UAG’s management wanted to modernize their online presence and reach prospective residents more effectively. Their existing website felt outdated, lacked mobile optimization, and didn’t showcase the community’s amenities. Digital advertising and social engagement were minimal, and online reviews weren’t actively monitored. In a competitive student housing market, UAG needed a cohesive marketing approach to boost awareness, generate qualified leads, and maintain high occupancy.

Falcontail delivered an integrated marketing program covering the website updates, advertising, creative assets, and reputation management. Below are the key components and the research that informed each strategy.

Website upgrade

We updated the website to reflects UAG’s coastal lifestyle and amenities. The site includes easy navigation to floor plans, amenities, photo galleries, and applications, plus online rent payment and service request forms. Property details such as barbecues, rooftop deck, active-lifestyle courts, and the grocery store next door are prominently featured.

Google Ads (paid search)

To drive qualified traffic, we launched geo-targeted Google Ads campaigns around “student apartments Galveston,” “TAMUG housing,” and similar keywords. Pay-per-click advertising offered a targeted approach that helped fill vacancies quickly by bidding on keywords relevant to prospective tenants. Precise ad groups and compelling ad copy boosted click-through rates, while conversion tracking showed which ads resulted in phone calls or form submissions. Sophisticated options to target by location, demographic, and even time of day allowed campaigns to reach the right renters when they were actively searching. We paired PPC with ongoing SEO improvements so that UAG appeared both in paid and organic search results, enhancing visibility and credibility.

Professional photography

High-quality images are essential for apartment marketing. Listings with professional photos attract more tenants and generate more leads. Clear, well-lit images help prospects envision themselves in the space, build trust, and make them more likely to schedule a tour. Our team photographed apartments, amenities, and the landscaped grounds using professional lighting and staging techniques. These images populate the website, Google Ads landing pages, social media posts, and email campaigns, ensuring a consistent, polished look across all channels.

Social media management

Social platforms are a powerful channel for student housing. We created and scheduled posts highlighting community events, amenity spotlights, move-in specials, and user-generated content. We also produced short video tours to meet the demand for high-quality visual content. Regular engagement with comments and messages kept the UAG brand responsive and personable.

Email marketing

Email blasts remain one of the most effective tools to connect with prospects and residents. Email marketing is simple and cost-effective; it helps fill empty apartments, share special offers, and keep residents in the loop. We segmented UAG’s mailing list into prospective renters, current residents, and past tenants to deliver tailored messages about available units, community events, lease renewals, and referral bonuses. Automated sequences and compliance with CAN-SPAM rules ensured consistent communication without overwhelming subscribers.

Review management & reputation

A positive online reputation directly influences leasing decisions. Consistently monitoring and responding to reviews across Google Business, Yelp, and student housing forums builds trust and enhances search rankings. We implemented a systematic review-management program for UAG—monitoring feedback daily, requesting reviews from satisfied residents, promptly addressing negative comments, and sharing positive testimonials on the website. This program improved average star ratings and showcased the community’s responsive management.

Within the first months of launching the upgraded site and marketing campaigns, UAG experienced measurable improvements:

• Stronger online presence: The mobile-friendly site and ongoing SEO work boosted UAG’s organic search ranking for “Galveston student housing” and related keywords, increasing website traffic and time on site.
• More qualified leads: Geo-targeted Google Ads campaigns, supported by conversion tracking and keyword optimization, delivered a surge of qualified inquiries. The cost-per-lead decreased as campaigns were refined over time.
• Higher occupancy and faster leasing: Professional photography and high-quality landing pages increased click-to-tour conversion rates. Email blasts and retargeting ads kept prospects engaged, shortening the leasing cycle and contributing to higher occupancy.
• Enhanced reputation: Regular engagement on social media, coupled with proactive review management, improved UAG’s online ratings and boosted word-of-mouth referrals. Positive testimonials featured on the website underscore the friendly staff and quiet, pet-friendly living environment.
• Community engagement: Social posts and email newsletters about events and amenities nurtured a sense of community among residents, leading to higher renewal rates and fewer vacancies.

University Apartments Galveston’s partnership with Falcontail demonstrates the power of an integrated digital marketing strategy. By combining a modern website, targeted Google Ads, professional photography, social media engagement, segmented email campaigns, and proactive reputation management, UAG elevated its brand, attracted more qualified tenants, and achieved higher occupancy. The project underscores that student-housing communities thrive when they tell their story through high-quality visuals, engage prospects where they spend time online, and nurture trust through responsive communication. As UAG continues to grow, Falcontail’s data-driven approach will help the property maintain its edge in Galveston’s competitive housing market.