![[AptChat] 3:15:16 small](https://i0.wp.com/aptchat.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/AptChat-31516-small.jpg)
Brands are increasingly using live streaming video, and it’s just a matter of time before the visual-heavy multifamily industry begins taking advantage of it, too. Or is it?
Camera shyness and the “imperfection” of live video have kept it from catching on, according to #AptChat participants. Nonetheless, the majority thinks eventually it will be embraced.
For additional insights from our latest chat, keep reading. (Click on the links to jump straight to a specific question.)
- Q1: Have you experimented with live video at all, even personally? Have you watched a live video online (Facebook, Periscope, etc)?
- Q1A: How about live video chat? Is anyone using Skype, Hangouts, or FaceTime for their business?
- Q2: Are you actively promoting live video (any platform) for your business? Do you let prospects know they can tour w/ video chat?
- Q3: What are some ways to get leasing staff comfortable with new video technology? How do you reduce the “uncomfortable” factor?
- Q4: What are other considerations you need to have in mind w/ live video? Lighting, calls to action, follow-up, resharing content?
- Q5: What other thoughts/questions do you have about live video? Should we be doing more FaceTime/Periscope?
Have you experimented with live video at all, even personally? Have you watched a live video online (Facebook, Periscope, etc)?
@AptChat A1: Yes on FB, Periscope & loving it – but not shooting live video personally (yet). #AptChat
— Kristi Fickert (@Marketing_Mommy) March 15, 2016
@AptChat I watch some live video. Periscope or vimeo streaming can be fun. I also like the options https://t.co/EEBHDSXtUa gives #aptchat
— Heather Blume (@artchickhb) March 15, 2016
A lot of people aren’t comfortable with shooting live since your possible mistakes live on forever #aptchat
— Heather Blume (@artchickhb) March 15, 2016
@AptChat @artchickhb I think audience loves the raw factor. Tough for person on film to get over that intimidation, but raw is good #AptChat
— Kristi Fickert (@Marketing_Mommy) March 15, 2016
@Marketing_Mommy @AptChat Gen y/z audiences respect the raw factor. Xers don’t mind too much. Boomers…definitely a turn off #aptchat
— Heather Blume (@artchickhb) March 15, 2016
Oddly this video get’s a ton of views, too-It’s not perfect, but if someone doesn’t have FaceTime it works:https://t.co/kKM59QEoKo#aptchat
— Holli Beckman (@Apartmentalist) March 15, 2016
How about live video chat? Is anyone using Skype, Hangouts, or FaceTime for their business?
@AptChat I’ve done meetings and miniclasses over both Hangouts and Skype #aptchat
— Heather Blume (@artchickhb) March 15, 2016
@AptChat We use Skype internally. At my previous company every site had an iPad and we discussed using FT/Skype for live tours. #AptChat
— Danielle C. Noel (@daniellecnoel) March 15, 2016
@daniellecnoel Did you find that prospects liked the FT/Skype tours? Were they useful as part of the leasing process? #AptChat
— Apartment Chat (@AptChat) March 15, 2016
@AptChat We didn’t get that far when I was there. I think it would’ve been. I can def see Periscope being useful for live tours. #AptChat
— Danielle C. Noel (@daniellecnoel) March 15, 2016
@AptChat @daniellecnoel They have been useful especially for spouses who can’t tour together and want to make a leasing decision. #AptChat
— Mindy Sharp (@MsMin) March 15, 2016
A1a. We have seen a ton of properties in DC doing FaceTime property tours for out of owners #AptChat
— Fresh Apartments (@apartminty) March 15, 2016
@AptChat Yeah it works…and it’s so much better than emailing a 100 pictures of the apartment. #aptchat
— Holli Beckman (@Apartmentalist) March 15, 2016
@apartminty @artchickhb Are they using company iPads for FaceTime? Have had employees complain abt using their phones #Aptchat
— Kristi Fickert (@Marketing_Mommy) March 15, 2016
@artchickhb @apartminty Wanting compensation for their cell bills since it was their personal phone. I do think HR ties into this #AptChat
— Kristi Fickert (@Marketing_Mommy) March 15, 2016
@Marketing_Mommy @artchickhb @apartminty yes! iPads w data plans were inexpensive in the long run. #AptChat
— Danielle C. Noel (@daniellecnoel) March 15, 2016
Sorry, I got pulled away! @Marketing_Mommy @artchickhb They are company phones & the buildings have WiFi! #aptchat
— Fresh Apartments (@apartminty) March 15, 2016
Are you actively promoting live video (any platform) for your business? Do you let prospects know they can tour w/ video chat?
@AptChat I can see how an “ask about a periscope tour” sign would be helpful if not all decision makers can be there #aptchat
— Heather Blume (@artchickhb) March 15, 2016
@artchickhb why not periscope vacant not leased units as they become avl? Email out to those looking an invite/follow up w link #aptchat
— Danielle C. Noel (@daniellecnoel) March 15, 2016
@daniellecnoel or periscope a long vacant unit to a sister site 4 help or to the marketing dept 4 ideas. Real time problem solving #aptchat
— Heather Blume (@artchickhb) March 15, 2016
@AptChat I plan to with my new community. Owner is more open minded for that. #AptChat
— Mindy Sharp (@MsMin) March 15, 2016
@AptChat Depends on how he/she thinks. Some properties are short staffed and feel the LC spends too much time on tour. Can’t win #AptChat
— Mindy Sharp (@MsMin) March 15, 2016
@30lines @MsMin I see bigger owner concern is Fair Housing. Any mistake made, even if innocent, is out there for all to see #AptChat
— Kristi Fickert (@Marketing_Mommy) March 15, 2016
@MsMin @AptChat too much short staffing in the industry these days – it slows down innovation and growth all over the place. #aptchat
— Heather Blume (@artchickhb) March 15, 2016
@AptChat Check out @TFJGWoodlands – they do live Periscope tours every week. Just started, but they are doing well w/it. #AptChat
— Kristi Fickert (@Marketing_Mommy) March 15, 2016
What are some ways to get leasing staff comfortable with new video technology? How do you reduce the “uncomfortable” factor?
@AptChat A3: I’ve found most know how to do it for personal but don’t want to do it for work. Make it fun, and train fun. #aptchat
— Khara (@leftnwrite08) March 15, 2016
@AptChat Not necessarily. There’s the desire to keep personal and work separate, including use of SM platforms. #AptChat
— Khara (@leftnwrite08) March 15, 2016
@AptChat A3: train, train, train! #AptChat
— Danielle C. Noel (@daniellecnoel) March 15, 2016
@AptChat No! Each company needs to train based on brand standards and policy/procedures but make it fun. Don’t hinder creativity. #AptChat
— Danielle C. Noel (@daniellecnoel) March 15, 2016
What are other considerations you need to have in mind w/ live video? Lighting, calls to action, follow-up, resharing content?
@MsMin @AptChat As with anything, practice makes perfect! Maybe designate 1 assoc. per site for video until all are comfortable? #AptChat
— Kristi Fickert (@Marketing_Mommy) March 15, 2016
@Marketing_Mommy @AptChat I think hosting staff events visually would help people become less camera shy. Meetings by Skype/FT #AptChat
— Mindy Sharp (@MsMin) March 15, 2016
What other thoughts/questions do you have about live video? Should we be doing more FaceTime/Periscope?
@AptChat yes…we should! There’s a world of possibilities and I’ll be curious to see what company takes the lead! #AptChat
— Danielle C. Noel (@daniellecnoel) March 15, 2016
@AptChat Student Housing seems a natural fit for video and Student Residents love to ham it up in front of the camera. #AptChat
— Mindy Sharp (@MsMin) March 15, 2016
@daniellecnoel @AptChat Might be good to post Resident Events, like pool parties this way, too.Good to see people having fun! #AptChat
— Mindy Sharp (@MsMin) March 15, 2016
@AptChat I think it could B useful for lots of things – just in time training is an idea I’ve had for apps like periscope/Twitch #aptchat
— Heather Blume (@artchickhb) March 15, 2016
@AptChat Facebook live tours – FB is platform most are already on & comfortable with. Maybe start there for live video? #AptChat
— Kristi Fickert (@Marketing_Mommy) March 15, 2016
Our next #AptChat will be Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 12 pm Eastern. In the meantime, be sure to sign up for #AptChat updates to get these recaps and more delivered straight to your inbox!
