Everyone has a listing on Zillow, HotPads, RentCafé, etc. 

Understanding how the internet works and leveraging the power of online advertising is no longer innovative. Those well-trafficked rental websites are where every landlord and property manager lists the homes they have for rent. It’s crowded. It’s increasingly more difficult to stand out. 

So, how can you give your Humboldt County rental property a competitive advantage when it comes to advertising for well-qualified tenants? In a market where every available space seems to be vying for the same set of eyes, it's critical to find innovative ways to stand out and attract premium tenants.

We have some ideas.  Here's a rundown of five inventive advertising strategies that will help you harness the power of your property's unique features and get them in front of serious renters.

1. Utilize Video Tours and Interactive Floor Plans

There’s always been talk about the importance of good photos when you’re creating an online listing and marketing your home. 

We still believe professional-grade photos are an excellent way to get attention for your rental property. 

But, the days of photos being enough are long gone. If you want to really showcase your property, you need to invest in video. Today's renters crave a more immersive experience before they make a decision or even inquire further. 

High-definition video tours provide a realistic sense of space and allow potential tenants to envision themselves in your property. They’ll instantly understand that there’s a long hallway or a panoramic view. They’ll see the spacious walk-in pantry and the chef's kitchen. 

Video tours bring your property to life online and can drastically reduce the number of time-wasting viewings for those who match your criteria and fall in love at first sight.

In addition to video tours, make sure the floor plan is available and easy for potential tenants to navigate. This will generate a lot of attention for you and your property, and the requests for showings will immediately begin to roll in.

2. Partner with Local Influencers on Social Media

Tap into the local community by partnering with influencers on social media. People who are well-known in the Humboldt County real estate and property management industries likely have a presence online. These individuals often have a substantial following of locals and are trusted voices for current news and trends in the area. 

By having them share your property listing with their network, you can reach a broader, more engaged audience who may specifically be looking for a new rental. Local influencers can offer insights into the neighborhood, amenities, and lifestyle around your property, adding a layer of endorsement that can be influential to potential tenants.

This is innovative and can even be fun when you begin to grow the right kind of audience for your listings. 

3. Organize Unique Events at the Property

Hosting an open house is a good start, but there are a lot of open houses throughout Humboldt County, and prospective renters can spend their entire weekend bouncing from one to the next. 

To truly set your property apart from others, consider organizing unique events that showcase its best features. Host a coffee hour so you can showcase your property’s cozy kitchen. If you happen to have a nice courtyard or outdoor space, consider holding a picnic in the backyard. When you can come up with some potential events that may turn an ordinary viewing into a memorable occasion for your potential tenants, you’re creating an emotional connection with the home right away. These events provide a relaxed environment for potential tenants to explore their future home and are more likely to leave a lasting positive impression.

4. Offer Incentives for Referrals

Word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool, especially when it involves a personal recommendation. In our thirst for digital and online communication, it’s easy to forget how much an actual conversation can accomplish. 

Talking about your property for rent and asking others to spread the word is actually pretty innovative. Especially when you’re willing to offer incentives. 

Encourage your current tenants or anyone in your network to refer potential renters, and reward them for their referrals. This could be in the form of a discount on rent, a gift card, or a cash incentive. Incentives not only motivate people to spread the word about your property but also create a more economical win-win for all parties involved. Reach out to real estate agents. Talk to your vendors and service providers. Everyone knows someone who is looking for a place to live.

5. Advertise on Niche Social Media Platforms