Technology-relevant lead generation is so important to effectively market your properties, especially to millennials.
Many owners and property managers I speak with are always looking for a reliable source for rental applicants.
A significant number of these applicants will likely be millennials. According to a cnbc article http://www.cnbc.com/2016/09/09/millennials-will-be-renting-for-a-lot-longer.html, over 60% of people in the 25 to 34 age group, are renting their residences.
In addition to listing on sites such as Craigslist or Zillow, many owners or managers place a “For Rent” sign out with a phone number of the owner or property manager.
“For Rent” signs will typically attract potential applicants that have a greater interest, as they are making the effort to check out the property and the neighborhood.
The problem with the “For Rent” signs is that the phone is the method of contact. This brings up a number of issues.
Potential applicants often look at properties during evenings and week-ends when rental offices are closed and owners are not always available. Many applicants, especially millennials, are adverse to calling and even a larger number refuse to leave a message. If they do leave a message (which is unlikely) and you call them back, don’t even think of leaving them a voice message.
Millennials hate voicemails. They don’t like leaving voicemails and will typically send a text message instead. They also often avoid listening to voicemails that have been left for them by others. Here is a great column giving a millennial’s perspective on voicemails.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/bthesite/bs-b-0618-column-20150617-story.html
So, what is the best way to use “For Rent” signs? Use a text lead generation program for the signs. This is a good example of technology-relevant lead generation.
Full disclosure – TenantMagic has launched Rider Sign Leads www.ridersignleads.com. The program provides property managers and owners with a customizable code that can be placed on the “For Rent” sign riders, either in addition to or replacing the phone number. When the prospective applicant texts the code to the number on the sign, they receive the rental details, owner/manager contact information and a link to the web listing of the property. The owner/manager receives the phone number of the prospect.
Technology is changing the way we shop, live and make decisions. It is imperative to make sure that your business can accommodate the tech tools that are being used by your target market.
Jay Apple is co-founder of TenantMagic, LLC www.tenantmagic.net