
Why Removing Negative Reviews Can Be Worse Than Having a Low Score
When two children are fighting over the same toy, some parents might take it away. The toy is gone — problem solved. Or is it? Reviews also don’t exactly work that way. That doesn’t mean some property managers don’t try that approach and flag every negative review for removal. Rather than taking the time to […]

The Trouble With in-House Review Response
Multifamily property managers are typically eager to respond to positive feedback in online forums, but conveying an appropriate message becomes complicated when faced with a negative review. Because management teams are directly invested in the community and the living experiences of their residents, it’s understandably difficult to receive negative feedback from a renter without taking […]

A Defensive Response Can Damage Your Reputation
Negative online reviews are a thorn in the bicycle tire of every property manager. Everything may be rolling along smoothly until they strike, and they can be completely deflating. The frustration that accompanies negative online feedback, especially when it’s unwarranted or unfounded, can trigger property managers to react defensively. However, countering a damaging review with […]

The Problem With Stock Review Responses
Overburdened onsite apartment teams are constantly searching for ways to automate processes and save time. But one of the common timesaving methods for managing online reviews might not be such a good idea . Keeping a list of prepared responses might sound like an efficient way to handle online reviews. But this impersonal approach indicates […]

The Art of the Case Study: Data and Minimal Self Promotion
Case studies are highly sought after components of a public relations and communications strategy. Most technology suppliers jump at the chance to highlight a client’s experience if it puts them in a positive light. However, it’s important to remember that a case study is different from a testimonial. A testimonial is purely promotional and focuses […]

Don’t Get Defensive When Dealing with Online Reviews
When a resident feels their property management company or onsite team has wronged them, one of the first places they turn for retribution is online reviews. Residents might rant at length about their perceived mistreatment and nitpick any community shortcoming they can dredge up or manufacture. Facts aren’t important. The only thing that matters is […]

The Shifting Role of Repman During the Pandemic
Reputation management has always been a delicate balance of publicly acknowledging concerns, working to address them and holding your ground when necessary. The entire process has become a bit more complicated in the multifamily world during the pandemic. Typically, onsite teams can invite a disgruntled resident into the office to chat, or quickly deploy one […]

Industry Trends Report | Wk of June 22
HOT & RELEVANT TOPICS How Covid-19 Has Impacted Communities of Color The pandemic might not discriminate on the basis of who can acquire coronavirus, but its impact has been disproportionate in the apartment industry. Communities of color have been overwhelmingly affected, as black individuals have been hospitalized at twice the rate. In areas such as […]

3 More Tips for Marketing During COVID-19
I was recently asked by Jennifer Castenson, director of thought leadership content for Hanley Wood and Multifamily Executive, for some tips on how supplier partners can continue to market during COVID-19 for a piece she was writing for Forbes Real Estate. She was able to use one of the tips I offered, which was to […]

Don’t Let Reputation Management Slide During Crisis
Google and Yelp deserve credit for taking early action last month regarding business reviews – specifically those referencing COVID-19 issues. Google indefinitely suspended all new reviews, new review replies and Q&A during the crisis. Yelp vowed to “protect local businesses from reputational harm” by disallowing negative reviews about a business being closed in response to […]