Beyond Online Listings: Real-World Rental Marketing Strategies That Actually Work
Online marketing dominates conversations about how to rent out a property. But if that’s all you rely on, you’re missing out on valuable opportunities to connect with qualified renters. At Red Fortress Property Management, we go beyond digital ads by using community outreach, third-party organizations, and creative strategies to reduce vacancies and attract the right tenants.
ALSO: See why Red Fortress does better at marketing than Realtor/ MLS companies:
In this final installment of our 4-part rental success series, we’re covering what most landlords overlook—from physical signage and flyers to price adjustments and real-time market intelligence.
Leveraging Community Partnerships for Leasing Success
One of the most effective—but often forgotten—strategies is working with third-party organizations that help individuals secure housing.
🤝 Community Agencies We Work With:
HUD and Section 8 Programs
Veteran Support Organizations
Faith-Based Nonprofits like St. Vincent De Paul or St. Matthew’s House
“We even work with Lee County’s largest public and private employers to rent our properties,” states Michael McVety, President of Red Fortress. “And we have for years, if not decades, which helps.”
These agencies often assist renters by:
Covering security deposits
Helping with first and last month’s rent
Offering supportive services that increase tenant success and longevity
If you're a landlord, especially in a down market, tapping into these networks can help fill your property faster and with responsible renters who are getting outside assistance.
Physical Flyers: Old School Still Works
While flashy online listings dominate, print marketing still has a place—especially when used strategically.
📝 Where to Place Flyers:
Local grocery stores
Flea markets
Community centers or bulletin boards
These physical touchpoints attract locals who might not be browsing online but are actively looking for housing in their neighborhood.
💡 Pro tip: Don’t overdo it. Be selective with placement to maintain a professional image and avoid spamming the community.
The Evolving Role of Rental Signs
Putting a “For Rent” sign in the yard may seem outdated, but it still adds value—when done right.
🚪 Who Notices Rental Signs?
Locals driving through neighborhoods they want to live in
Neighbors who might refer friends or family
Renters who prefer to verify legitimacy by seeing the property in person
That said, signage is area-dependent. In more remote or lower-traffic neighborhoods, a sign might invite unwanted attention—or worse, signal a vacant home to potential criminals.
🚫 The Risk of Physical Vacancy
In past downturns (like 2006–2010), vacant homes were vulnerable to:
Break-ins
Theft of appliances and fixtures
Squatters or vandalism
That’s why signage should be strategically used, especially when the home is not frequently monitored.
Should You Use Drone Footage to Market Rentals?
You’ve probably seen drones used to sell luxury homes—but what about rentals?
📹 Our Take on Drone Marketing:
May help for large lots, scenic views, or unique outdoor features
Not especially helpful for standard rental homes
Adds production cost without measurable impact for most rentals
In most cases, clear interior photos, floorplans, and 3D tours offer more value to prospective tenants than aerial footage.
Tap Into Renter Referrals for Early Terminations
When tenants break their lease early, most landlords dread the vacancy. But life happens to tenants and sometimes they need to move early. We see it as a pre-leasing opportunity.
Here’s What We Do:
Ask the departing tenant if they know someone who needs a rental
Offer incentives (when appropriate) for referrals
Start marketing before they’ve even moved out
This pre-leasing method has helped us fill half a dozen properties this year alone before they officially became vacant—saving landlords from losing income during turnover.
The Rent Adjustment Equation: Know When to Lower
Let’s face it—pricing matters more than anything else when it comes to renting a property. You might think your home is worth $2,000/month, but if the market says otherwise, renters will move on.
📉 Lost Rent = Lost Revenue
Here’s an example:
You list a property at $2,000
It sits vacant for 2 months
That’s $4,000 in lost income
You could’ve listed it at $1,700, rented it immediately, and earned more over the full lease term.
This is why pricing strategy must be dynamic, not emotional. Renters don’t care what you paid for the home or what your mortgage is. They care about perceived value compared to other listings.
Avoid This Common Pitfall: Unfindable Listings
We’ve seen it too many times—property managers or agents who are supposed to rent a home, but their listings are:
Hard to find online
Buried under poorly designed websites
Not syndicated to popular rental sites
If a renter can’t easily find your property, they won’t apply for it.
At Red Fortress, we audit our listings constantly to make sure they’re live, accurate, and showing up where it counts.
Real-Time Market Feedback: Our Competitive Advantage
We don’t guess when it comes to pricing or marketing. Our property managers use:
Advanced software to track engagement
Unparalleled live market comps
Feedback from showings and inquiries
We compare your property’s performance to others in the area—in real time. If interest is dropping, we know when to adjust rent, photos, or marketing strategy before your property stagnates.
Why Our Rental Analyses Go Beyond the Algorithm
Sites like Zillow or Trulia offer “rent estimates,” but they’re often wildly inaccurate. That’s why we combine third-party data with on-the-ground expertise.
Here’s How Our Rental Analysis Works:
We look at comps from trusted sources like MLS and internal databases
We consult our in-house team managing 450+ properties
We review days on market, local trends, and property-specific features
Our analysis is based on what’s actually happening, not just what an algorithm says.
Bonus: New Florida Rental Laws You Should Know About
As of recently, Florida landlords need to understand electronic legal notice laws, including:
Sending legal notices by email (with tenant consent)
Receiving tenant communications through electronic channels
We posted more on this on our blog, but the bottom line is this:
Laws change often—work with a management company that stays current.
Look at this blog about the new law changes: https://www.redfortresspropertymanagement.com/blog/big-news-for-florida-landlords-and-tenants-legal-notices-can-now-be-sent-by-email
Final Thoughts: Mastering the Rental Process from Start to Finish
If you’ve followed this series from Parts 1 to 4, you now understand how to:
Price your property accurately
Market it both online and off
Screen tenants thoroughly and fairly
Fill vacancies with strategy and speed
At Red Fortress, we’ve already rented 12 properties this month and 12 last month—because we use a full-circle approach to property management.
🛠️ What You Can Do Now:
Audit your listings for visibility and clarity
Consider alternative marketing sources like flyers or nonprofits
Adjust rent if your property is sitting too long
Ask your property manager for a custom rental analysis
Stay informed on changing laws that impact you
Whether you're a DIY landlord or one of our valued clients, we’re here to help you maximize your investment with smart strategies and a personal touch.
