What is online reputation, you ask? To put it simply, online reputation is how your apartment community is perceived online. Apartment communities live and die by their reviews, because research shows that more than 90 percent of apartment seekers have used online reviews in their property search. And, properties with high review scores have a 15 percent higher leasing rate than properties with lower scores (source: JTurner).
So yeah, it's a big deal, but now what? How can you give your online reputation a boost?
According to Jamie Gorski, Senior Vice President of Corporate Marketing for the Bozzuto Group, 62 percent of apartment residents would post a review if they were asked, but fewer than 9 percent of residents had been asked. Our Apartment Life Coordinators build relationships within their apartment communities, identify raving fans, and encourage neighbors to share their experiences. Resulting in online reviews.
When it comes to your online reputation, active management is key. At Apartment Life, we have a resident engagement strategy that drives organic chatter online. Our Apartment Life Coordinators are already positioned to hear from apartment residents at natural connection points - resident events, welcome and/or renewal visits, out checking the mail - so whenever they receive positive feedback or great compliments, our coordinators encourage the resident to say thank you with a "virtual high-five.” (Shameless plug: you can read about our full online reputation program here.)
3. Make it simple
Display a QR code at events that will take residents straight to a place they can share their review. I mean, if you're already hosting an epic resident event, chances are they're having a great time and will post something positive. You can even put up a small card in the front office for visitors to see and engage with.
Want to hear more of how we can help you with your community's online reputation? Watch the video below. 👇🏼👇🏼