How to Advertise Your Baton Rouge Rental Property Successfully

Tip #1 for Rental Property Advertising: Invest in High-Quality Photographs

Visual appeal is crucial in the digital age. High-quality photographs can make a big difference in attracting new tenants. We recommend that landlords invest in professional photography to improve the appearance of their property listings. However, if that’s outside of your budget, you can take great photos with your smartphone.

Staging and Preparation for Photography

Make sure your property is clean, clutter-free, and well-maintained before the photo shoot. Highlight the property's potential by staging key areas. This could include rearranging the furniture, adding decorative elements, and making sure all amenities are in good working order.

Cleanliness creates a positive first impression and enhances the perceived value of the rental. Decluttering can help create a sense of space. Remove personal items, excess furniture, and any unnecessary items that may distract from the property's features.

Lighting for Photography

Natural light can significantly improve the appeal of your home. Schedule the photo shoot during the day, open the curtains and blinds, and use additional lighting as needed. To capture the warmth and welcoming atmosphere, avoid harsh shadows and make sure each room is well-lit.

Proper lighting can transform the way a space looks in photographs, making it more appealing to potential tenants. Below are various aspects of lighting for photography:

• Natural Light. Whenever possible, use natural light. Natural light provides a soft and even illumination that enhances the visual appeal of your rental property.
• Artificial Lighting. When natural light is inadequate artificial lighting should be used to supplement it. To highlight different areas of the property, use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Avoid harsh, direct light sources, which can cast shadows. Choose diffused lighting instead to achieve a more pleasing and balanced effect.
• Avoid Overexposure and Underexposure. In your photographs, strive for balanced exposure. Overexposed photos can wash out details and make a room appear less inviting. Similarly, underexposed images may not effectively present the property's features. Try to adjust camera settings or use post-processing techniques.

Photographic Perspectives

Experiment with different angles to highlight the best features of the property. Wide-angle shots can make spaces appear larger, while close-ups can draw attention to specific details. Capture the flow of each space, focusing on functionality and aesthetics.

Photography Shot List

Make a shot list to ensure that your property is completely covered. Include exterior shots, interior shots of each room, key features, and any amenities. A well-rounded set of photos gives potential tenants a thorough understanding of the layout and appeal of the property.

When capturing your Baton Rouge rental property for advertising purposes, it is critical to create a detailed shot list. An in-depth look at each of the components of a photography shot list, as well as a sample list tailored to a typical rental property, is provided below.

Components of a Photography Shot List

• Exterior Shots
• Front view of the property from the street.
• Close-up of the entrance, showcasing the front door and any unique architectural features.
• Backyard or outdoor living space.
• Close-ups of landscaping and outdoor amenities.
• Interior Rooms
• Entryway/hallway.
• Living room from different angles.
• Dining area, if distinct from the living space.
• Kitchen from various perspectives.
• Bedrooms, including wide-angle shots and close-ups of key features.
• Bathrooms, highlighting fixtures and any recent upgrades.
• Home office or additional rooms.
• Key Features
• Fireplace, if applicable.
• Built-in storage or shelving.
• Unique architectural elements (e.g., arched doorways, crown molding).
• High ceilings or other distinctive room features.
• Flooring details.
• Amenities
• Appliances in the kitchen.
• Closets and storage spaces.
• Laundry area.
• Fitness or recreation areas, if available.
• Any furnished or decorated spaces.
• Details
• Close-ups of countertops and surfaces.
• Lighting fixtures.
• Hardware details (doorknobs, faucets).
• Flooring materials.
• Window treatments.
• Functional Spaces
• Utility rooms or storage areas.
• Garage or parking spaces.
• Outdoor storage sheds.
• Overall Flow
• Transition shots between rooms to showcase the property's flow and layout.
• Specialized Areas
• Children's play areas.
• Pet-friendly features (if applicable).
• Workspaces or nooks.

Tip #2 for Rental Property Advertising: Write Excellent Copy

To complement stunning visuals, a compelling copy is necessary. When writing property descriptions, it’s best to use an easy formula.

Formula for Headlines

Create a captivating headline that catches the reader's attention right away. Include key selling points like location, amenities, or distinctive features. Like the one that says, "Charming Baton Rouge Home with Modern Amenities - Your Ideal Rental Property Awaits!"

Summary and Explanation

Focus on the property's unique features, benefits, and potential tenant appeal in the property description. Mention nearby attractions, schools, and modes of public transportation. Use simple language and emphasize any recent renovations or upgrades.

Tip #3 for Rental Property Advertising: Distribute Your Ad

It is critical to effectively distribute your rental property ad after creating eye-catching content and compelling copy. It’s best to use a multi-channel approach so your rental property can be seen by as many potential tenants as possible.

Use both digital and conventional channels, such as popular rental listing sites, classified ads, and traditional signage. You can also use professional relationships and connections to your advantage. 

To broaden your reach, work with local contractors, suppliers, vendors, and property management companies like Sage. Networking can lead to potential tenants who aren't actively looking but are interested in high-quality rental properties.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, effective rental property advertising involves a strategic blend of visually appealing images, compelling copy, and effective distribution. Landlords can significantly increase the visibility of their property by investing in quality photography, writing engaging headlines and descriptions, and using a variety of distribution channels.

Sage Property Management can help landlords navigate the complexities of property management. Sage provides comprehensive services in addition to advertising, such as tenant screening, lease management, and property maintenance. Partner with us for a smooth and efficient rental experience that streamlines rental property operations.

Sage Property Management's expertise and tailored solutions position landlords for success in the dynamic Baton Rouge real estate market. Implementing these advertising tips and leveraging Sage's services can maximize your property's potential and help attract high-quality tenants. Contact us today!