Career advancement isn’t just about skills—it’s also about using the right tools to flex those skills (and sometimes navigating office politics, but that’s a story for another day).
Just ask Kiya Ruggeberg, who recently went from leasing agent to assistant manager. One tool she credits for her success is Realync, a DIY video solution that helped her increase her conversion rates over time, which contributed to her promotion.
Kristi Fickert, a multifamily marketing veteran, spoke with Kiya about how video helped her stand out in her leasing role. Read on to learn how personalized videos can help your leasing team connect with prospects, increase conversion rates, and ultimately enhance property revenue—a win-win.
Boosting Engagement and Trust with Video
When asked about the impact of personalized videos, Kiya shared that video follow-ups helped her build stronger relationships with both prospects and residents. After prospects visit for an in-person tour, Kiya often follows up with a video message, helping them remember her and their interaction with the property. She finds that this approach strengthens relationships and fosters trust within the community.
Using Video to Improve Conversion Rates
Kristi then asked Kiya if she felt her use of video contributed to her career growth. Kiya confirmed that video played a big role, particularly in boosting her conversion rates. Her follow-up videos after tours often receive positive responses from prospects, who appreciate the reminder of what they enjoyed about the apartment. With many prospects visiting multiple properties, these videos help keep her property top of mind.
Creating High-Impact Content for Difficult-to-Lease Units
Kiya also shared a story about her favorite video: a “sneak peek” of the 2C floor plan at The Westlyn. “This unit was challenging to lease because it was on the higher end price-wise for a two-bedroom,” Kiya explained. To address this, she created a personalized video showcasing her three favorite features of the unit.
This creative approach paid off, and she successfully rented out the unit. Kiya felt it was one of her most rewarding projects. Go, Kiya!
Expanding Video Content for Resident Events
Now in her role as assistant manager, Kiya plans to continue her video strategy in her multifamily marketing plan, adding coverage of resident events and even considering short interviews with residents. Since the property hosts a resident event each month, she sees an opportunity to share these moments with prospects via email and social media, giving them a preview of the community atmosphere.
Kristi praised Kiya for sharing these practical tips, emphasizing that video can benefit any leasing agent. Kiya’s final piece of advice? “Just start creating.” She acknowledged that while video content may feel time-consuming at first, it ultimately saves time—a bonus everyone can appreciate.
