This is an idea follow up on Kim Andreadis' latest post about highlighting local selling points from your local community (that surrounds your apartment community). Have you ever watched Rick Steves? He is a TV travel guide that wanders through Europe and talks about local points of interest. As we discuss more ways to bring a new type of feel to our apartment community websites, why not try something like this, but with a 3 minute flavor each week? For example, find a local hotspot, historical tourist destination, great eatery, etc and "video review" it. And here's a way to do it without a budget!
1) Contact the establishment and say you would like to feature them to your community in exchange for free tickets/food/etc.
2) Hold a raffle for residents for the free tickets/food/etc and the "opportunity" to do a fun video review.
3) Lend them an inexpensive Flip video camera and send them on their way (yes, this is a cost, but if you repeat this process, you could spread this cost over several months)
Now, not only do you have great video of a local hotspot, you have given a "face" to your community as well as provided a fun perk to the residents! Now your existing residents are more emotionally tied to your community and you have differentiated yourself from the multitude of local comps in your area! Lastly, this is a perk you can do almost weekly with minimal or no expense!
