Did you know that after Google, YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world? Videos are powerful selling tools and a great way to give prospects a walkthrough of available units from the comfort of their own couch.

It's very important that any virtual tour created is posted only through the official Essex YouTube account. Here's how to get it posted:

1. Shoot your video
   1. Guidelines and Recommendations
      1. Have a script or outline in mind
         1. Off the cuff remarks are okay, but it can help you stay organized and on track if you already know what you are going to say
         2. Say “hello” and introduce yourself
         3. In general, videos and photos showing someone’s face have higher engagement (likes, shares, clicks, etc.)
         4. Maintain an upbeat tone
         5. Keep your script focused on talking about the unit only – especially unique selling points
         6. Keep Fair Housing in mind by not mentioning the specifics of the people that could live in the unit (e.g., "great for kids," "great for married couples," etc. is NOT acceptable)
      2. Length should be brief (2 - 5 minutes)
      3. Make sure there is plenty of light in the unit as you tour it
         1. You may want to turn on all lights and open windows or doors before you start filming

Here are suggested script components:

Intro: "Hi, there! My name is [first name] and I'm the [role] at [community name]. I'm excited to walk you through one of our available apartments today."
Outro: "I hope you enjoyed this walkthrough. If you are interested in making this apartment your new home, our entire application process can be completed online! Contact us today to learn more."

2. Technology
   1. Your video walkthrough can be recorded on any smartphone or digital camera
      1. As a general note, the newer the phone, the better the camera typically is.
   2. Video editing apps
      1. You can find many free or cheap video editing apps available in your smartphone’s app store. Try apps such as Quik, Inshot, Splice, and more.
   3. Adding music
      1. You can add background music if you would like, but please keep the following in mind:
         1. The music must be royalty free (non-copyright)
         2. It cannot be louder than the voice of the person giving the tour

Here are some examples from other communities:

• Station Park Green: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU-xxILXkEY
• The Audrey at Belltown: https://youtu.be/LnOGlPTVW6o

2. Create your community YouTube channel and post your video. 
   You may find instructions for creating a community YouTube channel here: http://buzz.essex.com/department/ops-supportoperations/how-create-community-youtube-page

*Below are phone numbers that you can include in your videos that will allow marketing to track YouTube as an ad source. Include them in the description box of your video for contact information.

YouTube Tracking Phone Numbers

How to Promote Your Tour

Once you have your YouTube link from Marketing, you can share it with prospects on the following channels:

• One-on-one email
• SMS texting (if available at your community)
• Your community’s Facebook page
• Craigslist (link will not be clickable but prospects can copy and paste)

Reach out to marketing@essex.com for any questions or assistance.