In today's competitive rental market, attracting new residents requires more than just ILS listings and open houses. Prospective renters are savvy researchers, and in the age of online reviews, the voice of your existing residents holds immense power. A strong community reputation and positive resident reviews can be a game-changer in your leasing strategy. Here's how you can leverage this valuable asset to generate new leases.
1. Cultivate a Resident-Centric Community
The foundation of a stellar online reputation lies in creating a community where residents feel valued and heard. A resident engagement app can be a powerful tool in this regard. Look for a resident app that goes beyond simple rent payments. Features like maintenance request submission, amenity booking, and community event calendars foster a sense of connection and streamline daily living for residents.
2. Encourage Resident Reviews
Positive reviews not only build trust with potential renters but also act as social proof, highlighting the positive aspects of your community. Make it easy for residents to leave reviews on popular platforms. You can even incentivize residents with small rewards for submitting reviews. However, be sure to avoid incentivized reviews on some platforms, as they may be flagged and removed.
3. Respond to Reviews Promptly and Professionally
Whether a review is positive or negative, responding promptly and professionally shows that you value resident feedback. Thank residents for positive reviews and acknowledge any concerns raised in negative ones. Negative reviews are an opportunity to showcase your commitment to resident satisfaction. Outline the steps you're taking to address the issue and express your willingness to work with the resident to find a solution.
4. Showcase Resident Reviews on Your Website and Social Media
Don't just collect reviews – make them shine! Feature positive resident testimonials on your website's leasing page and social media channels. Potential renters are more likely to trust their peers' experiences than flashy marketing copy. Choose a resident app that pushes positive reviews submitted through the app to websites like Google and Yelp to streamline this social proof exposure.
5. Amplify Resident Success Stories
Go beyond quotes and ratings. If you have residents who are particularly enthusiastic about your community, consider featuring them in a blog post or video testimonial. Resident success stories can paint a vivid picture of what it's like to live in your community and connect with prospective renters on an emotional level. Some robust resident apps on the market today can even offer residents reward points for posting about your community on social media to incentivize organic content creation.
6. Monitor Resident Sentiment and Address Concerns Proactively
Resident reviews offer valuable insights into resident sentiment. If you see a trend of negative reviews around a specific issue, address it proactively. Perhaps it's a recurring maintenance issue or a lack of communication regarding amenity closures. By addressing resident concerns promptly, you can nip negative sentiment in the bud and demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
Building a strong online reputation takes time and effort, but the payoff is significant. By fostering a resident-centric community, encouraging reviews, and showcasing your positive feedback, you can leverage the power of your residents to attract new residents and keep your occupancy rates high. Elevated Living’s resident management app is a valuable tool in this endeavor, by streamlining communication, building a sense of community, and empowering residents to become brand ambassadors for your property.
Visit Elevated Living online to learn more about our resident app and how it can help your business thrive.
