Platinum Author
Fresh from an industry Guru, John Stempleton at PropertyMarketingGurus, these 10 ways to improve your online classifieds are important to your renting success. This is such a rapidly evolving area that any information on the topic can prove useful.
John's number 1 hint is get analytics. As noted, the way online advertising works and succeeds is changing quickly. If the area were static analytics might not be so important. However, with daily changes you need to work to stay abreast of what is working and what is not.
Second, as always, content is king. Find out what gets the audience's attention. Ensure you answer their questions. A favorite title right now is "Seeing is Believing".
When you post your ads is important. Sunday posting statistically produce the greatest results. Time of day for posts is also important. Figure out what time to post to gain the most leads. With Craigslist, time of day posting can significantly change results.
Great pictures are an important part of renting. 78% of renters say that pictures are major factor in choosing a rental home.
Consistency is key. Tons of posts is not. Post regularly. Daily is best, but where restrictions don't allow then as often as they do allow.
Identify your core marketing message. Chances are this message is not "sparkling pool". Instead, it may be "washers and dryers".
Plain ads work better. Visitors want well written clean copy. To industrial of ads is actually a disadvantage.
Test your pricing. See what draws the most traffic for your property.
Don't bite the hand that feeds you. Stay within the terms of use for the classified sites you are using. For Craigslist this means post one address / floor plan every third day (73rd hour).
Answer the call, or the email, or the voice mail. Follow up always has been and will always be a significant part of renting success.
Some points to consider, almost half of prospects will search for an apartment between 5:00pm and 9:00 am and over 20% search on the weekend. One set of statistics and operator gathered says that the average renter looks at 5 other sites. Be sure and post in all the sites possible. This could be the difference between success and failure.
One thing is certain, if you aren't using online classifieds, you are behind the game. At some properties, over 50% of their leads originate with Craigslist alone.
Blake Ratcliff (US Naval Academy Graduate & Marine Officer, Serial startup entrepreneur, COO/CEO, multifamily / residential investment founder, and property manager).
Blake's crafted 100+ business plans, prepared and delivered 1000+ investor presentations, and is an expert financial modeler. A deeply experienced real estate business person and startup business expert, Blake hones your Business plans, reports, and presentations.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Blake_Dale_Ratcliff
