Running out of photo and video ideas for your Instagram channel or just looking for fresh options? Make sure your channel highlights these multifamily basics.
Our own Erica Byrum, assistant vice president of social media, has seven essential topics you should always capture on site at your community.
1. Your top amenities
Got a pool? Offer a top-of-the-line fitness center? What about a charging station for electric vehicles? Whatever your amenities, this is low-hanging fruit for Instagram content. Shoot a few photos of each amenity or record a short video clip for a reel.
To take it a step further, keep your reel fun and engaging with Instagram’s ready-made templates, and add in trending music. Or, see if you can hop on a trending meme.
Alternatively, tie your content into an upcoming holiday or seasonal theme. Is your fitness center decorated for Halloween? Or make a splash on National Swimming Pool Day with fun facts about your community’s pool.
And don’t forget — your amenities don’t have to be luxuries to resonate with renters. One of the top searched-for features on Apartments.com is in-unit laundry. Show off those washers and dryers!
2. Your onsite staff
Your employees are an essential part of your community. Make sure your Instagram feed includes group photos of your team and individual spotlights alike. You may want to feature an employee of the month with a photo and a quote or fun facts to celebrate your team members and add a more personal touch to your posts.
3. Resident events
Whether you’re planning an outdoor movie screening this summer or hosting a community barbecue, resident events are a great way to build community and support retention. They also look fantastic on your feed. Before, after, and during resident events, take some pics or video to share.
Not only will this help you promote the events themselves, but it’ll also give prospective residents a taste of what life in your community is like.
4. Pets
There’s nothing like the cute, furry face of a dog or cat. Pet photos and reels are a guaranteed draw on Instagram, but they’re also especially popular among renters. Did you know that online searches for pet-friendly apartments on Apartments.com this year have increased by 58 percent since a year ago?
So the next time you spot one of your residents heading out for a walk with Fido in tow, ask if you can snap a photo or record a short clip. Other fun ways to feature pets include highlighting a pet of the month, with fun facts like the pet’s name, age, and favorite things about living in your community.
If your community offers specific pet-friendly amenities, like a dog park or dog run, bathing or grooming station, or pet concierge services, you can get two for one. Highlight your amenities while also showing off your four-legged residents enjoying these great resources!
5. Neighborhood highlights
The old real estate adage is true: location, location, location. No matter where your community is located, make sure to highlight some of the local personality of your neighborhood. Is there a quirky mural nearby? How about a neighborhood coffeeshop? Or maybe there’s a park within a short walk or drive. Show your followers what’s special about living in your area.
And feel free to crowdsource on this one! Ask your residents for their recommendations and spotlight their top picks. Check out your local geotag for relevant content, and request permission from your residents to repost their images.
6. Your apartments
What makes your community feel like home sweet home? Take your followers inside a staged apartment to give them an inside look at what it’s like to be a resident. Show off the view, the kitchen, the living room, and any in-unit amenities you offer.
7. Common areas
From your lobby to coworking spaces or gardens, highlight the shared spaces your community offers. And play up your strengths — if your building has great curb appeal, show off that beautiful exterior and the appealing courtyard. If your community offers cozy spots for residents to curl up with a laptop and coffee, post a shot.
Keep your feed fresh
This list is just a starting place. You can cycle through these ideas regularly and keep your photos and videos up to date with the season and through any renovations or redesigns. Remember, current residents and prospective renters who look you up on Instagram want to get a real-life look at your apartments — so give them a glimpse of the unique features your community offers.
Want more tips from Erica? Follow @ApartmentsBiz on Facebook and Twitter for Erica’s social media ideas and best practices, or follow Apartments.com on LinkedIn. Interested in personalized support? Check out Apartments.com’s Social Media & Reputation Suite.
What is Apartmentology?
Your source for multifamily insights, Apartmentology brings you the latest data and analysis from industry experts.
