Step-by-Step: Launching a Virtual Leasing Strategy with AppFolio

Cloudpano
July 20, 2025
5 min read
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Step-by-Step: Launching a Virtual Leasing Strategy with AppFolio 🏢💻

In the fast-paced world of property management, virtual leasing has become more than a trend—it's the standard. If you're using AppFolio and want to stay ahead of the competition, building a reliable virtual leasing strategy is essential. This guide will walk you through every step of launching a virtual leasing workflow with AppFolio, complete with video tours, automation tools, and conversion tips. Let’s dive in! 🚀

Why Go Virtual? 🤔

The benefits of virtual leasing are clear:

  • 📈 Faster lease-ups
  • 🌎 Broader reach for out-of-town applicants
  • ⏱️ Less time spent on in-person showings
  • 💰 Lower operating costs

With AppFolio as your property management hub, you can turn your listings into high-converting digital experiences—right from your dashboard.

Step 1: Upload a Virtual Tour 🏡🎥

Start by adding a virtual tour to your property listing inside AppFolio.

How to Do It:

  1. Go to the Marketing tab.
  2. Select the property you want to update.
  3. Paste your tour link (e.g., from CloudPano or Matterport) into the Virtual Tour URL field.

Need help creating a tour?

👉 Read Complete Guide to Adding 360° Tours in AppFolio Listings

Step 2: Automate Tour Creation with AI Tools 🤖

Use platforms like PhotoAIVideo to turn listing photos into cinematic video tours in seconds.

💡 Bonus Tip: Combine AI-generated video with 360° tours for a full virtual package.

👉 Learn how in CloudPano Auto-Embed Tool for AppFolio

Step 3: Optimize the Leasing Funnel 🔁

Once a prospect views your tour, they should immediately see a “Schedule a Tour” or “Apply Now” button.

Recommended Setup:

  • Use AppFolio’s Lead to Lease™ pipeline.
  • Send automated emails or texts post-tour.

👉 Set this up via Automating Virtual Tour Uploads with Zapier + AppFolio

Step 4: Accept Applications Online 📝📱

With virtual tours handled, make sure your applicants can submit all paperwork digitally.

✅ AppFolio supports:

  • Online applications
  • Screening
  • e-Lease signing

👉 Dive deeper with How to Do Virtual Leasing with AppFolio: A Complete Guide

Step 5: Promote Your Listings 📢

Now that your virtual tour and application are in place, promote your listings!

Tips:

  • Post to Facebook Marketplace & Zillow
  • Add your AppFolio listing URL to tour captions
  • Use YouTube Shorts, Reels, and TikTok to attract mobile users

👉 Boost conversions using Boost Leasing with Matterport 3D Tours Embedded in AppFolio

Step 6: Analyze & Improve 📊

Use AppFolio’s built-in analytics to track:

  • Tour views
  • Application starts/completions
  • Days on market

🔍 See what’s working and optimize accordingly.

👉 Get advanced tips in Virtual Leasing Simplified: Using AppFolio to Lease Faster

Bonus: Integrate with Matterport for Premium Listings 🏆

Want to go even further? Add Matterport 3D walkthroughs for luxury units or high-end rentals.

👉 Learn how in AppFolio + Matterport: The Perfect Pairing for Property Marketing

Conclusion ✅

Launching a virtual leasing strategy in AppFolio is easier than you think—and it pays off big. From adding your first virtual tour to automating your leasing funnel, these tools help you work smarter, lease faster, and impress prospects at every step.

📌 Bookmark this guide and explore related tutorials below to build your full-stack virtual leasing system:

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Cloudpano

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Property Marketing
Allows potential buyers to explore properties in detail from anywhere, enhancing the real estate marketing process.
Automotive Spins
Create an interactive virtual showroom and engage affluent digital buyers with live 360º video calls, all through the CloudPano mobile app for a complete automotive sales solution.
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