Why RentCafe.com? An apartment marketer’s perspective

In today’s competitive apartment market, standing out requires more than just great communities. Savvy marketers understand the power of a strategic, multi-channel approach that combines SEO, PPC and ILS platforms.

In this interview with Jon Listro, associate at Commerce Capital Partners (ComCapp), we take a closer look at their successful apartment marketing strategy. Get Jon’s perspective on what it takes to attract qualified leads and drive conversions.

Editor’s note: Jon is based in San Antonio, Texas, so don’t be surprised to run into a “y’all” here and there.

Q: What is your current marketing strategy?

Jon: “We want to be everywhere that our potential renters are looking for housing, so we use PPC, SEO and ILS across our portfolio. Our websites are RentCafe sites now — they weren’t always — and we use most of the services that REACH offers.”

Q: Why did you transition your websites and start working with REACH?

Jon: “We’ve been a Yardi shop forever, and it just made sense. Transitioning the websites was relatively easy. We were coming from another website provider that’s popular in the multifamily industry, and y’all made that process simple. We transitioned our portfolio as the summer season started picking up, and we didn’t really see a hiccup in the PPC or SEO.

The thing that I appreciate about REACH is that, because we’re integrated with Yardi, we can see our prospects all the way up to the lease. Which you can’t do when you’re using multiple providers. Now we have this direct insight.

Everyone tells you about cost-per-conversion when you’re talking about PPC, but that doesn’t tell me the quality of those leads and if they actually ended up leasing. Now we can see directly how PPC translates to leases, and that’s helpful for us. It’s different and better than what we had before.”

Q: What role do ILSs like RentCafe.com play in your broader marketing strategy?

Jon: “They’re a fantastic complement to our SEO and PPC efforts, which excel at targeted outreach. ILS platforms offer a wider reach, meeting renters where they actively search for apartments. It’s crucial to be present where potential renters are looking, and the user-friendly experience on RentCafe.com makes it a great choice.”

Q: What factors influenced your decision to choose RentCafe.com?

Jon: “Several things stood out about RentCafe.com when we were choosing an ILS to list vacancies on. First, its association with Yardi gives it a larger presence and brand recognition among renters. Second, the layout and functionality are top-notch. It offers more options than some competitors and displays key information directly on the search results page. Finally, the user experience is intuitive and user-friendly, guiding renters with helpful prompts and presenting results clearly. Plus, the verified listings and direct connection to our property management software ensure accuracy and build trust.“

Q: How does RentCafe.com help your listings stand out from the competition?

Jon: “It goes beyond simply listing properties. RentCafe.com tailors results based on user criteria, ensuring the most relevant options appear at the top. This personalized approach is much more effective than generic listings.

Additionally, the seamless user experience keeps renters engaged within the search, unlike other ILSs that redirect them away with each click. And let’s not forget the clear calls to action — contact information and tour scheduling are readily available, making it easy for renters to take the next step.”

Q: What are your overall thoughts on RentCafe.com and its impact on your marketing strategy?

Jon: “It’s been incredibly effective. The user-friendly interface of RentCafe.com, combined with its ability to generate leads that convert into leases, has been instrumental in our success. We highly recommend it to any apartment marketer looking to expand their reach and attract qualified leads.”

Ready to feel more confident about your apartment marketing?

Huge thanks to Jon for taking the time to share his experience and insights. The ComCapp marketing story demonstrates the power of multi-channel marketing. Reach out today to find out how we can help you craft a winning strategy that leverages SEO, PPC and ILS platforms to maximize your occupancy goals and return on investment.

Remember, the key is to tailor your approach to your specific audience and goals. Let’s work together to find the perfect mix for your success!