, and you’ll create a more authentic and appealing presence that resonates with your target audience.

9. Utilize influencer Instagram marketing.

Social media offers a unique outlet to turn fans into influencers, particularly with commercial real estate Instagram marketing. Influencers are recognized by their large following and insights covering all aspects of your respective market. Often, influencers are viewed as a more trustworthy resource than advertisers, thus better capturing your audience.

For multifamily properties, your Instagram marketing strategy should include showcasing your residents, events, and being a part of the community.

Connect with influencers who resonate with your property or multifamily business to make the most of this strategy. By partnering with them, you can effortlessly market your brand through their already established follower base. Consider inviting an influencer to a guest blog on your website or let them take over one of your Instagram channels for a day to encourage active engagement from your followers.

Whether it’s beauty influencers sharing makeup tips or lifestyle gurus showcasing their experiences at the property, this approach can spark genuine interest and build a sense of community among your audience. Embrace the power of influencers on Instagram, and you’ll find new and innovative ways to reach and engage your target audience.

Mastering the Art of Your Instagram Marketing Strategy

Take a page from these top Instagram accounts for multifamily apartments. When done properly, a successful Instagram marketing strategy can be a game-changer for properties and multifamily vendors. By adopting Instagram as a leasing tool and leveraging these insights to grow your account, you can enhance your online presence, drive meaningful engagement, and ultimately increase conversions. Set your multifamily business up for continued success in the digital age.

Grow your online presence and enhance your multifamily marketing strategy with this free social media for apartments checklist.