Make your listing stand out from the crowd
Take advantage of the photo and video upload features.
People respond well to a visual ad, our research shows that ads with photo or video have a far higher response rate than those without. They say a picture paints a thousand words and you don’t have room for a thousand words in your listing so get uploading! Also, as users can search the site for video or photo listing only, some people will miss your ad if it doesn’t have them. For tips on video see the separate guide below.
Don’t forget, when taking video or photos treat it as you would a viewing (i.e. tidy up first!)
Give your ad a catchy title.
Don’t just put ‘Double room available’. Titles like ‘Bright double in friendly garden flat’ or ‘Spacious double in great location’ will stand out more. Don’t forget, people will be looking at pages of adverts initially by title (and photo if there is one) so give them a reason to click on yours.
Make the most of the description.
This is your chance to tell people why the room is so great. You can use this space to tell prospective tenants about the property, the other flatmates, the area, anything you think will help really. Don’t just repeat the title or give a bland description of the room, make people want to come and see it. Be honest but be creative. Before you post your ad have a look at a few others and see which you clicked on for more info and which you’d respond to if you needed a room.
Don’t just sell the room, sell the flat.
Other benefits such as wireless broadband, cable TV or a lovely garden might just be what swings it for you. While you’re at it…..
Don’t just sell the flat, sell the area.
If there’s a great pub at the end of the road or an award winning tapas bar then mention it. Let people know that it’s not just a great flat, it’s also in a great area near shops, a gym, the park…you get the idea.
Know who you’re advertising to.
If your property is near a popular business area then chances are it’ll attract people who work there. Similarly being near a large hospital will attract medical staff. Use this to your advantage and mention the fact that you’re nearby and in easy reach of the place in question.
Make it personal.
Use your listing to give people an idea of what you’re like. You don’t need to list all your hobbies and the Brownie badges you got when you were 9 but a personal touch goes a long way towards setting you apart from everyone else.
Update your ad.
You don’t have to wait 28 days for your ad to expire, you can go back in and change things whenever you like to bump your ad up to the top and keep it current. Changing or adding further photos is a good way to keep things fresh.
Take your time.
Don’t post your ad in 5 minutes sneaked at work, take the time to browse a few other ads for ideas and do a thorough job first time round. By all means go back and edit afterwards but taking the time to think about your posting will reap rewards.
Posting a video.
This is simple to do and can be done from your mobile or with a digital camera/camcorder. All we ask is that your video contains at least one speaking voice (a simple commentary on the room is fine, it doesn’t have to be complicated)and preferably one face. Other than that it’s up to you what you do. The two most obvious routes to take are :
• A video of yourself talking about the flatshare you’re looking for or what you’re looking for in a flatmate. • A video tour of your house or flat with a commentary. A simple walk round the flat with you pointing out and useful facts or good features will only take a minute or two.
Neither of these has to be a work of art, we’d love you to be creative with your posting but don’t feel pressured to come up with something clever.