Keeping Residents Informed Through Virtual Newsletters
For property owners and operators, in particular, finding effective ways to reach out and communicate with their residents has been among the top priorities over the past year and a half.
Sure, social media posts are all the rage, especially among Gen Zers and Millennials, as are QR codes and even good old-fashioned printed flyers. But perhaps the easiest—and cheapest—tool to communicate to residents of all ages timely and safely is community newsletters. Here’s how to make the most of them to keep your residents informed and improve retention.
THE BENEFITS
Why would property managers invest resources in a community newsletter? In short, because it can help make a community feel more cohesive.
Keeping residents informed. Newsletters are a no-fuss way to keep residents up to date with community policies, from pet policy reminders and steps for lease renewals to energy and water-saving tips and sanitary measures. You can also use newsletters to introduce new members of the management staff or that new amenity booking platform you’ve just added to the community’s website. What’s more, renters can find out about new cool venues or events taking place in the neighborhood.
Sending reminders. With the change of the seasons, specific maintenance works are required at the property. Use this online tool to send reminders about scheduled landscape works or roof and gutter checks, annual pest controls, verification of HVAC systems and snow removal procedures. Plans for a neighborhood yard sale, holiday party announcements and notifications about common area remodeling projects can also be shared through community newsletters.
Virtual bulletin board. A section in the newsletter could be set aside for residents to post items for sale, requests for goods or services, and even community-related accomplishments. Winners of contests taking place at your communities—such as pumpkin carving or best holiday decorations—could be also announced in the newsletters, as well as acknowledgment of renters’ efforts to comply with community rules and regulations.
Various personal achievements could also be showcased in this section, from recent school graduates to families with new babies, but make sure you ask for permission first!
An advice column is a nice touch. This way, you can help your residents inspire each other—with DYI projects or home gardening tips—and make them feel like they truly belong to the community they live in.
Marketing boost. Include your property website, blog and social media pages in community newsletters newsletter to boost your advertising exposure. Go the extra mile and invite local businesses, such as rental furniture or food delivery companies, to write guest articles that relate to your community.
Keep in mind that a newsletter should not be used to send out formal notices. It should strictly serve as a centralized location where residents can easily locate information.
THE CHALLENGES
Putting together a community newsletter might seem like an overwhelming task that takes too much time and effort. Plus, some would argue that the low open rate and lack of immediately measurable results don’t justify the resources and effort. But once you’ve decided on the template and type of content and set up a schedule for deployment, newsletters can easily turn into a great tool to promote your property and connect with residents and prospects alike.
Source: multihousingnews.com
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