$100K Lease-Stakes 
Real strategies to capture high-intent renters, right where they are.
If you’ve ever wished you could target prospective renters the moment they step onto a competitor’s property or pass by your leasing office… geofencing is your new secret weapon.
Let’s break down what it is, why it works for multifamily, and most importantly, how to actually use it in your campaigns without adding more chaos to your already full plate.
What Is Geofencing?
Geofencing is a location-based digital marketing strategy that lets you draw a virtual perimeter (or “fence”) around a physical location. When someone enters that area with their mobile device, they become eligible to receive targeted ads via apps, websites, or social media. It’s mobile-first marketing that works in the wild.
In the multifamily world, this means you can deliver ads to renters who are:
- Touring competitor properties
- Visiting nearby shopping centers, gyms, or universities
- Driving by your lease-up site
- Even walking through your own community without converting
For an even more in depth discussion about what geofencing is, check out our Digible Dudes Podcast Episode 203, where we sit down with Matthew Kilmer, Founder and CEO of ApartmentGeofencing.com, and talk about the future of targeted marketing in real estate using geofencing and AI.
Why It Works in Multifamily (Better Than Most Industries)
Multifamily decisions are made locally. Renters physically visit neighborhoods, compare communities in real time, and often make snap decisions based on location, vibe, and availability.
Geofencing meets them exactly at that point of intent, when they’re already apartment hunting. And unlike other digital tactics, you’re not relying on search terms or audience lookalikes. You’re targeting real people in real places that align with your leasing goals.
5 Practical Ways to Use Geofencing Right Now
Whether you’re managing 10 properties or 100, here are specific, replicable ways to make geofencing work for your portfolio:
1. Fence the Competition
What to do: Geofence 3–5 top competitors within a 1–2 mile radius.
Tip: Start with communities that share similar price points, layouts, or target demographics.
Goal: Steal qualified foot traffic from competitors by showing up with a stronger offer (e.g. “Get 6 Weeks Free Just Down the Street”).
2. Support Your Lease-Ups
What to do: Geofence construction zones, local hot spots, and feeder neighborhoods.
Tip: Create urgency-based ads “Now Leasing | Studio & 1BRs Available for Immediate Move-In.”
Goal: Build early awareness and drive high-intent foot traffic for brand-new properties.
3. Fence Your Own Community
What to do: Create a fence around your property to retarget visitors who didn’t convert.
Tip: Use post-tour messaging like “Still Looking? Here’s a Virtual Tour & Special Offer.”
Goal: Maximize your marketing spend by staying top-of-mind with already-interested prospects.
4. Target Local Events
What to do: Geofence large events (farmers markets, art walks, concerts) within 10–15 minutes of your community.
Tip: Pair ads with messaging like “Just minutes from today’s event. Now leasing 2BRs with skyline views.”
Goal: Reach socially active locals who already love the area.
5. Fence Lifestyle Anchors
What to do: Fence gyms, corporate offices, universities, and transit centers.
Tip: Customize your ad creative. For example, “5-Minute Commute to [University Name]” or “Work at [Company]? Ask About Preferred Employer Discounts.”
Goal: Attract renters who prioritize convenience and may already be on the move.
What to Watch Out For
We’ve seen multifamily marketers jump into geofencing with the wrong partners or no strategy, and walk away frustrated. Here’s how to avoid that:
Insist on full transparency. You should have real-time access to impressions, clicks, and location-level performance.
Pair it with relevant creative. Hyperlocal targeting works best with hyper-relevant messaging. No generic ads!
Set clear KPIs. Whether it’s form fills, tour bookings, or walk-in traffic, define what success looks like before launch.
Don’t set and forget. Geofencing campaigns need regular optimization based on location performance, foot traffic, and click data.
Final Thoughts On Geofencing
Geofencing doesn’t replace SEO or PPC – it supercharges them. It’s a modern, efficient way to close the gap between interest and action and meet renters right where they are: standing on a competitor’s sidewalk or browsing near your leasing office.
If you’re stretched thin across multiple properties, don’t worry, you don’t have to do it all yourself. At Digible, we manage geofencing campaigns end-to-end with full transparency, flexible budgets, and results you can actually measure.
Want help building a geofencing strategy that drives leases?
Let’s chat. No long-term contracts. No start-up fees. Just smarter marketing.
