More than 2 billion people use the internet today. Google processes 3.5 billion searches a day. According to google’s keyword planner (a tool used to see how often terms are searched), “rental properties” was searched 12,100 times a month throughout the U.S. in the past year. It is likely that one of the first things a potential tenant will do when they are interested in a rental property is google it. As a rental property owner you need to know what google presents when your property or even your name is searched. You also need to ask yourself is the information google is presenting when you or your rental property is searched what you want to be presented.
For those property owners or managers who have been managing their web presence, when they search their rental property the first google results they will likely see is their website, positive reviews from tenants and even social media accounts that they have created. For those who have not been managing their web presence as part of their residential or commercial property management it is a gamble as to what will show when they are googled. For most, google results will be neutral. When searched on google many properties will merely trigger general websites that list a buildings or property’s square footage or year of construction. However, if a tenant has ever posted a negative review or filed a complaint it is likely that the negative review will appear first or in the top 10 searched results
If you have not been managing your property’s web presence, here are some steps you can take to immediately improve it.
Build a website- there are is tools and website template that will allow you to build a website fast and on a low budget. Including pictures can help show off your property to potential tenants.
Ask satisfied tenants to write positive reviews especially if there are already negative reviews written about you online
Google yourself and your property on a regular basis so you know what potential tenants might find online
Consider creating a Facebook page for your building. This is a cheaper (it’s free) and less time consuming than building a website.
If something negative does appear online about you or your rental property remember the best way to deal with it is to bury it under positive information (positive reviews, website site etc) and do not be afraid to get help from professionals if you need to better manage your online presence and reputation.
This post is provided by RISSOFT Residential and Commercial Property Management Software, specializing in innovative and cutting-edge property management software for all 50 states. Request a demo or contact us today to receive more information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post in not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be considered a substitute for obtaining individual legal counsel or consulting your local, state, federal or provincial tenancy laws.