If you are a landlord with a small portfolio, you may be wondering if you should have a website even if you have a single rental property. When you have a single property or just a handful in your portfolio, understanding your best marketing strategy can feel like a puzzle. Thankfully, there is an easy answer, and a few simple options to get a website for your rental property.
Q: I only have one rental property, do I really need a website?
A: Yes! A website for your rental property, even if it’s just one, will prove legitimacy to potential applicants and increase the likelihood of finding the most qualified renter for your property. The more qualified the renter, the more likely you will have a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
Rental Property Websites
Websites are often used by businesses and professionals to showcase their products and services. A website is a valuable platform to promote your brand, demonstrate your authority, share valuable information, and ultimately, drive sales.
In the world of property management, websites are an essential tool for marketing vacant rental properties, sharing company information and contact details, and creating a line of communication between your renters and the community you serve.
Websites for Property Managers vs Websites for Landlords
Both property managers and landlords benefit from maintaining a website for their rental properties. While property managers were traditionally more likely to have a website for their company, it is becoming more common for landlords and individuals who self-manage to have a website for their rentals as well.
This partly due to the fact that websites are becoming easier to create and more affordable to maintain. In fact, landlords can find free professional rental websites included in most property management software programs, like Rentec Direct. These websites can be fully customizable to display information relevant to your rental properties and your management services.
Do I need a website for my real estate portfolio?
You might be wondering if you still need a website, even if you have one or two rental properties– Wont referrals and social media posts be enough to find your next qualified renter during tenant turnover?
We are not alone in our pro-website stance. Even for a single property or small portfolio, a website instantly builds credibility and increases your visibility. For rental professionals you’ll be able to see the return on your website presences in multiple ways.
Benefits of a Rental Website for Landlords
1. Stand Out in a Crowded Market
Most small-time landlords rely solely on Craigslist, Facebook, or a rental listing site. A simple website makes your listing look more trustworthy and polished, which is especially helpful in competitive rental markets.
2. Central Hub for Information
Instead of fielding repetitive questions about rent, pet policies, or move-in availability, your website can provide all the answers in one place, saving you time and hassle.
3. Accept Applications Online
Online applications are easier for both you and the applicant. You’ll appear more professional and can make faster, more informed leasing decisions.
4. Set Up for the Future
If you plan to invest in more properties later, having a website in place means you’re already building your brand and online presence, so you won’t need to start from scratch later.
5. Modern Tenant Expectations
Today’s renters expect online convenience, even from independent landlords. Even a simple website with a listing, application link, and contact form can make a great impression and help you rent the property faster.
Bonus Tip
Using a rental website offered by a property management software company has the added benefit of integrated marketing features, like rental listing syndication to help promote a vacancy across multiple channels. The rental listing can direct an interested applicant back to your website and rental application.
Website vs Social Media Page
I recommend everyone maintain a website and an active social media presence as a best practice to connect with your target audience. However, if you are not able to actively post and engage on your business’s social media profiles, you might be doing your business a disservice. Inactive social media pages can give off the impression that a business is no longer operational and may cause someone to dismiss you altogether.
Simple websites are designed to be evergreen and don’t require constant maintenance.
How to Create a Rental Property Website
Check with your property management software provider as they should offer you a free website along with their other features. Using your software’s website will make posting rental vacancies instant to both your website and your rental listing syndication network. They will also take care of all the hosting and maintenance for no additional cost.
You can also explore other website hosting and design services, which are often diy for landlords and property managers. Marketing firms and webdesign firms can manage the process for you to create beautiful websites for an added expense compared to do it yourself options.
Initial Setup Costs
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Note: These maintenance costs are included in your property management software subscription, if you have Rentec Direct.
Final Thoughts
For landlords who want to raise their property’s visibility to attract the most qualified renters, a website is an excellent tool for maintaining professionalism and communication. Creating a website is a simple process, especially for promoting one property.
If you plan on growing your portfolio, I always recommend enhancing your rental management practices now, like building a website or using property management software. It’s easier to learn the process with one property, compared to migrating your system with lots of properties in your portfolio.
