How To Get Support Using the Appfolio Help Center
Appfolio is a powerful property management software designed to streamline your operations, from tenant screening to accounting. But even the most intuitive software can sometimes require a little help. That's where the Appfolio Help Center comes in. It's a comprehensive resource packed with articles, tutorials, and support options to help you navigate the platform and resolve any issues you encounter.
Knowing how to effectively use the Appfolio Help Center can save you valuable time and frustration. Instead of waiting on hold or sifting through endless forum threads, you can often find the answers you need quickly and efficiently. This guide will walk you through the various resources available and show you how to leverage them to get the support you need, when you need it.
Let’s dive into how you can master the Appfolio Help Center and become a self-sufficient user.
1. Accessing the Appfolio Help Center
The first step is, of course, getting to the Help Center. Luckily, Appfolio makes it easily accessible from within the platform itself.
- Within Appfolio: Look for the question mark icon (usually located in the upper right-hand corner of your screen). Clicking this icon will open a dropdown menu, and you'll see an option that says "Help Center" or "Support." Click on that to be directed to the main Help Center page.
- Direct Link: You can also access the Appfolio Help Center directly through your web browser by searching for "Appfolio Help Center" on Google or another search engine. The official Appfolio support website should be the first result. Bookmark this page for quick access in the future.
2. Utilizing the Search Bar: Your First Line of Defense
The search bar is arguably the most important tool within the Appfolio Help Center. Before contacting support directly, try searching for your issue here.
- Be Specific: The more specific you are with your search terms, the better the results will be. Instead of searching for "reports," try "generating rent roll report" or "customizing property owner statements."
- Use Keywords: Think about the keywords that relate to your problem. For example, if you're having trouble with tenant screening, try searching for "tenant screening," "credit check," "background check," or "application process."
- Review Search Results Carefully: Don't just click on the first result. Scan the titles and descriptions to see which articles seem most relevant to your specific issue.
Example: Let's say you're having trouble understanding how to reconcile your bank statements in Appfolio. Instead of searching for "bank," try something like "bank reconciliation Appfolio" or "reconciling bank statements in Appfolio." You'll likely find articles and video tutorials that guide you through the process step-by-step.
3. Exploring the Knowledge Base: A Treasure Trove of Information
The Appfolio Help Center boasts a comprehensive knowledge base, organized into categories to help you find relevant information.
- Browse by Topic: The knowledge base is typically divided into sections like "Accounting," "Leasing," "Maintenance," "Reporting," and "Tenant Management." Browse these sections to find articles related to the area you're struggling with.
- Explore Subcategories: Within each main category, you'll find subcategories that further narrow down the topics. For example, under "Accounting," you might find subcategories like "Chart of Accounts," "Bank Reconciliation," and "Financial Reporting."
- Don't Overlook the FAQs: Many sections include frequently asked questions (FAQs) that address common issues and provide quick answers.
Tip: Even if you don't have a specific problem in mind, browsing the knowledge base can be a great way to learn more about Appfolio's features and capabilities.
4. Leveraging Video Tutorials: Visual Learning Made Easy
For many users, visual learning is the most effective way to grasp new concepts. The Appfolio Help Center includes a library of video tutorials that cover a wide range of topics.
- Look for Video Icons: When browsing the knowledge base or search results, keep an eye out for articles that include video icons. These articles will typically feature embedded videos that demonstrate the steps involved in a particular process.
- Search for Video Tutorials Directly: You can also try searching specifically for "video tutorial" followed by your topic of interest. For example, "video tutorial lease renewal Appfolio."
- Pause, Rewind, and Replay: Don't hesitate to pause, rewind, and replay the videos as needed to fully understand the instructions.
Benefit: Video tutorials offer a more engaging and interactive learning experience compared to reading text-based articles.
5. Understanding Appfolio's Support Tiers
Appfolio offers different levels of support depending on your subscription plan. Understanding your support tier will help you manage your expectations and know what resources are available to you.
- Review Your Subscription Agreement: Your subscription agreement will outline the specific support options included in your plan.
- Common Support Options: Common support options include phone support, email support, and live chat. The availability of each option may vary depending on your plan.
- Check Response Times: Be aware of the typical response times for each support channel. Phone support may offer the fastest response, while email support may take longer.
Important: Before contacting support, make sure you have gathered all the necessary information, such as your account details, the steps you've already taken to troubleshoot the issue, and any error messages you've received. This will help the support team resolve your problem more quickly.
6. Contacting Appfolio Support: When All Else Fails
If you've exhausted the resources in the Help Center and still need assistance, it's time to contact Appfolio support directly.
- Find the Contact Information: The contact information for Appfolio support can usually be found within the Help Center or on the Appfolio website.
- Choose the Right Channel: Consider the urgency of your issue when choosing a support channel. For urgent issues, phone support or live chat may be the best option. For less urgent issues, email support may be sufficient.
- Be Clear and Concise: When contacting support, be clear and concise in your description of the problem. Provide as much detail as possible, including the steps you've already taken to troubleshoot the issue.
- Be Patient and Polite: Remember that the support team is there to help you. Be patient and polite, even if you're frustrated.
Pro Tip: Before contacting support, try to replicate the issue. This will help you provide the support team with a clear and accurate description of the problem.
7. Staying Up-to-Date with Appfolio Updates
Appfolio is constantly evolving, with new features and updates being released regularly. Staying up-to-date with these changes can help you avoid potential issues and take advantage of new capabilities.
- Check the Release Notes: Appfolio typically publishes release notes that detail the changes included in each update. You can usually find these release notes in the Help Center or on the Appfolio website.
- Attend Webinars and Training Sessions: Appfolio often hosts webinars and training sessions to educate users about new features and best practices.
- Follow Appfolio on Social Media: Following Appfolio on social media can be a great way to stay informed about upcoming updates and events.
Benefit: By staying informed about Appfolio updates, you can proactively address potential issues and optimize your use of the platform.
Conclusion: Empowering Yourself with the Appfolio Help Center
The Appfolio Help Center is a powerful resource that can empower you to become a more self-sufficient user of the platform. By mastering the search bar, exploring the knowledge base, leveraging video tutorials, understanding your support tier, and staying up-to-date with Appfolio updates, you can quickly and efficiently resolve any issues you encounter. Remember to always start with the Help Center before contacting support directly. You'll be surprised at how often you can find the answers you need right at your fingertips, saving you time and frustration and allowing you to focus on growing your property management business. So, take some time to explore the Appfolio Help Center today and unlock its full potential!