Where the Good Tenants Are
Expand your reach using online tools
Small rental business owners are in a conundrum.
On the one hand, they are always looking for new ways to attract and retain quality tenants. Using the Internet and the arsenal of tools that come with a Web presence is a great way to expand the reach of a small business.
But establishing a successful Internet presence takes both time and capital. Today only about 50% of small businesses have a website. Why?
Because many business owners are simply too intimidated to get started.
Millions of renters search for properties on the Internet. If a rental owner chooses to delay setting up a website, they miss a crucial opportunity to attract tenants. Those applicants will be cruising competitors’ sites instead.
Shashi Bellamkonda, Head of Social Media and Strategy for Network Solutions® suggests taking one simple first step: identify your business goal. Do you want your website to showcase your rental properties so you can refer applicants to them? Do you want to target local directories, so renters can find you?
“As you create your website, keep in mind that it will function as a marketing tool for your business. Even the most basic website can play an important role in establishing your visibility online by providing a place for renters to find your contact information or a description of the properties you offer,” Bellamkonda advises.
The cost of creating a website varies. Your design options include building your own website using a website builder tool or having a designer create a custom site for you. You may decide to start simple, then upgrade as your business grows.
Either way, you can take advantage of the affordable online tools on the market now:
Network Solutions® offers websites for AAOA members for just $4.99/month. There are no technical skills needed, and you’ll find everything you need to get online including hosting, your domain name, emails, and access to their easy-to-use Website Builder and Marketing Tool, backed by in-depth research on search engine optimization and business development. See Websites for more. (Discount will display at checkout).
See our feature, Twitter for Property Managers.
American Apartment Owners Association offers discounts on products and services for landlords related to your commercial housing investment, including real estate forms, tenant debt collection, tenant background checks, insurance and financing. Find out more at www.joinaaoa.org.
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