The holidays are over and life is winding down. What better time to set your community up for success? Bloom compiled some tips to assist you in increasing resident and prospect engagement and attendance so that you can blow your 2018 goals out of the water.
Create a Facebook Event. Many of your prospects are likely spending time on Facebook and using the site as a pseudo-social calendar. In fact, research conducted by the Pew Research Center found almost 70% of all Facebook users are adults. By creating a Facebook Event, all details can be easily documented, promoted and referenced by your residents and prospects alike. Be sure to include the basic details, specifically when and where the event will take place. Additional information about the event, such as if there will be food/drinks, live entertainment, etc., is always appreciated. Be sure that once you create the Facebook event, you post it to your community Facebook page, and even your personal page, to gain exposure with your Facebook following.
Utilize Email. Email your prospect database to invite them to the event about six weeks prior to the date. Then, one and two weeks prior to the event, send out reminder emails. Email is one of the easiest and cheapest forms of communication and will allow you to easily get the word out about your event. Don’t forget to send out one last reminder the day before, or even a few hours before on the day of, to provide that last minute reminder and keep your event top-of-mind.
Promote the Event in Your Community. Display signs or posters throughout the community with details about the event. Have your front office team promote the event daily to resident family members and prospects as they come in to tour. Provide a small postcard as a takeaway for prospects so they have dates and details handy.
Post the Event on your Website. Promote your event on the community’s website so potential residents and family members see you’re active in bettering the lives of older adults. It will also show that you stay on top of your online presence, cherish your residents, and are a group of personable, friendly people.
Spread the Word. Have residents and their family members spread the word about your community’s events. Have your current residents invite their friends over for casino night, or a Bingo game where every square is a tactic to generate awareness including “liking” on social media or writing online reviews for monthly gift card drawings.
Hosting events is an effective way to keep your community top-of-mind and grow your prospect list. It allows your community to establish relationships and showcase commitment to your residents, which can in-turn attract new residents and increase referrals.
