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 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. 🍋
Hey, got 3.5 minutes?
Watch a demo of our All-Access platform.
We’ll show you how Sprout members get access to 1000s of designs and ideas like the ones you came to this page for.
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.
Ice-Cream Pick Me Up Resident Appreciation Event
Who doesn’t love ice cream, and who doesn’t need a pick-me-up every now and then? This Ice Cream Pick-me-up social is an easy and budget-friendly way to show your residents some appreciation. It’s perfect for Summer but really, who doesn’t love Ice Cream year-round? Oh, and August 2nd is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day!
Here’s how to make it happen:
Stash up on some mini ice cream sandwiches (grab them from your local grocery store)
Set up a bar cart, cooler, or pop-up table in a common area
Use the Sprout printable sign to bring the theme to life. (Sprout Members, log in and grab your designs + Amazon shopping list!)
Hosting Alternative: Keep a staff member nearby to hand them out if there’s no freezer available
A “Flamingle” Brunch Your Residents Will Love
One of our Sprout Marketing members recently hosted a fun, pet-friendly “Let’s Flamingle” brunch using resources from their membership - and the results were amazing. With ready-made flyers, social graphics, and a simple event guide, they created a memorable, low-stress resident experience that boosted engagement and community vibes.
If you’re looking for easy resident event ideas that don’t take hours to plan, this is exactly what the Sprout membership was made for.
How to Throw a “Flamingle” Brunch Event With Sprout Resources:
Use Sprout’s Canva flyers and designs, customize them in minutes:
Promote the event on social with matching graphics: Use Sprout’s done-for-you social media templates to post reminders, build excitement, and boost turnout.
Use the event guide and shopping list to make planning easy: Sprout’s downloadable event kits include setup tips, suggested menus, and supply lists so you’re never starting from scratch.
Add a fun twist— - like a pet-friendly activity: The featured community added a puppy pool for an extra dose of charm, proving small touches make a big impact.
Plan confidently without the burnout: Whether you're hosting monthly events or just getting started, Sprout helps you streamline your planning with time-saving tools.
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.
Property Manager Posting Categories For Social Media
In property management, social media can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also managing day-to-day operations. That’s where the Small Actions, Strong Communities approach comes in. This simple system helps property managers stay consistent and strategic by focusing on three core social media content categories:
Leasing/Marketing: Focused on prospects and leasing.
Retention/Resident Engagement: Focused on resident engagement and renewals.
Relatable/Just for Fun: Fun, human content that shows personality.
By planning around these buckets, your feed stays social, not salesy, while still driving leads and renewals.
Each Category can have Subcategories. For example, under Marketing, you might have:
Tour Highlights
Move-in Specials
Local Area Features
(Screenshot your subcategories for quick reference.)
Get your social media done for you with the All-Access membership. It’s the social media no-brainer… we give you the captions and the content, you just post it.
How to Handle Leasing Objections About Competitor Specials Without Sounding Salesy or Negative
When prospects bring up competitor specials like “They’re offering two months free,” it’s easy to feel stuck. But there’s a professional, non-pushy response that keeps the conversation going… and positions your community as the smarter choice.
This quick leasing tip from Sprout’s Small Actions, Strong Communities series gives property managers and leasing teams an easy-to-remember objection-handling phrase that helps shift the prospect’s mindset without bashing the competition.
(1) Listen First: When a prospect mentions a competitor's deal, stay calm and professional. If your prospect says:“Well, next door is offering two months free.”
(2) Use the Sprout Response Phrase: You say… “Hm. I wonder why they’re having to do that.” Let it land. It plants a question in the prospect’s mind without saying anything negative.
(3) Keep It Professional and Friendly: Never dog the competition. This phrase works because it subtly suggests there might be a reason the competitor is offering steep discounts, such as high vacancy or management turnover.
(4) Save It for the Right Moment: Use this only when your property can’t (or shouldn’t) match the same special. It’s a strategic tool, not an everyday script.
How to Handle Group Tours Like a Pro: A Simple Leasing Tip to Close More Deals
Touring groups of prospective residents—whether roommates or families—can be tricky. They often want to huddle up, chat privately, and weigh their options. Instead of hovering or rushing them, there’s a smart leasing strategy that creates space for honest conversations and boosts your chances of closing the deal.
This small but powerful tip from Sprout Marketing’s Small Actions, Strong Communities series teaches property managers how stepping back at the right moment can help prospects feel comfortable, reduce pressure, and allow you to address objections while you still have their attention.
(1) Tour as Usual
Show the group around and highlight your community’s best features.
(2) Give Them Space
Once the tour ends, say something like, “I can see you’re really getting a feel for the space,” then politely step away to give them room.
(3) Listen for the Cues
Wait nearby and listen for conversation or laughter; it means they’re comfortable and engaged.
(4) Be Ready to Rejoin
If objections or questions come up, jump back in while they’re still on-site so you can help overcome concerns before they leave.
How to Get More Resident Testimonials
Testimonials… we all want them, but we never really know how to ask for them. An easy way to get more testimonials from your residents is to give them a phrase to finish, bonus points if you can pair it with an event theme! Here’s how to do it:
(1) Come up with your ‘finish this sentence’ phrase.
Think about what you’d like your residents to highlight, and make sure your phrase points them in that direction. For example, you could use “Living at [your community] brings me joy because…”
(2) Pair the phrase with an event theme.
If you’re using our example phrase, you could pair it with the Almond Joy resident appreciation event that Barbara talked about earlier this month. (scroll up if you missed it!)
(3) Capture the testimonials
Either get video testimonials of residents finishing your testimonial phrase, or leave out notecards/sticky notes that residents can write down their answers on.
(4) Share the testimonials
Now you have great testimonials that you can share in a fun way on social media!
Elevating The Prospect Experience With A Hospitality Station
Bring the spa vibes to your leasing office with this easy, high-impact resident and prospect touchpoint! This is a quick and easy hydration station set up using Sprout Marketing resources, simple Amazon finds, and a dash of creativity. This small moment of hospitality can create a big, memorable impression, especially during lease-ups or in competitive markets.
(1) Grab the Free Sign
Log into your Sprout membership and print the pre-designed Hydration Station sign to make your setup feel polished.
(2) Set the Vibe
Use clear jars or pitchers (spillproof = extra points) with 2–3 infused water options. Examples:
Cucumber + Lemon
Orange + Lemon
Pineapple + Mint
(3) Place It Smart
Set it up near your leasing office so residents feel pampered and prospects can grab a drink post-tour.
(4)Use It as a Conversation Starter
Invite prospects to choose a flavor, then casually sit down for a post-tour chat. It's simple hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.
The 3 Content Categories Every Apartment Social Feed Needs
Want your apartment community’s social media to actually get engagement (and maybe even lease some units)? There’s three easy content buckets that will change the game - marketing, retention, and just-for-fun.
The highlight? Retention content that positions your team as the go-to local expert. Think: best taco spots, weekend happenings, hidden gems in your neighborhood. This strategy keeps current residents engaged and catches the eye of future ones.
✨ Pro tip: These posts pull double-duty - great for retention and marketing.
(1) Use 3 content pillars: Stick to Marketing, Retention, and Just-for-Fun to keep your content balanced and consistent.
(2) Leverage local content for retention: Share neighborhood recommendations like:
Best local restaurants (hello, taco Tuesdays 🌮)
Events happening this weekend
Nearby parks or outdoor spots
(3) Think like a local guide: Position your team as the friendly expert in the area—residents will keep coming back for tips.
(4) Double up your post purpose: Retention-focused posts often double as marketing content for prospects. Win-win.
(5) Use resources that do the heavy lifting: Download the full list of social media content ideas, captions, and graphics at TheSproutWay.com to save time and stay consistent.
Follow-Up Tip To Get More Leases
Here’s a leasing stat that’ll make you pause: 50% of leases close after the fifth touchpoint, but only 44% of leasing agents follow up even once. 😳 That means just following up at all already gives you a competitive edge - but there’s a way to level up even more.
This ridiculously simple, high-impact tactic can be the difference between a new resident or not: snap a quick pic of a feature your prospect loves during the tour (like the kitchen or gym), then text or email it afterward with a personal note. It’s thoughtful, memorable, and keeps you top of mind.
(1) Don’t skip the follow-up:
Most agents don’t follow up at all—doing something already puts you ahead.
(2) Leverage the power of personal touches:
During tours, listen for what your prospect loves (kitchen layout, balcony, dog park, etc.).
(3) Snap a photo in real time:
Take a quick pic of that exact spot while you’re touring—it’s authentic and specific.
(4) Send a thoughtful message post-tour:
Example: “Hey! I remember how much you loved the kitchen—here’s a photo so you can imagine yourself cooking here. Can’t wait to follow up!”
(5) Use it as one of your five+ touchpoints:
Keep yourself front of mind with genuine, helpful follow-ups—not just generic “checking in” messages.
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.
Donut-Themed Resident Renewal
If you're looking for easy lease renewal strategies that actually work, especially when rent increases are involved, this idea delivers both personalization and retention impact. Instead of sending a cold letter with a new rental rate, approach renewals face-to-face, with a small sweet treat in hand.
This resident retention technique helps property managers reduce turnover, increase resident satisfaction, and make difficult conversations feel less intimidating.
(1) Prep Your Treats + Flyer
Package donuts or donut holes in single-serve containers. Slip in a friendly renewal flyer like “Donut Move Away.”
(2) Reach Out to Residents
Call or leave a voicemail inviting them to stop by for a treat and a quick chat about their renewal.
(3) Have the Conversation Face-to-Face
When they come by, explain the renewal details, market rates, and any updates—personally and transparently.
(4) Repeat Over a Few Days
Keep a fresh batch ready and schedule a few days for conversations instead of tackling all renewals at once.
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.
Simple, Low-Budget Referral Idea
Referrals = gold in multifamily marketing. And with 90% of people trusting recommendations from friends and family , it’s time to make referrals a priority. This is a fun, low-lift idea using Goldfish snack packs + a themed flyer to spark more resident referrals. Whether you hand them out at the office or leave them in common areas, the key is to stay visible and keep it playful so referrals stay top-of-mind.
(1) Tap into referral power:
90% of people trust friend/family referrals more than any other marketing—don’t sleep on this channel.
(2) Use themed giveaways to prompt action:
Pair Goldfish snack packs with a cheeky flyer like “We’re fishing for great residents—refer a friend!”
(3)Distribute where it counts:
Front office
During rent drop-offs or maintenance visits
Common areas like the gym or mailroom
(4) Switch up the theme often:
Keeping referral prompts fresh and fun = more attention and engagement.
(5) Make it easy for residents to refer:
Include clear steps on the flyer and a QR code or direct link to your referral form.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
How To Minimize Frustration As A Property Manager
Instead of letting small daily annoyances pile up and distract you, the idea is to write them down as they happen, then tackle them intentionally once a week. It’s about making progress one small step at a time rather than trying to fix everything all at once.
(1) Download or Create Your Frustration List
Sprout Marketing provides a printable version, or use a notebook or digital note.
(2) Keep It Nearby Throughout the Day
Any time something frustrates you, whether it’s a recurring task, maintenance issue, or confusing system, write it down.
Don’t stop what you’re doing to fix it. Just note it and move on.
(3) Set a Weekly Review Time
Block 20–30 minutes at the end of your week, specifically to review your list.
Pick one item to focus on first.
(4) Brainstorm Simple Solutions
Ask yourself: How can I make this easier? Can I automate it? Delegate it? Change the process?
(5) Take Action on One Thing
Implement one small improvement each week rather than trying to fix everything.
(6) Repeat Weekly
Keep adding to your list, reviewing it, and checking things off one by one.
