We are so excited to introduce this foundational monthly strategy for our members!
Using SPARK, you’ll be able to tackle your goals step-by-step, turning marketing and retention overwhelm into simple, actionable wins.
You can follow it piece by piece, building momentum as you go OR just click on the icons below to jump straight to the section you need.
“To map out a course for tomorrow, you have to know where you are today.” – Unknown
The Monthly Snapshot transforms your goals and priorities into actionable steps, aligning your efforts with Sprout’s 10-Step Strategy. It’s not just about tracking—it’s about creating a clear, purposeful path to success every month.
It’s a brand new year, which means new budgets for many of you!
Baseline Check: Complete the Monthly Snapshot to see where your property stands in marketing, leasing, retention, and operations. Use it to uncover what’s working and what needs attention.
Set Priorities: Once you’ve reviewed the Monthly Snapshot, decide which areas to focus on for the month. (Ex. filling hard-to-lease units, improving touchpoints with residents, or refreshing your marketing materials.)
Use the Monthly Snapshot to Support Other Steps in the Sprout Strategy:
Use the marketing section to plan your campaigns and outreach.
Highlight retention opportunities in your resident engagement section.
Spot curb appeal or operational updates that might impact leasing success.
Team Alignment: Assign Monthly Snapshot sections to team members and set clear deadlines for updates. This makes it easier to collaborate and track progress throughout the month.
Build Momentum: Use your January Monthly Snapshot to set the tone for the year. This isn’t just about identifying challenges—it’s about creating actionable plans that support your goals.
The Planning Calendar is where you take the insights from your Monthly Snapshot and turn them into a detailed, actionable schedule. A well-planned calendar ensures that no opportunity, from outreach to events and follow-ups, slips through the cracks.
Below are some examples of how three of January’s Creative Holidays can help address priorities you uncover in your January Monthly Snapshot.
Example Monthly Snapshot Insight: Residents feel unappreciated or disconnected.
Calendar Action: Write personalized thank-you notes or emails to residents and share a thank-you post on social media.
Example Monthly Snapshot Insight: Community spaces feel dull or outdated.
Calendar Action: Host a plant workshop or refresh shared spaces with greenery, promoting the update on social media.
Example Monthly Snapshot Insight: Leasing traffic is low; hard-to-lease units need attention.
Calendar Action: Host a popcorn open house with themed tours and engage prospects with a fun social media poll.
Focusing on one key marketing initiative at a time helps you implement strategies effectively without feeling overwhelmed.
Grab your Marketing Checklist filled with actionable ideas for marketing, outreach, referrals, follow-up, and extras. It’s your go-to resource to elevate your efforts across multiple areas quickly.
Quick. Actionable. Focused.
Watch the video for your actionable marketing tip designed to drive leads and grow your community.
“Help a Friend Start Fresh Here!” Referral Campaign: This timely campaign taps into New Year energy while driving leads and strengthening your community.
Create the Campaign:
Incentives: Gift cards or rent credits for both referring residents and new leases.
Promote It:
Email: Announce the campaign to residents.
Social Media: Post New Year-themed graphics with referral instructions.
Flyers: Display in community spaces like the leasing office or gym.
Track Success:
Log referrals to ensure residents feel recognized.
Celebrate successful referrals with shoutouts or small rewards.
NOT AN ALL-ACCESS MEMBER: Want the referral design without upgrading your membership?
Steps 4-8 are part of Sprout’s resident retention strategy.
Full Strategy + resources are available in the All-Access and Resident Retention Memberships.
High renewal rates save time, money, and stress by reducing turnover. Every turnover costs you roughly $7,600. (Yikes!) We’re here to help close that back door and get residents to stay at your community.
Personalize your renewal conversations with meaningful touchpoints.
Incorporate Sprout’s flyer design into your renewal plan. (Exclusive to All Access & Resident Retention Members)
All Sprout Members: Implement Barbara’s tip into your renewal plan.
Track renewal progress on your Monthly Snapshot to stay organized.
Focused renewal efforts keep your residents engaged and committed to staying.
Watch the video for a tip to enhance your renewal strategy.
HOW TO USE SPROUT’S RENEWAL DESIGN:
MMM… GOOD SOUP (JANUARY IS NATIONAL SOUP MONTH)
Design Your Renewal Notice:
Use the provided template to create an eye-catching renewal notice.
Print your renewal information on the back of the design. (A little practicality & flair combo.)
Grab Attention:
Place the notice in a colorful envelope to stand out in residents’ mailboxes or at their doors.
Add a Cozy Touch:
Pair the renewal letter with a thoughtful treat, such as:
An artisan soup mix (like Alessi Autentico soups).
A live basil plant to complement the soup.
A tea sampler or small hot cocoa kit.
Deliver with Heart:
Personally hand-deliver the envelopes whenever possible or leave them at doors with a kind note to show appreciation.
Resident events are more than just fun activities—they’re key opportunities to strengthen relationships, boost retention, and create a sense of community.
(Exclusive to All Access and Resident Retention Memberships)
Mmm.. Good Soup Bar
sip ‘n dip soup to go
Virtual Soup spotlight
polar plunge
houseplant pop up
calligraphy & Cocktails
poppin’ grab n’ go
notebook decorating
hot cocoa sip n’ tour
pj’s puzzles, & Popcorn
apartment glow-up contest
active expo
(Psst - make sure you’re tuning into our podcast, The Multifamily Mix, for the monthly event breakdown + more multifamily tips and some real life convos.)
Create memorable resident events by focusing on experiences that foster connection, such as interactive activities or opportunities for neighbors to collaborate and socialize.
An open house event is a great time to encourage residents to invite a friend and promote your referral initiative.
A Hot Cocoa Bar is the perfect winter-themed event to engage current residents and attract potential prospects. Here’s how to make it work for both marketing and outreach:
Download the Hot Cocoa Open House Kit.
Use the event to highlight new amenities, unit upgrades, or renovations. Create small “tour stops” where prospects can see what’s new and get a hot cocoa “topper” as they move through the community.
Host an outreach blitz ahead of time to invite local businesses to attend your dual event. Introduce new team members to make it a friendly, personal experience.
NOT A RESIDENT RETENTION OR ALL-ACCESS MEMBER? Want the event design pack without upgrading your membership?
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia
Resident loyalty begins with making people feel valued, seen, and appreciated. A small gesture can leave a lasting impression.
Use the Sprout’s appreciation printable to create thoughtful gifts or notes.
Plan a small-scale appreciation moment, like handing out treats.
Keep it simple but heartfelt – it’s the thought that counts.
Simple acts of gratitude go a long way in making your residents feel valued.
Watch the quick video for a tip to make showing appreciation easy.
Put It Together: Print the "Life is Butter with You" tags and pair with microwave popcorn and candy M&Ms.
After Service Requests: After completing work orders, leave the treat bag with a “Life is Butter with You” tag as a thank-you for the resident’s patience and understanding.
On-Door Deliveries: Deliver the treat bags directly to residents’ doors for a personal touch.
Resident Surveys: Use the popcorn and candy bags as a thank-you gift for residents who complete surveys or provide valuable feedback.
Trust is built when promises are kept, and there’s clear, proactive communication. Keeping residents informed ensures they feel valued and confident in their community.
Keep residents informed with the Resident Life Calendar, a customizable Canva template for events, updates, and announcements.
Choose one of these quotes to include in your calendar to foster a sense of connection and positivity within your community:
“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
“A little kindness goes a long way. Let’s make this a year of small acts that create big changes.” – Unknown
“This is a place where everyone belongs. Together, we make it feel like home.” – Unknown
Leading with heart transforms everyday interactions into meaningful moments. When you add a personal touch, you show residents they’re more than just a lease—they’re valued members of your community. By learning from the successes of others, you can find fresh inspiration to make an even greater impact.
Reserve at Daleville | Popcorn Bar Event
Reserve at Daleville utilized all Sprout’s resources to make it easy on their team, while also making their residents feel so loved!
Find all the resources + shopping lists in either the All Access or Resident Retention Memberships.
Team-wide January Heart Initiative:
Personal Interest: Each team member takes an interest in a resident—like complimenting their winter door decor, asking about their friendly pet, or checking in on how they’re settling in after a recent move.
Team Wrap-Up: At the end of the week, gather as a team to share your experiences. Use these insights to brainstorm ways to create more meaningful interactions or small surprises for residents.
Social media builds attention, trust, and influence—Sprout’s core components of the Power of Three Framework for marketing success. It’s a dynamic tool to engage residents, drive leads, and showcase your community’s personality.
This kit includes a Social Media Calendar with posting categories and monthly important dates to make your social strategy easier.
How to Use the Creative Holiday Calendar for Social Media
Pick Your Holidays
Choose 3-5 creative holidays that align with your community’s personality and goals.
Create Fun, Purposeful Posts
Tie each holiday into your marketing and retention strategy.
Plan or Delegate
Schedule these posts for the month to save time. If you want it done for you, check out All-Access Memberships or Simply Social, where we deliver ready-to-use captions, graphics, and ideas every month!
Not all of us have a green thumb, but we can still love a good plant tip! National Houseplant Appreciation Day is here, so let’s help our leafy friends thrive. 🌱
Pro tip: Rotate plants weekly for even sunlight and wipe those leaves clean.
What's your favorite houseplant? Share it in the comments! #HouseplantDay #GreenThumbGoals
(Only included in All-Access & Simply Social Memberships)
You’re the heart of your community, and when you take care of yourself, everyone benefits. Prioritizing your well-being fuels your creativity, focus, and ability to lead with positivity and purpose.
Stay Inspired: Download the inspirational wallpaper to keep motivation front and center throughout your day.
Celebrate Small Wins: At the end of each week, reflect on one thing you accomplished that made a difference for your community or yourself. Share it with your team to spread positivity.
You work hard, and you deserve a little something special each month. This section is all about you, with resources to inspire and support your personal growth.
Quote:
“What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.” – Ralph Marston
Focus on small, personal habits that help you recharge and feel your best. This month, choose one or two habits like drinking more water, journaling for five minutes a day, or taking a moment to enjoy your morning coffee without distractions.
By prioritizing personal habits, you’ll show up with more energy and positivity for both yourself and your community.
Your Sprout Membership is here for you all month, every month.
