Dismal property ads – don’t do it!
It may sound really obvious, but when you list your property on the market, you are advertising, with a view to getting people to come and view it, so the advert should be appealing and entice people to want to come and book on for a viewing.
In terms of the design of the listing, it is often easier to talk about “what went wrong” because we have all seen so many bad ads, I’ve seen an absolute horror story of them this week, which is what prompted me to write this blog article! When you boil it down, the design of the ad amounts to three things:
Pictures: These are super important because if these are bad, prospective tenants will move on and may never read the ad at all. They don’t have to be professional photos (although this does help and is always money well spent) but a good, well-lit photo, which is taken to show the best angles and features of a property is a must. Also, a dressed property makes a wealth of difference – just be careful with your design, make it unfussy and stylish, remember that you are selling more than a property, you are selling a lifestyle; a coffee tray on the side of a well-made bed with a coordinated throw, can go a long way!
The wording: Remember that you are selling the vacancy. If you don’t sound enthusiastic about it, then how can you expect anyone else to! You would not believe how many dreary ads I have read, and this always makes me roll my eyes. Make the tone upbeat, sound enthusiastic and always remember to point out the best parts of the property, the location, what the area is known for (if that’s a plus…) and the nearby amenities.
Information: Transport links; local amenities; schools; employers; shops; local hospitality; hospitals and landmarks. These are all things that prospective tenants want to know, listing distances to these is really useful and, if a property is in a sought-after location, near a local landmark or known for something in particular, then mention it in the ad. These are all selling points for prospective tenants! Remember that there may be lots of prospective tenants (especially in a gorgeous cosmopolitan city like Bristol) who will be new to the area and who will not know these things. Listing this information not only helps to sell your property, it will also help them too, in making a well rounded and informed choice.
We have honed our marketing over many years and always do the following by way of process:
Take pictures when properties are new and uninhabited, wherever possible – properties are never going to look as good as when they are freshly refurbished and empty. These pics can be used again and again and are an investment.
Dress at least one room – throws, pictures, rug, curtains. Even if the whole house isn’t dressed, tenants can see what the rooms will look like and a room without any dressing or curtains etc., looks really uninviting.
Make the bed – you’d think there would be little need to explain this one, but you’d be surprised!
Supply a desk wherever possible – makes a big difference to so many tenants.
Take pictures from many angles, with the best light from a window and get an equal amount of floor space and the room into the picture – you will be surprised the difference this makes. Take several shots of each room and pick the best one.
Wear a smile on your face when you write the copy for the ad, it’ll make you so much more upbeat. Remember, if you can’t be positive about the ad, then how can a tenant be. Point out all the best points of the property, the location, the transport links and (if HMO) the other housemates.
As Landlords and Investors ourselves, we can help and advise on all aspects of your portfolio. If we can help you then give us a call on 0117 440 6789 or email us here together we can make being a landlord simple, passive and stress free!
