5 Creative Marketing Tips to Promote Vacant Rentals

You’ve done a great job making sure your property looks modern, clean, and appealing to new renters. Now, the next phase is letting people know that a desirable rental exists and can be their new home.

There are some good strategies that let renters know your property is a place like home and a comfortable shelter for the chilly Boston winter. Continue reading below as we discuss five creative marketing tips to promote vacant rentals. 

1. Highlight Winter-Friendly Features

Boston temperatures can be unpredictable, especially during the winters when it drops below freezing, and snowstorms make a cozy indoor area more important. You can leverage this need by mentioning that your property understands and incorporates features that combat the cold.

This means that well-insulated windows are included to reduce heat loss and keep the indoor temperature constant. Also, efficient heating systems, whether energy-efficient radiators or modern HVAC systems, should be added; what matters is distributing warmth throughout the property.

If you have a fireplace, heated floors, or any heat source that reliably balances the temperatures, you should mention them in all listings. These factors are necessary as they attract tenants who are more focused on comfort while living in Boston.

2. Use Detailed Online Listings

Listing your property on popular real estate platforms and similar forums is an effective way to get more people’s attention to your property. Note that your descriptions need to be thorough, highlighting all features, especially its winter-friendliness.

Aside from mentioning the different perks, consider including high-quality photos of your property. These should be taken at flattering angles with good lighting to enhance the listing’s appeal to prospective tenants.

Where should you list your property for rent? We recommend platforms like Zillow, Airbnb (for short-term leases), Craigslist, and social media pages dedicated to connecting tenants with rentals. This way, you can be more visible and keep your vacancy rate low.

3. Implement a Referral Program

While online listings are great, you should also rely on word-of-mouth advertising. This is because most people trust recommendations made by family and friends more than any form of advertising.

So, in this case, offer an incentive that convinces people to recommend your rental and even attracts new tenants. These could include rent discounts, a free service, an upgrade within their unit, or anything of the sort.

You can take the referral system beyond individuals and partner with local businesses like gyms, cafes, hospitals, grocery stores, and similar establishments. Even if they can’t verbally recommend your rental, you can place promotional material on the checkout counter or in areas with high traffic and be certain interested people will contact you.

*Note: You can also promote your rental’s location which can attract tenants looking for short, flexible terms. 

4. Use “For Rent” Signs

“For Rent” signs might seem old-fashioned, but they remain effective ways to attract locals to your rental. When placed in high-traffic areas, these signs can catch people’s interest and attract those looking to relocate.

This advertising method is very cost-effective and straightforward in alerting the community of available space for rent. At the same time, it can spark word-of-mouth referrals as passersby who aren’t looking can recommend others in search of a new location.

It’s worth noting that “For Rent” signs aren’t for every location, and you need to consider factors like visibility and neighborhood safety. These signs can be a valuable part of your marketing strategy when placed in an ideal location wisely.

5. Offer Virtual Tours

The internet makes hosting virtual tours effortless, which has proven an effective way to market your rental property. In simple terms, these virtual tours allow potential tenants to explore the property in real-time and from the convenience of their homes.

This method is most useful this winter as the cold conditions make leaving the house for in-person inspections tedious. But how do you schedule these live tours?

You can use video tour platforms like Facebook Live, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams to highlight key features of the property while responding to questions from viewers. You can also wow others with your knowledge of Boston entertainment and attractions.

This is effective since Bay Property Management Group Boston suggests highlighting nearby attractions where your rental is. However, ensure to promote the event on social media channels, real estate websites, email marketing, etc., to get a large audience during the tour.

Bonus: Importance of Highlighting Winter-Friendly Features of Your Rental

Winter in Boston can be terrible, and tenants tend to check for other properties that can keep them comfortable during and after the winter. Promoting that your property is winter-friendly can attract clients who seek this warmth and comfort. 

Showcase features in your rental that should include the following:

• Energy Efficiency: Mention the energy-efficient appliances and heating systems that help to keep the house warm and the utility bills low.

• Comfort: Emphasize additions like heated floors, fireplaces, and insulation, which can improve tenant satisfaction during the winter.

• Safety: Inform potential tenants to know how you ensure your walkway can withstand the snow and ice. Let them also know the property is well-maintained to prevent ice build-up.

By mentioning these features and others that are in place to keep renters warm and comfortable during the Boston winter, you may attract eager tenants who want to capitalize on the opportunity.

Conclusion

Marketing vacant rentals, especially for the Boston winter can be tricky but still possible to attract guests. Experts recommend offering virtual tours, listing on popular websites and social media pages, leveraging word of mouth, and using an attractive referral system.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed “For Rent” sign. It’s still an effective tool to attract local renters, used by many landlords to minimize vacancy rates.