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It seems like every week we see a new must-have in tech trending. You may be thinking, “how do I stay on top of marketing trends with so many advances in technology?” Not to worry, we will be breaking down the changing landscape of multifamily and apartment marketing and giving a forecast for what’s on the horizon.
So what’s next? Artificial intelligence? This sounds like futuristic jargon, but in reality that’s where apartment marketing is headed in 2018 and beyond. Chatbots are on the rise, and voice search is affecting local business listings.
As voice search becomes ubiquitous, we’re going to see more searches like “Alexa, what is the address of Creekside Apartments?” or “Hey Google, call Forest Hill Apartments.” The results will almost certainly go through local business listings rather than a website. So having your community’s Google listing set up correctly with up-to-date information is going to be more important than ever.
The demand for smart home features will continue to grow across the industry. As technology continues to change so will the wants/needs of future renters. This will push marketers to become anticipatory, progressive, and innovative when it comes to reaching prospective renters. Apartments also need to be more personalized, flexible and adaptable to changing lifestyles. With more people working from home, a co-working space within your apartment could be a huge selling point in 2018.
To stay competitive and stand out to tech-savvy renters in 2018, you need to up your game. Be innovative; creative storytelling is becoming a main selling point. Think of virtual tours that highlight your floor plans, or enlisting a chatbot to engage with prospective renters. Instagram stories are gaining attention with renters, as well as live-streaming videos. Keep in mind video is becoming just as important as photos. With summer around the corner, a quality video gives you an opportunity to show off your apartment amenities. Also be sure to remember that just because new channels are emerging in tech does not mean its time to abandon your website. An optimized website can make the difference between filling your vacancies and spending another month scrambling to find renters.
The apartment industry must begin thinking about how to adapt to market changes or risk facing a disconnect with future customers. Embracing new tech will go a long way in standing out among potential renters. However, don’t overwhelm yourself trying to implement all of these tactics right away. Rather hone in on one or two strategies with specific goals in mind.
Don’t know where to start? Digible would love to be your partner in crime, contact us today!
