TAKE THE CONVERSATION ONLINE

Outreach marketing is probably looking a little different these days as if outreach wasn’t overwhelming enough already right? WRONG! Outreach doesn’t have to be this big, intimidating task that you muddle through alone. With the Sprout Daily Dose method, you get easy, step-by-step instructions on how to go about doing your outreach marketing in a way that’s quick, easy, and still gets results.

You’ve probably been racking your brain for a way to get your outreach done during this quarantine, while still being able to stand out and show your community’s personality.

During times of crisis, there is no such thing as over-communication. People are anxious and idle, both of which can lead to a lot of frustrating requests that our onsite teams will have to field.

Plus, you might have prospects who are curious about your community but they aren’t sure how to reach you or what they can and cannot do during this uncertain time. For instance, they might not know you offer virtual tours or that they can lease online. This is where Sprout comes in to lend a hand.

Take a peek inside our Sprout Monthly Membership by watching the video below. Check out ways for you to accomplish your quarantine-friendly outreach without taking up your whole day or your whole budget and we can’t wait to see what all you do with it to help communicate with your residents and prospects.

CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING DAILY DOSE FROM OUR SPROUT MEMBERSHIP:

GET YOUR RESOURCES HERE

(MEMBERS: LOG IN and search #632 to download everything you need!)

Not a member? We’ve got the graphics featured ready for instant download below.

Online communication channels **are EVERYTHING right now, so be sure to choose the one that’s going to work best for you, your community and your prospects.**

HERE ARE SOME OPTIONS YOUR COMMUNITY CAN CHOOSE FROM:

EMAIL
- PRO: People are used to communicating this way. It’s fast and effective.
- CON: People are flooded with emails right now regarding COVID. It will be easy for your emails to get lost in the shuffle.
- TIP: Use a consistent subject line to let residents know that emails are from your community. Example: [Sprout Apartments: Community Updates 3/18]
RESIDENT PORTAL
- PRO: If residents are already used to using this, they will automatically go here for updates.
- CON: No con if this is already set-up.
- TIP: Keep notices up-to-date so people don’t stop checking the portal.
SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
- PRO: For diversion, many people will be turning to social media. This is an opportunity for you to be part of the online conversation. You can also post videos which feel a lot more personal when you can’t have face-to-face interaction.
- CON: Conversations can quickly turn negative, and threads can spiral out of control with varying opinions on how things should be done.
- TIP: Consider setting up a Facebook Group where you can approve comments or respond privately.
CHAT FEATURE ON WEBSITE
- PRO: Residents and prospects may already be going to your website to see how to reach out. Having a quick response will lower phone calls or office visits and increase capacity for your team.
- CON: People expect a quick response time with chat. Make sure it is turned off if you are overwhelmed with requests or if you step away from your computer to go to the bathroom or get a snack…(which by the way...totally allowed!).
- TIP: Reach out to your web provider. This can be an easy added means of communication.
TEXT
- PRO: It’s an easy way to reach your residents on their cell phone, which many will be glued to.
- CON: Many communities don’t have this setup.
- TIP: If you have a third-party service, providing text message updates can be effective in relaying time-sensitive information.
PHONE
- PRO: People are used to calling in.
- CON: If staff is limited, calls can quickly become overwhelming, and you may be responding to repetitive questions.
- TIP: Set up a voicemail that answers some of your FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) or directs them somewhere on your website/portal that answers them. That way if you can’t get to everyone personally, they can still get answers to the most common questions.