You know you need to take some pictures of your property for your website and internet listing ads, so you pull out your cell phone and let the snapping begin. After you’ve completed your mock shoot, you scroll through the selection and upload your top picks online, not thinking twice. After all, “It’s just a photo, right?”
Wrong! Your property’s photos are one of the most important aspects of your website and internet ads, as they should not only draw your prospect in, but provide an accurate and realistic visual experience of what life will be like at your community.
Photography is actually one of the simplest and most important tactics you can utilize to stand out among your competitors. Here are some tips to ensure you are taking full advantage of your photos:
Use High-Quality Imagery
Though you may be tempted to just pull out that cell phone, trust me, you’ll fare much better in the long run if you invest the time and money into professional, quality images versus taking the do-it-yourself route. Research local photographers in the area, particularly those who have experience with apartment photos. In the event it is not quite feasible to hire an outside photographer, try to get your hands on a DSLR camera, as the higher quality lens, larger imaging sensor and filters will make all the difference in your photos.
Stage, Stage, Stage!
Whether you’re taking the photos yourself or using a photographer, staging is always important. Turn off televisions, organize loose cords, wipe tables and straighten the furniture if need be. Your prospects want to envision themselves as a resident at your property—whether it is watching television in the lounge, exercising in your workout room, or lounging in their unit. The smallest distraction—including the leftover dish in the sink—can make this process a little more difficult.
Lighting is Key
Proper lighting can make or break a photo. You will only want to take your property photos during the daytime hours and avoid using the flash feature whenever possible. This way, you can use the light to your advantage. You can even turn on the interior lighting for a few shots to make for a larger, more inviting space.
Experiment with Angles
Don’t just stick with the same basic angle when taking your photos. Prospects want to view all aspects of a space. Try walking around the room, elevating yourself on a chair or stool, getting on your knees, and experimenting with close ups as well. You will actually show the largest percentage of the room by shooting the picture from a corner. Point the camera upwards, slightly downwards, even including the floor. It will also help to focus your shot on the most attractive or unique elements to ensure the best points are showcased in the photo, especially if you are including these features in your listing description.
Rentbot can Help.
Your apartment photos can completely transform the aesthetic of your website, and will ultimately help tell your property’s story. At Rentbot, we understand the importance of a great photo. That’s why, when designing your website, we will incorporate beautiful, high-definition imagery and design elements that provide the perfect complement to your property. Not sure you can provide high quality photos? No worries! We can take care of that for you too! We’ll provide you with professional and optimized images which showcase your property’s best features. Not to mention, each photo will be taken by one of our trusted, experienced photographers and provided to you with your site so that you can display on other internet ads as well. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Let Rentbot help tell your story and secure guaranteed leads and more signed leases in no time!
About the Author
Jonsette Calloway joined the Rentbot team in 2015. With a background in public relations, advertising and copywriting, she has helped a multitude of clients achieve their marketing and communications goals within various fields, but she particularly enjoys working with the apartment industry.