Trivia – You can either post random little facts and tidbits, or you can ask your residents questions. If you run out of questions to ask, just Google for more. Try grouping them by common theme, week by week. Questions are also a great way to get a feel for what your residents are thinking. Which machine in the fitness center do you use the most? Which do you use the most: the pool, the fitness center, our bike trail? Would you rather have a resident pizza party or tax party (and learn new tax rules before filing your 2014 return?).

Social Conscience – Every so often, share a small way that your followers can make the world a better place, such as a link to a site that plants trees, or a place where the crafters among them can donate extra hats or other projects to those in need. We posted 47 Philanthropic Opportunities on page 29 of our Fall, 2014 Rent & Retain Issue.

Plan Date Night – Every time you put out a “date night” post, have it include a recommendation on where to eat dinner, and 2 great activities. Keep one of them active and one more relaxed. For instance, you might suggest a new movie that’s opening and getting good reviews (or one to rent on Netflix Instant, Amazon or RedBox Instant), and you might suggest an evening at a local skating rink.

Internet Memes – Wikipedia describe a “meme” as, “An Internet meme (meem) is an activity, concept, catchphrase or piece of media which spreads, often as mimicry, from person to person via the Internet.

Sometimes these can be quite helpful when addressing a resident issue because of the humor involved. For instance, the old man from The Simpsons, Jasper, features in a meme where the bottom line is always “That’s A Paddlin’!” You could make a meme of him that says, “Parking in a spot that’s not yours? That’s a Paddlin’!” at memegenerator.net. It’s free and easy and it’s a friendly reminder to residents! (Another Meem Generator site: http://memecrunch.com/meme-generator/). Sometimes humor can be risky, so err on the side of caution and check with your attorney first.

News You Can Use – if you’re on Facebook, then it’s a pretty good bet that you’re at least a little interested in technology. One of the best sources for news you can use is Mashable.com, which provides a nice Another great source is LifeHacker.com. Suggest some of the ideas posted there to residents via your social channels.

Photos of Resident Events – This one’s pretty self-explanatory, but if you haven’t had a resident event recently, then post some from an event a few years ago. Tag current residents (with their permission). Ask your attorney first before using the picture.

Hilarity that is Harmless – When it comes to humor, we frequently have to be careful about offending people, but you can find some sources in silly jokes, bad puns, or even posting #FAIL type things, like those from the Pinstrosity Blog.

Savings and Specials – Groupon is pretty good for these, but if you can post a savings phrase that your followers can use on that day with the local pizza place or Thai restaurant, then, not only have you posted something “exclusive” but also something useful! Call your local pizza place to work this out. Most Tuesdays are slow nights in the pizza business. Pizza shop owners are always looking for more ways to get business on slow nights especially. Devise a savings phrase with
the pizza owner and post it on Facebook.

Videos – Music videos from YouTube can be a great content filler, as long as you relate them to something currently of interest to your residents. For instance,
if you have the first day of sunshine in weeks during Jaunary, you might post a link to a video of Katrina and the Waves performing, “Walking On Sunshine.” Go to Google.com and search for “how do I post a video on Facebook” to learn how to do it quickly.