Apartment Blog

Mobile marketing is on the leading edge of making life easier for apartment renters on the go. Now, more than ever, marketers understand the need to integrate mobile into their multi-channel branding, customer acquisition and customer retention plans. Mobile marketing is most effective when your listings have a presence on mobile Web sites, mobile applications (i.e. iPhone® and GPhone applications), and through text messaging. Don’t limit your marketing potential! An effective mobile marketing strategy should start with a strong mobile Web site. Renters can view your listings any time, any place from the ForRent.com mobile site. In addition to receiving more than 845,000 pageviews in the last 90 days, the ForRent.com mobile site has also received more than 865,000 clicks. Be sure to reach renters through online video as well. More than 80.7% of mobile users coming to the ForRent.com mobile Web site can view video.

iPhone apps are popular; our app has been downloaded more than 40,000 times. One out of six ForRent.com mobile consumers utilize ForRent.com applications. However, the iPhone only captures 25% of the mobile phone market share. ¹   In addition, 16% of ForRent.com mobile users are using our apps and 83.7% are using our mobile Web site. Usage of mobile Web sites greatly outpaces usage of HTML sites on smartphones¹. The most popular apps are used for entertainment purposes, such as games. Apple® does not provide detailed metrics for application use. Find out the iTunes App Store Categories and the Top-Sellers here.

Over the past 90 days, more than 35,000 text messages have been sent to property managers regarding ForRent.com properties. For Rent Media Solutions^TM offers the ultimate Mobile Marketing Solution for your advertising needs by providing multiple ways for apartment seekers on the go to search for an apartment.

Find out which mobile devices and manufacturers apartment renters are using to find your listings on ForRent.com’s mobile Web site here.

ForRent.com mobile users view your listings on the mobile site through these cell phone manufacturers:

• Apple 48.3%
• RIM ( BlackBerry®) 20.5%
• T-Mobile® 8.6%
• Samsung 5.3%
• Palm 4.9
• LG 3.6
• Other 8.5%

* Apple mobile device usage increased 27.9% from June to July.

* RIM mobile device usage increased 81.7% from June to July.

* T-Mobile mobile device usage increased 80.25% from June to July. 

The following are the top mobile devices by the top three manufacturers ForRent.com mobile consumers are using to view your listings:

Apple

• Apple iPhone 38.9%
• Apple iPod® Touch 9.4%

RIM

• BlackBerry 8330 7.8%
• BlackBerry 8320 3.6%
• BlackBerry Storm 2.7%
• BlackBerry Pearl 1.2%

T-Mobile

• T-Mobile G1^TM 8.1%
• T-Mobile Dash 0.5%

The ForRent.com mobile site adjusts to the dimensions of our users’ screens, reformatting for easy viewing and use. Most consumers are viewing your listings on the following screen sizes:

• 320 x 480: 48.7% of mobile views
• 320 x 240: 17.4% of mobile views
• 480 x 320: 8.7% of mobile views
• 320 x 320: 4.3% of mobile views
• 240 x 260: 3.2% of mobile views
• Other: 17.6% of mobile views

ForRent.com mobile users view your listings through these cell phone operating systems:

• MacOS X: 48.3% 
• RIM: 20.7% 
• Unknown:16.5%
• Linux: 8.5%
• Windows: 5.9%
• Symbian: 0.1% 

Continuing our weekly trend, here is an article with some fantastic tips on how to refresh your home using the color blue! Bring the outdoors inside with a splash of sophisticated and refreshing blue!

Make a bold statement by using deep blue. If you can’t paint, curtains are a great effect for your walls (especially if they are floor to ceiling length).

For added excitement in a bathroom, replace the knobs on your vanity and/or medicine cabinet with blue ones (just make sure you keep all the screws and original knobs when it’s time to move out). White and blue bath accessories, artwork and towels would really complete the look.

Blue checkered details really add a lot of fun as well as a retro twist to any space. You can use this idea for pillows on a bench in your apartment or for cushions around your dinning room table.

Silvery gray and pale aqua is a perfectly glamorous combination for a vanity table. An ornate mirror makes an elegant topper, however if you can’t take down your mirror, removable stickers to adjourn your mirror will work.

For a beach themed apartment, you can use removable cushion covers from an outdoor patio set. A blue stripped rug and an antiqued painted coffee table add dimension to the space; as would blue stripes and fun accents like a nautical star or chandelier.

Also, don’t be afraid to mix a variety of patterns - just stick within the same color palette. A delicate blue-and-white curtain blends beautifully with a shag rug, toile quilt, and boldly striped cushions. My favorite pattern, besides the classic stripes, is damask. Having a piece in the room using blue damask instantly makes it trendy and chic.

Paint and furniture aren’t the only ways to bring color into a room; fun knickknacks in the same hue will do the trick also!

What’s the next color on the menu? Yellow! Soon we will post ideas for decorating in the powerful color of the sun!

Source: Country Living and Better Homes & Gardens

I read some amazing tips from the Country Living website that will instantly refresh your decor by trying out a few new color shades.  Given that most of our readers are apartment renters, these tips will accommodate those with limitations!

I will be splitting up these ideas into five blog postings, one blog for each color. These will provide specific details with each color palette for creative decorating tips. What’s on today’s agenda? The color green!

Pair pale green with other pastel shades for a retro look.  Fun details like a trendy lampshade and a wall display of plates add character and charm!

A neutral couch can be given a tropical feel with botanical-print pillows and broad-leaf potted plants.

Apple green paired with white makes for a cheery and inviting room.  It also happens to be a very big trend in home decorating!

Don’t forget to include nature! You can add beautiful potted plants to complement any space (see photo)!

In a white, airy dining room, a green tile area rug will help ground the space. Dark wood furniture would also balance the bright white elements.

Another great color combination is green with aqua! A green furniture item, such as a couch or chair, partnered with cool aqua creates a fun but relaxing room. A geometric area rug with those colors can help bring the combination together.

Kelly green linen curtains enhance the elegance of old world furniture and provide a touch of color. White pillows with green patterns would also dress up a room as well as add flair for the otherwise traditional space.

Green sofas give a garden air to a space filled with pale neutrals. Light, bright colors are good candidates for airy spaces with tall ceilings and ample windows. This is actually how I’ve decorated my place; paired with beach accents it’s a very calming environment.

The same feeling can be accomplished in your kitchen! Vintage dishware in icy blue, watery aqua and shades of green throughout a space creates an environment that is inviting to guests and calming for the cook. Place those dishes and other décor items inside a green hutch, shown on the left, and you’ve created a fabulous focal point!

Source: Country Living and Better Homes & Gardens

Mobile phones and Web based communication platforms are increasing their presence and popularity among the lives of hundreds of millions of people globally. People do everything from sharing monotonous and routine details of every day life to alerting people to breaking news or product launches. You’ve probably heard a lot about Twitter, the free micro-blogging social network that’s growing faster than Facebook as we speak. Still, you’re probably wondering what Twitter is and how it actually works.

Have no fear, For Rent Media Solutions (@AptsForRent) has been spending a lot of time on Twitter lately, and has put together a guide to help Twitter newbies get started. Twitter is estimated to have around 5 to 10 million registered users. According to Compete.com, Twitter received more than 14 million unique visitors and more than 8 million page views in March. Oprah Winfrey set up a Twitter account and tweeted live for the first time on her April 17 show. According to Engadget’s Ryan Block, 1.2 million people signed up after she did. Is this a coincidence or is it the “Oprah Effect”? If your company doesn’t have a Twitter account, make it a priority to jump on the bandwagon. Still not convinced? Check out our lingo break down and tips and tricks below.

What is it?

Twitter allows users to send “tweets,” or text-based messages up to 140 characters long answering the simple question of “What are you doing now?” These “tweets” are then displayed on your profile page and delivered to other users who are “following” you (essentially, subscribing to receive your tweets). Also, you can follow (subscribe) to the tweets of anyone you want, from family and friends to Oprah, major Web sites, big brands and more.

Confused yet? It’s ok. Basically, Twitter is like an online cocktail party, a text message or like a Facebook status update, with which you can keep people up-to date with your life.

Who is “Twittering” and why should I use it?

According to PewInternet, 19% of online adults age 18-24 have used Twitter, 10% of 35-44yr olds have used it and 5% of online adults age 45-54 have also tweeted. Twitter is great for posting the ins and out of your life, but Twitter can be a great business tool to gain potential residents, retain residents or to stay abreast industry trends. Can’t attend tradeshows this year? Stay connected with attendees and speakers by using #’s. For example, you can follow the AIM conference going on right now by doing a Twitter search for #aimconf.

Twitter Lingo:

Followers

MySpace and Facebook use the term “Friends”, but Twitter uses the term “followers”. To follow someone, visit   their profile and select the “follow” option. The user will then receive an alert that lets them know you are now following them, and then they can choose to follow you.

@ Replies

Users have the capability to respond to all tweets by addressing the person by using their Twitter user name preceded by the “@” symbol. This will direct a tweet at another person, and causes your twitter to save in their “replies” tab. As a rule- don’t reply back to every tweet.

Direct Message

Sends a person a private message that goes to their device, and saves in their “Direct Messages” tab.

RT (ReTweet)

RT is short for retweet.  People add RT somewhere in a tweet to indicate that part of their tweet includes something they’re re-posting from another person’s tweet, sometimes with a comment of their own.

Favorites

If you come across a really good tweet that like, you can save it to your “favorites” tab.

What do you Tweet?

Anything you want really. People often times reminisce about a memorable experience, share a joke, share everyday updates, provide product updates and announcements or even simply say hello.  The tweets are just as diverse as the people you connect with. Tweets can be pitchy but not too direct. Mix up your tweets with @replies, general tweets, share photos, and throw in some links every now and then.  It is important to also add something of value to your followers like including links to research and helpful articles.

Who do you follow and how do you get followers?

Following a lot of people does help you get more involved with Twitter. That’s the point of Twitter. However, don’t do it all at one time. Follow people in the multifamily housing industry such as @ericacampbell, @ltrosien, @mbrewer, @30lines, @Eric_Urbane, @JohnTMitchell, @kategood, @RentWiki, and  @NAAhq. You can also follow celebrities, media companies, social media experts, big brands, residents and potential residents. Gaining a strong follower base can be tricky. Remember to be original, creative, funny, and offer quality tweets.

How often should you Twitter?

Twitter can be addicting. Trust us we know! But personally, we think 10-12 tweets should be the upper limit. There should be a good balance. Some of the people we follow, Twitter way more than that.

Get started today and Follow ForRent.com @AptsForRent!

Continuing on last week’s trend, we have broken down this week’s video uploads into states, making it easier to sort. And remember, these videos are syndication to a variety of sites such as: YouTube, MySpace, Yahoo, Dailymotion and others to make them more accessible for current and perspective renters to view!Check them out:

Apartments For Rent in Tennessee:
Riverset Apartments in Memphis, TN

Apartments For Rent in Texas:
Spring Hill Apartments in Fort Worth, TX
Spring Glen Apartments in Fort Worth, TX

Apartments For Rent in Missouri:
3949 Lindell Apartments For Rent in St Louis, MO

Apartments For Rent in Florida:
Residences at City Place Apartments in West Palm Beach, FL
The Legends at Champions Gate Apartments in Champions Gate, FL

Apartments For Rent in North Carolina:
Grand Terraces Apartments in Charlotte, NC

Feeling inspired to decorate this year? As you may have read, decorating your apartment was number four on our ‘10 New Years Resolutions for Renters’ blog.  So we’re here to provide you with the styles in home décor in 2009, getting inspiration in pattern, environment and texture. See for yourself…

1. The Devil Wears Prada: Being a fashionista is hard work! So why not incorporate the style of your clothes into your home décor? Embellish your outfit with some gems; then incorporate those gems into the style of your apartment! One way to do that would be with decorative pillows. Pillows are said to be dressed in high fashion this year, so you better hit the stores for the ones that express your true style.

2. Van Gough: Who doesn’t love a beautiful art piece? I know I am also captivated by art in my, and other’s, homes. In 2009, art is a big ‘YES’ for interior decorating. Show your appreciation for local or nationally recognized artists by having a beautiful painting sit center stage in your apartment. A more creative way, if you’re talented, would be to make your own masterpiece! Now talk about a one of a kind piece.

3. Pattern & Textures: Who doesn’t love a nice paisley? Or a striking animal print? Or luxurious silk sheets? This year, home décor will incorporate all your favorite patterns and textures. Stripes and geometric patterns will appear in decorative accessories and furnishings all over the stores. Be sure to incorporate one that fits your style best!

4. One decorating trend you’ll see this year is the sanctuary feel. Create a safe haven for yourself in your home. This environment will be something that comforts and offers you refuge from the outside world. For this type of décor, simple, serene colors will work best. The cool color palette (blues and purples) exemplified this idea. And I would suggest something that reminds you of a peaceful place so you can escape.

5. Another decorating style you’ll find is MODERN. Modern can be defined as a contemporary style that would include classic pieces with a new twist; re-interpreting the definition of classic. A sophisticated modern style would have the edginess of new shapes and designs while also including timeless elegant pieces.

For pictures of these ideas and more, visit DecoratingDiva.com.