Small Actions, Strong Communities: Simple Ways to Engage Residents and Promote Your Community
At Sprout, we’re all about leaning into the idea that small, consistent actions can lead to major impact.
Our Small Actions, Strong Communities 31 idea series is designed to help you boost visibility, connect with residents, and strengthen your community, without causing crazy burning out.
We’re sharing quick, high-impact ideas that you can implement fast (and yes, they’re all already inside the All-Access Membership).
We’re just here to help spark fresh ideas and show you just how powerful small moves can be.
RESIDENT APPRECIATION
A Simple Lemonade Stand: A Summer Spin on Resident Appreciation
This cheerful setup proves that showing appreciation doesn’t have to be complicated. With one bar cart, Sprout’s cute lemonade design pack, and a few fresh touches, you can create three totally different resident experiences—all with the same base.
(1) Invite residents to serve themselves with premade lemonade from drink dispensers.
(2) No lemonade making needed: Use capri suns or already pre-made drinks - have them ready on ice.
(3) Make it Grab & Go style with individual mixes paired with a cute note.
It’s low-lift, high-impact, and full of summer vibes. 🍋
Almond Joy Resident Appreciation Grab-n-Go For World Chocolate Day
Some of the best resident appreciation ideas are the easiest ones. For World Chocolate Day—or really, any day—a grab-and-go chocolate station is a low-effort, high-smile setup. Set out a jar of mini Almond Joys with a themed sign or flyer, or take it one step further and leave a sweet treat behind after a service request. It’s proof that even tiny gestures can leave a lasting impression.
(1) Set out a jar or clear container in your leasing office or community space, or create multiple mini stations around the property.
(2) For a service request follow-up, drop a couple of Almond Joys in a clear bag with a small note as a leave-behind gift.
(3) Refill the jar as needed throughout the day so everyone gets a little something.
Easy Blueberry Muffin Bar for Resident Appreciation
Celebrating National Blueberry Muffin Day, or just looking for a simple resident appreciation setup? Here’s how to pull off this sweet and effortless idea:
(1) Buy enough mini or full-size blueberry muffins to fill your display and refresh as needed. No need to overdo it, just keep extras handy to restock.
(2) Use a cake stand or this fun dessert swing set for extra charm. Bonus if you add fresh flowers in small jars to brighten things up.
(3) If time allows, set up coffee alongside the muffins and make it a sit-down moment with residents. It’s a simple way to create a genuine community connection.
Remember, this doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. Just a small gesture to make residents feel seen and appreciated.
MARKETING
Shark Week Outreach Marketing Idea for Property Managers
If you're looking for an easy, themed outreach marketing idea for apartments or multifamily communities, Shark Week is the perfect opportunity. This fun, snack-based giveaway helps boost visibility, spark conversations with local businesses, and can even help fill vacant units. Here’s exactly how to pull it off:
(1) Grab Your Snack Packs - We used Pirate’s Booty, but any small snack works. Order in bulk from Amazon, Costco, or your local store.
(2) Print the flyers at quarter-page size for a perfect fit. Then simply staple each flyer to a snack pack for an easy grab-and-go giveaway.
(3) Visit local businesses, schools, or community partners with your Shark Week snack packs. They’re a fun icebreaker and give your team an easy talking point.
Bonus Tip: Bring a few extra to leave behind in break rooms or at community centers!
Looking for ready-to-use templates, event ideas, and marketing resources like the ones in this post? That’s exactly what you get with Sprout’s All Access Membership.
With All Access, you’ll unlock:
Hundreds of editable Canva flyers, social media templates, and resident notices
Step-by-step outreach marketing ideas and referral station setups
Ready-made event kits with shopping lists and Amazon links
Professional development resources for your on-site team
Simplify your marketing, retention, and resident engagement—all year long.
Easy Outreach Marketing for Apartments with Popcorn Giveaway Bags
Looking for a simple and effective outreach marketing idea for apartment communities that doesn’t feel pushy? This easy popcorn-themed giveaway is perfect for property teams wanting to connect with local businesses, boost visibility, and represent their community well, all while staying cool and comfortable. Here’s exactly how to set it up:
(1) Fill a tote or box with small giveaway bags. For this setup, we used:
Microwave popcorn
A customizable quarter-page flyer (available inside Sprout) with your property’s info or special offers
(2) When you visit local businesses, keep it casual and approachable:
“Hey, I’m [Your Name] with [Your Property]. I know you weren’t expecting me, just stopping by to share a little about our community down the road and brought you some goodies.”
(3) Don’t overthink it! Whether you drop off one bag or a few, the goal is just opening the door for future conversations and visibility.
Bonus Tip: Sprout members can download all the flyers used in this idea directly from the membership portal, plus watch the full outreach marketing video series for more tips.
How to Grow Your Apartment Community’s Social Media Following: Easy Marketing Tips
Looking for easy ways to grow your multifamily or apartment social media following? From Instagram to Facebook to TikTok, increasing your visibility doesn’t have to be complicated—or salesy. These small, consistent actions help your property get found online while building stronger resident connections.
(1) Make sure your social media links are live and correct:
Your website
Email signatures
Marketing flyers and collateral
(2) Use Signs, Banners, and QR Codes
Print signs or bandit signs with your handles and QR codes.
Place them in high-traffic areas inside and outside your community.
Use larger banners for car traffic with easy-to-read handles instead of QR codes.
(3) Activate Your Team: Ask your leasing team or maintenance crew to share and post from your accounts. Residents often engage more when they see familiar faces.
(4) Involve Your Residents
Send resident emails with teaser photos and link them directly to your social channels for full albums or event recaps.
Offer small incentives: “Follow us for a leasing special!”
Run “tag a friend” posts to expand your reach.
(5) Cross-Promote with Local Businesses: Swap posts and shoutouts with coffee shops, restaurants, or local shops near your property.
(6) Use Local Hashtags and Geotags: Help people in your city or neighborhood find you by adding location-specific tags and trending local hashtags.
(7) Keep Content Consistent and Engaging
Mix sales-related posts with fun, lifestyle, and resident event content.
Share what’s happening around your neighborhood to position your property as a local expert.
(8) Ask for Follows In-Person: Whether it’s at a trade show, open house, or during a service request, ask people if they follow you already, and invite them to scan a QR code on the spot.
RENEWALS
Summer Picnic Basket for Resident Renewal
If you dread awkward apartment lease renewal conversations with residents, this small action can help: turn that corporate letter into a thoughtful, personal moment. A mini renewal picnic basket is a simple, low-cost way to make renewal offers feel less transactional—and more like a win for your residents.
(1) Gather Your Picnic Basket Supplies
Small basket or box
A snack (chips, trail mix, or cookies)
A drink (sparkling water, juice, etc.)
A napkin for a polished touch
(2) Print Your Sprout Renewal Flyer
Customize your flyer inside the Sprout membership portal with renewal details and offers. Add it to the basket alongside the snacks.
(3) Deliver It in Person
Knock on your resident’s door with the basket in hand. Instead of a letter taped to the door, you’re offering a friendly face and a small surprise, making the renewal conversation feel easy, not awkward.
(4) Keep It Simple and Consistent
Repeat this small action with each renewal conversation. It’s a quick, approachable way to improve retention without feeling overly salesy or corporate.
Communication
Upgraded Resident Notices For Apartment Communities
If your resident notices feel cold, corporate, or easy to ignore, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: those little flyers are more than just reminders. They’re a chance to connect, build trust, and keep your community informed in a way that actually feels... human.
(1) Download Friendly Flyer Templates
Inside Sprout Marketing, members have access to done-for-you notice flyers—think funny, warm, and approachable instead of “cold memo” vibes.
(2) Print Notices in Bulk
You’ll want a stack ready for things like:
Package pickup reminders
Pet policy reminders
Event announcements
(3) Pin or Post in High-Traffic Areas
Bulletin boards
Entryways
Clubhouses and common areas
(4) Sprinkle in Humor and Human Language
Even if you’re writing your own from scratch, here’s the rule: write like you talk. Swap “Must retrieve packages within 24 hours” for “Your Amazon haul misses you—grab your package!”
Why It Works:
When notices feel personal and approachable, residents are less likely to tune them out—and more likely to follow through.
How to Make Your Apartment Community Stand Out with Fun Phone Greeting Scripts
When someone calls your property, those first few seconds matter. But most apartment communities default to the same old apartment phone scripts that sound corporate, cold, or forgettable. This small tweak helps you grab attention, show personality, and make your community instantly more memorable.
(1) Start with a Smile
Your tone sets the mood. Smile when you answer—it’s simple, but it really does come through in your voice.
(2) Add a Little Personality
Instead of: “Thank you for calling Sprout Apartments, this is Barbara.”
Try something more memorable:
“Thank you for calling Sprout Apartments, nestled between your favorite taco spot and the best Target of your life!”
“Thank you for calling Sprout Apartments, where your patio was made for string lights and wine nights!”
“Thank you for calling Sprout Apartments, where our kitchens have counter space for every appliance you swore you’d use.”
(3) Don’t Be Afraid of a Little Cheese
Yes, it’s a little quirky—but that’s the point. These small, unexpected details make your property stand out in a caller’s mind and create instant curiosity or connection.
(4) Keep It Consistent
Train your team to answer the phone with the same energy and style, so every interaction feels on-brand and intentional.
Referrals
Pet-Friendly Apartment Resident Referral Station
If you want to keep resident referrals top of mind without constant reminders, here’s a simple, low-effort solution: set up a pet-friendly referral automation station. It’s an easy way to promote your community’s referral program while adding a little fun (and puppy snuggles) along the way.
(1) Pick a Central Spot
Choose a visible, high-traffic area like your leasing office or clubhouse entryway.
(2) Set Up Your Supplies:
Customizable referral flyers (Sprout members can grab editable Canva templates)
Cellophane treat bags with milk bones for dogs
Water bowl for pups
Snacks or drinks for residents (optional)
Themed garland or simple decor
(3) Add Paw Print Floor Decals or Signs
Lead residents right to the station using fun paw print decals or signs.
(4) Keep It Stocked
Refill dog treats and water regularly.
(5) Encourage Self-Serve Referrals
When residents see treats and a fun setup, it sparks conversations naturally. Plus, it saves your team from having to mention the referral bonus all the time—it stays top of mind without extra effort.
