There’s no doubt about it: if you aren’t using social media to connect with prospective renters, you’re missing out on a valuable advertising source. Apartment complexes across the nation are successfully promoting their communities on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram . But what should property managers post about on the social media pages for their apartment complexes? Working with a group of popular apartments in Gainesville, I’ve found seven critical topics that every marketing director should post about:

1. Rent Specials and Move In Specials

According to Rent.com, most people move between May and September. Saving money is an important part of the moving process, as expenses can add up quickly. Advertising rent and move-in specials can promote the apartment community, as well as a boost traffic and create interest on your Facebook page.

2. New Availability

This ties in with posting rent specials, because when people are moving, they tend to research both rent specials and availabilities. It seems obvious, but if you want to lease vacant apartments, it’s always a good idea to advertise when there is a new availability. You’d be surprised how many apartment complexes don’t post vacancies on their Facebook pages!

3. Resident Appreciation Events

Another way to encourage engagement is to promote resident appreciation events. Resident appreciation events make tenants feel appreciated by the management, and this is especially important since it can create relationship with the renters and encourage renewals! It’s important to add value to the residents, as they increase the value to the property.

4. Apartment Amenities

Posting about the different amenities that the property offers can also be beneficial. It’s important to appeal to various types of potential renters and try to hook them with amenities; some may only rent apartments that have a pool or gym while others may be more into individual aesthetics of the apartment like large kitchens or master suite bedrooms. Cover all bases; you’ll be sure to interest a higher portion of the target market.

5. Local Events & Things to Do

It’s imperative to remember that the Facebook page isn’t just an advertising source—it’s  meant to be interesting place to show the softer side of your company and create a sense of community at your property. If someone is moving from out of state and considering renting from you, seeing community events may encourage them to sign a lease. We asked our out-of-state renters to tell us why they chose our apartment complexes. Many said that the apartment complex events helped them get to know each other, and many renters said that they valued community events as a way to make new friends.

6. Renewal Specials

While attracting new tenants is good, keeping old ones is even better. You never want to lose a current renter, so posting renewal specials should be a high priority. Renewal specials are also a good incentive for new renters too, as it shows a possible price drop if they choose to renew.

7. Weather

Lastly, posting about weather helps out of towners envision their new, beautiful life at the property. Posting about sunny days, warm weather, and including a picture, will aid a person in creating a picture of what life is like to live in your apartments.

Social media is an important way to stay connected to future and current tenants. It’s vital to remember that the page should appeal to them, so posting unique and exciting content will drive engagement. These are seven topics that we’ve found to be effective.  We want to hear from you! What types of Facebook posts have you found to be the most helpful during your lease ups?