There’s plenty of information out there around how to market your rental property, but what really works?

It’s a competitive market. Tenants have short attention spans. What can you do to ensure they stop scrolling and really spend some time on your listing? How can you move them from sliding through your photos to scheduling a showing? And then, how do you motivate them to complete an application and sign a lease?

Placing good tenants, avoiding long and expensive vacancies, and earning as much as possible on your rental home are all important parts of a successful and profitable rental experience.

And it all begins with strategic marketing.

In the competitive rental market, attracting the right tenants to your rental property requires an attractive listing, a competitive advantage, an accurate rental price, and a smart property management partner who knows how to identify and attract the best tenants.

Here are some of the things that we do as property managers in order to effectively and efficiently market your property.

Let’s Look at the Listing

Every marketing plan starts with listing your property online. This is where most tenants are looking for their next home. The goal of a good listing is to limit the amount of time your property is vacant, and to attract high-quality tenants to your property.

The problem is that there are a lot of listings out there, and prospective tenants are scrolling through them quickly. You need to grab their attention and hold it. Here are some of the ways to do that:

Pay Attention to Photography

The most important part of your listing will be the photos. Tenants are going to scroll through the pictures before they read the description. It’s important that you can quickly reach them. Include as many photos as most rental sites will allow. Take a lot of good pictures that show the inside and outside of the property. Make sure you have shots of the kitchen and the appliances. Show off any upgrades and updates. Take photos of the front door and any outside space.

You don’t need to hire a professional photographer (although that’s not a bad idea). Just make sure you’ve got attractive lighting, good angles, and all the important features you want to show off about the property you’re renting out. If tenants don’t like what they see in your photos, they won’t bother getting in touch.

Write Attention-Grabbing Words

You don’t want to be too wordy when you’re writing your descriptions. Prospective tenants won’t want to read long paragraphs; they’ll focus on bullet points and short phrases. You want to be concise, but you don’t want to leave anything out. List the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Talk about recent upgrades and some of the features in the neighborhoods. Include the school district if it’s a good one. Mention the fenced yard, the attached garage, and the granite counters.

Include Rental Price and Terms

Tenants will need to know how much you’re charging in rent before they decide to schedule a showing. Make sure you’re clear about the rental amount. You should also mention what the security deposit will be, and what some of your rental standards are. If you require a specific credit score, a certain income level, or other particulars, go ahead and mention them. Listing those requirements will help you and potential tenants save time. Someone who knows they aren’t qualified won’t get in touch.

Mention whether this is a one-year lease, a two-year lease, or something different. If utilities will be included, make sure the listing reflects that. If landscaping or a pool service is included, you should get that out in front of your advertising.

List Your Pet Preferences

If you allow pets, make sure your listing reflects that. Pet-friendly properties typically rent faster than those that don’t allow pets. If you’re going to charge a pet fee, list that in the ad as well so tenant will understand what they’ll have to pay for the privilege of moving in with their cat or dog.

Leverage Social Media

Rental sites like Zillow and HotPads and Rentals.com are great. You want to list your home for rent there. However, a good strategy is to think beyond those sites.

Social media can help.

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even LinkedIn offer excellent opportunities for reaching potential tenants. Share photos, virtual tours, and engaging content related to your property. Don’t forget to use hashtags relevant to your target audience and location.

It’s easier for people to engage with you directly when you’re sharing a property for rent on social sites. Encourage likes, comments, and shares within your network.

Offer Incentives While Marketing

To differentiate your property in a crowded market, consider offering incentives. This could include offering a discount on the first month’s rent in exchange for a longer lease agreement or providing complimentary amenities such as free Wi-Fi.

These perks can make your property more attractive to potential tenants, and it also helps you stand out in a crowded and competitive market. With so many new construction communities and apartment buildings on the market, you’re competing with corporate rental companies that can afford to waive application fees and reduce security deposit amounts.

Network with Local Businesses

Building relationships with local businesses can also enhance your marketing efforts. For example, if your property is near a university, establish connections with the housing office. If it’s located in a business district, consider networking with local employers who might have employees needing housing.

Keep an eye on what similar properties in your area are doing. This includes their pricing strategies, amenities offered, and marketing techniques. Understanding your competition can provide insights and ideas to improve your marketing strategy.

Regularly Update and Improve Your Property

Finally, a good way to market your rental home is by making continuous updates and improvements. This will not only increase its value but also make it more appealing to potential tenants. Regular maintenance, modern appliances, and aesthetic updates can set your property apart from others.

By implementing these strategies, you’ll be able to market your rental property more effectively, attract quality tenants, and optimize your return on investment.

We’re very good at marketing, and we’d be happy to help you. Please contact us at Wess Cason Realty. We provide real estate and property management services in Charlotte and the surrounding areas in Mecklenburg, Union, and Cabarrus County.