Social media is a powerful tool for community-building. You’ve likely heard that it may be used for holding friendships together across the world, starting and ending trends, and organising social movements for good purposes. What you may not know is that it’s also beneficial for virtual property management.

Nearly any social media platform may be used for bringing neighbours closes together and fostering a sense of belonging among residents that you want your community to be known for. However, you need specific kinds of posts and much dedication to make them work in your favour.

It’s important to be aware of both the positives and negatives of putting your HOA on social media. Not only does this enable you to maximise the benefits but also help you prepare for any of the risks involved. On that note, let’s take a look at:

The cons of using social media for your HOA

Lower property values

You might set guidelines about who gets to post on your private page and what kind of content is allowed. However, there’s the inevitable screenshot containing criticisms and insults between neighbours that gets shared publicly. This convinces potential buyers or tenants to look elsewhere for their remote property management needs.

Expected response times

Homeowners might rely on social media for expressing their grievances while expecting replies at all hours of the day and night. This will be challenging, if not impossible, for an online rent manager to deal with. It makes it harder to keep a streamlined process for requests too.

Frank keyboard warriors

Some people use anonymity on social networking sites as a weapon. They post or say things on the web that they probably wouldn’t in person, including sharp remarks and offensive language. If left alone, they may use this chance to lodge personal attacks against neighbours, contractors, and volunteer board members.

Potential legal liabilities

Remote property management companies are sometimes under the assumption that everyone is on social media when that isn’t the case. Governing documents and laws in certain states still require physical paperwork particularly for announcements. HOAs attempting to save on costs by using social media may fall into legal troubles.

Too much ambiguity

Depending on how your profiles are setup, there might be conflicting voices within the HOA. It’s crucial the organisation speak with one voice on all concerns, especially controversial choices. Tenants, residents, vendors, and buyers might become confused when the page says one thing but virtual assistant property management posts a different view.

The pros of using social media for your HOA

Enhanced interactions

One of the biggest issues residents has with associations is the lack of information. Social media provides an avenue for the board to share the latest announcements and news. The increase in transparency prevents many misunderstandings between the HOA and other parties from occurring.

Easy access

Rather than contact virtual real estate property management every time, residents may check the social media page to get details on events or meetings. You might post infographics so they know what to prepare when they want to request for maintenance work on their units, for instance.

Bragging rights

Social media allows you and the board to share your accomplishments in real time. Residents love knowing where their money is being spent, especially when it’s for common areas. Them seeing that it’s being used for improving the community means they’re happier to pay their dues on time.

Increased satisfaction

Since their voices are heard in real time and information is easily accessible, homeowners are engaged more than ever. They are willing to recommend your community with friends and family who are looking for properties. Also, they are less likely to leave the neighbourhood in search of a better place with a friendlier HOA.

Fast responses

With a few clicks, you’re able to push out important reminders and announcements on your pages. This is especially useful during emergencies, such as if there’s a fire or vehicular accident in the vicinity. Hiring a property manager virtual assistant means you have someone to respond to enquiries quickly too.

The best ways of using social media for HOAs

Social media has transformed the way people engage with each other. While there are positives, there are negatives too. When you believe that it’s still worth doing for your homeowners association, here are the best methods to maximise your efforts and resources:

Set clear guidelines

In making a page or group on social networks, set down rules and regulations on how members are allowed to interact with each other. For example, you may restrict them from using derogatory, false, or rude comments or posts. Establish guidelines about taking screenshots of conversations without permission too.

Pick platforms wisely

Tempting as it might be to join as many websites as possible, it’s better to be selective especially for your first profile. Many associations prefer Facebook since it enables them to create private groups where they select who may join. It also allows you to make a page where you share information suitable for the public.

Go with facts

One of the best ways to avoid issues on social media is by going with the truth, including what you post. Avoid publishing personal opinions as these may trigger conflicts. Post only about upcoming meetings or events, changes in the rules, virtual property management solutions, and other factual information.

Focus on interactions

HOAs need to utilise the ability of social media to create engagement at high levels. Your page won’t be successful unless people are paying attention to your posts. To boost interactions with members of the community, share relevant photos and videos, like those from events.

Think in business

A homeowners association, like virtual property management company, is a for-profit organisation or a business. Your pages must look professional, so everyone needs to post appropriately. Hiring a property management virtual assistant ensures that questions and concerns are addressed in a professional manner.

Prioritise confidentiality

Social media platforms make it easy to share whatever crosses your mind but it’s also easy to cross a line. Always think twice before publishing anything on the page. Anything that you hesitate to share with residents is not suitable for sharing with the public too.

Mind the law

Privacy, plagiarism, and copyright are more important than ever in this age of social media. Some countries or states have their own laws about proper behaviour on social media. Platforms have their own policies in place so be sure to read the fine print about what you may post or do on their sites.

HOA assistance for social media

Social media provides appropriate hubs for homeowners associations of all sizes. However, they are hard to navigate and use when you lack the knowledge or skill for it. Hire a virtual property management assistant from Remote Workmate to handle your social pages for you then.

As an offshore recruiting agency, we specialise in staffing online professionals from countries like the Philippines. We carefully screen all of our candidates to ensure that they are equipped with the right talents and abilities for your community.