Filling vacancies at your village can be a tricky task.
At the start of the village sales process you’re trying to achieve two goals – create awareness and generate interest.
The easiest way to do this is listing your village online.
I’m a firm believer in the idea that it’s not just a matter of being seen, but a matter of putting your best foot forward.
1. Understand your key messages
It’s going to be difficult to achieve a result if you don’t understand what you’re trying to say.
A good way to get started when developing your key messages is thinking about the points of difference your village offers. This could be anything from the village’s location to its unique facilities.
Strong key messages help your village stand out.
And while it takes a bit of thought, it’s worth the effort.
2. Advertise your vacancies, establish your presence
Now that you’ve got your messages, it’s time to reach potential residents.
Typically, you’ll do this by listing your vacancies on a web portal.
But as Villages.com.au Head of Industry Sales Solutions Carmella Rowsthorne says, some web portals are more suitable than other.
“Finding the right balance between lead quantity and lead quality is a key challenge in village sales. That’s why it’s so important to list on a portal that people trust,” she said.
Once you’ve chosen your web portal, the messages you’ve developed will inform the choices you make in regards to copy and the images.
3. Put your best foot forward
So, you’ve developed your messages and found a web portal to list your vacancy.
But how do you make your village more appealing than the one down the road that’s done exactly the same thing?
Carmella says uplift options like purchasing a MREC banner or a promoted listing can be a good way to separate your village from the rest of the pack.
“On Villages.com.au promoted listings tend to deliver 30% more sales for our clients,” she said.
“With so many villages out there, it can be a great way to make your village stand out.”
Finding new residents for your village is more than just being seen.
It’s about putting your best foot forward.
With a little bit of thought and planning you can be confident you’re starting the starting the sales process on the right foot.
For more information about finding new residents for your village, you can contact Carmella here.