Virtual tours and digital marketing are powerful tools for Utah landlords to attract tenants in Utah, increase property visibility, and streamline the leasing process. As the Utah rental market becomes more competitive, especially in high-demand areas like Salt Lake City, Lehi, and Provo, using digital marketing tactics can help you stand out and appeal to a larger pool of potential tenants. Here’s how to use virtual tours and online marketing to fill vacancies faster and enhance tenant engagement.
Ready to start your journey? Schedule a strategy call to discuss your Utah real estate goals and options.
1. Create Engaging Virtual Tours
Virtual tours give prospective tenants the chance to explore your rental property online, helping them visualize the space and assess its suitability before scheduling an in-person visit. Virtual tours are especially effective for out-of-state renters and busy locals who may not have time for multiple showings.
- Types of Virtual Tours:
- 360-Degree Tours: Platforms like Matterport and Zillow 3D Home create immersive, 360-degree experiences, allowing viewers to navigate the property room by room.
- Pre-Recorded Video Tours: Simple video tours taken with a smartphone or camera offer a more affordable alternative and provide a guided walkthrough of the property.
- Interactive Walkthroughs: Some platforms allow tenants to “walk” through the space virtually, clicking through rooms at their own pace and viewing different angles.
- Tip for Utah Landlords: Highlight unique features that Utah tenants value, such as energy-efficient windows for winter warmth, storage space for outdoor gear, or proximity to public transit or outdoor amenities like hiking trails.
2. Use High-Quality Photos and Staging
High-quality visuals can make or break your online listing. Photos and staging allow you to showcase the property’s best features, creating a lasting first impression.
- Focus on Key Areas: Capture photos of each room, focusing on popular areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces. Include exterior shots, especially if the property has a yard, deck, or scenic views.
- Stage for Maximum Appeal: A well-staged rental appears more inviting. Keep furnishings simple and clutter-free to allow prospective tenants to envision themselves in the space. For empty units, consider virtual staging, which digitally adds furniture and decor to empty rooms.
- Example: In areas like Park City, featuring mountain views or access to ski resorts can attract tenants in Utah looking for winter rentals, so consider adding photos of the surroundings or outdoor views.
3. Leverage Social Media Marketing
Social media is an affordable way to promote rental listings, reach a wider audience, and engage with potential tenants. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok allow you to create visually appealing posts, stories, and videos to attract tenants in Utah actively searching for rental properties.
- Create Targeted Ads: Use Facebook and Instagram’s ad targeting to reach specific demographics, such as young professionals in Salt Lake City or students in Provo. You can customize ads by location, age, and interests to appeal to Utah renters looking for housing.
- Showcase Property Features: Post pictures and short videos of your property’s highlights, including virtual tour snippets, outdoor spaces, or upgrades. This increases engagement and encourages followers to inquire about the listing.
- Use Hashtags for Reach: Include local hashtags like #UtahRentals, #SaltLakeCityLiving, or #ProvoHousing to increase visibility among people searching for rentals in specific Utah areas.
- Tip: Post consistently, especially during peak leasing seasons (late spring and summer) when demand is highest. Engaging with followers and responding promptly to inquiries helps build trust and keeps potential tenants interested.
4. Post Listings on Local and National Rental Websites
Rental websites are essential for maximizing your property’s exposure. By listing on multiple platforms, you increase the chances of reaching tenants both in and out of state who are actively searching for Utah rentals.
- Popular National Sites: Websites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Rent.com allow you to post high-quality listings with photos, videos, and virtual tours. Many tenants start their search on these platforms, making them ideal for wide-reaching exposure.
- Local Utah Platforms: Websites like KSL.com, which is popular in Utah, offer rental listing options that attract local audiences. KSL Classifieds has a dedicated section for housing, making it easy to connect with Utah-based renters.
- Highlight Key Selling Points: In the listing description, emphasize unique features like proximity to Utah universities (for student rentals) or nearby tech companies in Lehi and the Silicon Slopes area (for young professionals).
5. Optimize Listings for Search Engines (SEO)
Optimizing your online listings for search engines helps ensure that your property appears when potential tenants search for rentals in specific Utah areas. This is particularly effective for attracting renters who use Google or Bing to find local housing.
- Use Targeted Keywords: Include specific keywords in your listing title and description, like “Salt Lake City Apartments for Rent,” “Provo Student Housing,” or “Lehi Family Home for Rent.”
- Create Compelling Titles: A clear and descriptive title like “2-Bedroom Condo Near Downtown Salt Lake City” or “Spacious 3-Bedroom Near BYU Campus” attracts more clicks than generic titles.
- Add Location and Amenities: Mention location-based amenities, such as “walking distance to TRAX,” “close to University of Utah,” or “near Silicon Slopes.” This helps Google match your listing with location-based searches.
- Example: For a rental in Lehi, including keywords like “Lehi rental near tech companies” or “Silicon Slopes apartment” can help attract professionals relocating for work.
6. Consider Using Google Ads to Promote Listings
Google Ads is an effective way to promote rental listings directly on search engine results pages, targeting tenants actively looking for rentals in your area.
- Target Local Searches: By targeting location-based searches, like “rentals in Salt Lake City” or “student apartments near University of Utah,” you increase the likelihood of reaching potential tenants actively searching in Utah.
- Set a Budget: Google Ads allows you to control your spending by setting a daily or monthly budget. Ads can be highly targeted, so even a small budget can generate interest from qualified renters.
- Tip: Google Ads is particularly useful for attracting out-of-state renters who may not be familiar with local rental websites but rely on Google to find housing options.
7. Encourage Online Reviews and Testimonials
Positive online reviews build trust and demonstrate that you’re a responsive, reliable landlord. Encourage satisfied tenants to leave reviews on Google, Zillow, or Yelp, as these reviews help prospective tenants feel more confident about renting from you.
- Where to Ask for Reviews: Request reviews on popular rental websites, Google My Business, or your social media pages. Positive testimonials improve your reputation and increase your chances of attracting quality tenants.
- Highlight Reviews in Marketing: Add positive testimonials to your listings or website, showcasing tenant satisfaction with your property management.
- Tip: If you have multiple properties, ask tenants from different locations to leave feedback specific to their experience, which provides diverse insights for prospective renters.
Final Thoughts
Using virtual tours and digital marketing strategies can significantly enhance your property’s appeal and make it easier to connect with prospective tenants. With high-quality visuals, targeted advertising, and optimized online listings, Utah landlords can fill vacancies faster and attract tenants in Utah who appreciate a modern, convenient leasing experience. By leveraging the latest digital tools, you can stay competitive and reach a larger tenant pool in Utah’s thriving rental market.
Connect with other Utah real estate investors through our Investor Group to stay updated on the latest industry trends.
