How To Get More Eyes on Your Listings

According to data from the Pew Research Center, millennials are more likely to rent today than any other generation that’s come before them.

Why? There are several key reasons.
To start, the trickle-down effect from the Great Recession has made it difficult for them to make significant financial purchases. Additionally, millennials are more likely to settle down and start families later in life. Finally, renting is more budget-friendly, doesn’t tie them down to one location, and passes off repairs and other responsibilities to the property manager.

So if millennials are so inclined to rent, why are you having trouble attracting them to your properties?

While this may be a bit of a loaded question, one plausible reason is that they don’t know about you. That’s right—to attract today’s renters, you need to have your rental listings in the places they peruse. To make sure your properties are being seen by today’s renters, here are some key tips to increase your online presence.

3 Tips to Help Renters See Your Listings

Create Mobile-Friendly Websites
It’s estimated that about half of all millennials spend more than five hours a day on their smartphones. That said, you need to invest in a mobile-responsive website for your property. As the name suggests, websites that are mobile responsive adapt to offer a streamlined web browsing experience from the device the user is using—whether it be a computer, tablet, or smartphone. With many millennials opting to use their phones over their computers, failure to have a mobile-friendly site could turn potential renters away the moment they land on your page.

A mobile-responsive design isn’t just about appearance—it also impacts loading speed, navigation ease, and overall usability. Optimize your property’s site with fast-loading images, easy-to-click call-to-action buttons, and a simple layout that works well on smaller screens. Remember, your website is often the first impression a renter has of your property—make sure it works flawlessly on any device.

Get Social
About five out of every six millennials in America interact with companies on social media. Are you reaching them on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Pinterest, and Snapchat? If you’re not, create accounts for your property now. These platforms allow you to showcase your units, promote specials, and give a behind-the-scenes look at the community culture.

In addition to attracting new renters, social media is a great way to stay connected with your current residents. Use it to announce maintenance schedules, community events, or general updates. Engaging consistently helps build trust and fosters a sense of community.

Expand Your Reach
In addition to listing properties on your own website, broaden your visibility by posting on multiple rental listing platforms. While many of these sites are pay-to-list, there are also free platforms that can significantly boost exposure without stretching your marketing budget.

Popular listing sites include Zillow, Apartments.com, Rent.com, HotPads, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist. The more places your listings appear, the higher the chances are of being discovered by your ideal renter. Keep listings consistent, up-to-date, and include high-quality photos and detailed descriptions for the best results.

In Summary
To effectively attract and retain millennial renters, property managers must embrace digital marketing strategies that meet this generation where they are—online and on the go. A mobile-responsive website ensures a seamless browsing experience, while an active presence on social media fosters engagement and trust. Expanding your listings across multiple platforms further boosts visibility and leads. By combining these tactics, you position your property as accessible, modern, and renter-friendly in a highly competitive market.

Millennials are out there—and they’re renting. Are your properties reaching them?