We’ve already given you some tips on “How to Catch a Millennial.” It’s no secret that this particular rental market is growing and growing fast. We all know that online exposure is key to communicating with Generation Y. And when it comes to apartment marketing, sometimes you have to get a little innovative. We also know to incorporate Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and even Pinterest into our social media strategies, but you can’t stop there.

The social media world is evolving daily. It’s important, as a property manager, to keep up with the times. You never know when the latest app will be your saving grace. Take, for instance, Snapchat.

Snapchat is one of the newer social media tools on the market that’s picked up a lot of steam with the 18-34 year old demographic. Through this mobile messaging app, users are able to send photos and videos to friends. Snapchat distinguishes itself in the market through its 10-second rule, which allows you to record videos up to 10 seconds max. The one caveat is that “snaps” expire after 24 hours.

So, why Snapchat?

Snapchat allows properties to connect and engage with residents and prospective residents on their turf. There are over 100 million daily active “snapchatters.” And many of them are renters. Set up an account for your property, and when it comes time to communicate with the prospect, ask for their Snapchat username. You can then Snap actual unit tours and community previews. This way, if your leasing team is highly occupied and cannot physically give a tour on any given day, they can send a video tour almost immediately, which your prospect will enjoy.

Snapchat is also great for current residents. Find a creative way to collect resident usernames, and use the service for contests and giveaways. Residents will admire your innovation, and you might score a couple of cool points in the process.

Don’t just stop at Snapping.

Millennials want to want to feel connected to their apartment community. Snapchat can be a great complement to any property’s social media and outreach strategy, but don’t just end your marketing efforts here. It’s important to first establish a strong online presence, which can be accomplished with a compelling website and strong SEO strategy. After all, your prospects will look for you online first. This is also where they’ll decide if they’re truly interested in your property. So it’s important to “wow” them while they’re here.

Let Rentbot help you build your property’s web presence so you’ll have more time to focus on your engagement. With professionally designed layouts, HD photos and online rent payments, maintenance requests and chat functionalities, Rentbot will give you that online advantage your competitors don’t have. And with SEO included with every site, your prospects will find you in no time. Let the snapping begin!

About the Author

Jonsette Calloway joined the Rentbot team in 2015. With a background in public relations, advertising and copywriting, she has helped a multitude of clients achieve their marketing and communications goals within various fields, but she particularly enjoys working with the apartment industry.