Creative Marketing Techniques for Your Vacant Southwest Washington Rental Spaces

The rental market in Southwest Washington is pretty strong right now, so if you’re struggling with vacancy, it’s likely due to one of the following reasons: 

• Your price
• Your property condition
• Your marketing

When you know your price is market-driven and competitive and you’ve made the necessary repairs, updates, and improvements to make your home attractive to renters, the problem is likely that you’re not doing your best marketing. 

That’s understandable. With the online rental sites and social media platforms available, it’s easier than ever to market and advertise a rental home. But, it’s also crowded. Tenants are scrolling through listing after listing, and it can be difficult to stand out. 

Finding good tenants is more than just putting up a 'For Rent' sign and throwing a listing on Craigslist. In today's competitive rental landscape, creative marketing is key to differentiating your property and grabbing the attention of potential renters. 

How can you make your rental stand out? 

Here are some innovative marketing techniques you can employ to fill your vacancies faster and with better-qualified tenants.

Leverage Your Online Listing 

An attention-grabbing rental listing is the best place to start. You’ll want to have your property included on all the popular rental platforms. To appeal to prospective tenants, it's essential to create an attractive advertisement that will showcase all the best things your rental home has to offer. Here’s where your attention needs to go:

• Tell a Story and Connect Emotionally

Develop engaging content that weaves the benefits of your home into what the daily life of your potential tenant might be like. By telling a story instead of simply listing the features of the home, you’ll create an emotional connection that may make a difference and inspire a tenant to schedule a showing. 

• Focus on Photos and Video

Invest in professional photography and videography if you can. If that’s not in your budget, make sure you’re taking professional-level photos and creating videos that can capture the essence of your property and the surrounding neighborhood. High-quality visual material will show potential tenants the attractiveness of the area and help them imagine themselves living there.

• Be Responsive

When someone gets in touch with questions or a request for more information, respond promptly. 

You don’t want to give them the opportunity to move onto the next rental home on their list. Answer the phone, respond to texts and emails, and prioritize communication during the marketing process. You’ll find you attract more tenants and applications. 

Let Your Network Know You Have a Home for Rent

Make sure that everyone knows you have a property for rent. Word-of-mouth advertising is still powerful, especially since people tend to trust the people they know when it comes to making consumer decisions. 

You can also form partnerships with local businesses. Not only does it help promote your rental property, but it also adds value to the services you offer tenants. For instance, you could arrange partnerships with nearby gyms, cafes, or wellness centers to offer exclusive discounts or free memberships. Such incentives can sweeten the deal for potential tenants and make your property more desirable.

Utilize Technology to Your Marketing Advantage

We don’t recommend taking out an ad in the print newspaper. No one will find it.

This is a digital age, you know that, and utilizing technology effectively can significantly boost your marketing efforts. Leverage listing sites, improve the online presence of your property with Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and consider using virtual tours to allow remote viewing, making it easier for out-of-town tenants to consider your property as their home.

Remember that social media can promote your online listings. Maintain active social media profiles for your property and ensure you have a presence on popular online listing platforms. Regular updates, engaging content, and professional photography can help attract potential tenants browsing the web. Don’t be afraid to ask your network to like and share. Respond to comments. Join relevant social media groups and pages to promote your property for rent. 

You may want to consider social media advertising, too. For not a lot of money you can reach a much wider audience when you pay to advertise your vacant rental property. 

Flexibility in Lease Length and Terms

When you’re willing to meet the demands of a shifting rental market, you’re in a better position to market your property well and quickly place a tenant. This is a market where flexibility is valued, so consider offering lease options that fit a variety of tenant needs such as longer or shorter lease terms, roommate situations, and the inclusion of services such as landscaping. Many tenants are looking for smart home technology. When you’re willing to allow them to install a video doorbell or you can provide a smart thermostat, you’re setting your property apart and demonstrating you’re willing to hear their requirements and meet their needs. 

Market Your Property as Pet-Friendly