RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT
SARAH LUKEMIRE, BRINDLE DIGITAL MARKETING
11 Ways to Virtually Engage with Your Residents
T
hese days, we’re all spending a little
bit more time at home, a little less
time socializing, and a lot more time
distracted by what’s happening in our world.
Navigating any crisis, including the
COVID-19 pandemic, is challenging
when we’re used to building a connected
community. To keep a healthy perspective,
we focus on controlling what we can, taking
things day by day, embracing a positive
mindset, and still (virtually) coming together
as a community.
We plan to keep learning, listening,
staying informed, and maintaining a routine
as much as possible. Want to join us? Here
are just a few amazing resources to utilize
over the next few weeks to support yourself
and your teams.
11 fun ways to virtually engage with
residents:
1. Share a recipe “roundup”: Poll your
residents on the best baked thing
they’ve made in quarantine and share
the recipes with everyone.
2. “People love to share photos of their
pets more than anything! Send out
an email newsletter encouraging
residents to share a pet photo on
social media and tag your apartment
for a chance to win a prize. This call
for photos increases engagement on
your social channels and makes them
feel valued – a true win, win.” – Lucy
Falconer, Brindle Digital Marketing
3. Instagram or Facebook Bingo! Share
a Bingo card graphic and have
residents check off all the things
they’ve done.
4. Hold a “guess how many” challenge
… virtually. Snap a photo and
encourage residents to make their best
guess for a chance at claiming a prize
(and bragging rights).
5. Set up a curbside breakfast pickup!
Actually, you can do this for any
meal – or even an afternoon snack –
and support a local restaurant while
doing so!
6. Host a virtual cocktail hour and
invite participants to “ join us on
Zoom with your best mask!”
www.aamdhq.org
7. Along those lines, do more of
what you love to do – but add
a virtual slant: Virtual coffee
chats, a virtual dinner, or even
a virtual book club.
8. Offer a virtual subscription to
an online fitness community
as a giveaway (or perk to all
residents).
9. Host a virtual wine and paint
night. Drop off supplies at
residents’ doors and encourage
them to share their paintings
via social media and/or email.
10. Arrange Netflix watch parties
to get up to speed on the latest
pop culture topics (“Tiger
King” anyone?).
11. Host group workouts live on
your Facebook or Instagram
accounts. Hire a professional
Yoga, HIIT, or fitness
instructor and broadcast
to your community, share
in e-newsletters, etc. It’s an
awesome way to connect and
a memorable perk of being a
resident at your community.
Bottom line, take a part in
the engaging game. Become the
community that stands out and
with this extra commitment to
engagement. It will pay off in the long
run!
3
Ways To
Virtually
Engage
With Prospects:
While connecting with residents may be
easier than connecting with prospective
residents, let’s not forget about them.
Here are some immediate actions you
can take to make it simple and convenient
for potential residents to learn more
about your apartment community and
decide to sign a lease – all without
leaving home.
1. Add 3D tours to your website! Giving
residents the ability to tour your
various apartment plans online will
help you move to the top of the list
quickly. Be sure to also include video
tours for any amenity spaces within
your community.
2. Record a personal walk-through video
with a leasing team member talking
about the features as if you were
taking a prospect through in person.
Then share the video via email with
those who have reached out to ask
questions about your community. This
can be a game-changer!
3. Add a chatbot to your website to make
it easier to get in touch when office
hours may be limited.
MAY 2020
TRENDS | 23