In the business of self-storage, there are really successful entities and there are some that are marginally successful. “Over 21% of Americans currently use self-storage,” according to StorageCafe.com. That translates to 1 in 5 Americans using self-storage.
There are few good reasons why a self-storage business isn’t thriving and almost at capacity based on the demand and need for self-storage by average Americans. Our experience reveals that it often is a result of one issue – poor marketing practices.
There are a few key things every single self-storage business in America should be doing simply because it’s free and easy to do. Here are our 6 best self-storage marketing tips.
Self-storage marketing you MUST do
- Own and maintain a website with conversion-based design.
- Set up your Google business profile and keep it updated.
- Create a Facebook page for your business and post daily.
- Ask customers for reviews online.
- Focus on SEO for your website.
- Utilize storage specific directories.
Own and maintain a website with conversion-based design.
Businesses need a website. In coming across self-storage businesses without a web presence or a website that’s difficult to find, this is the first red-flag that the business is in trouble. Websites do not have to be fancy or expensive, but they are absolutely necessary for today’s consumer who prefers to do all business online.
- Optimize your website for online transactions.
- Allow for easy selection of what’s available.
- Automate the leasing and payment process to be completely online.
Many website builder options exist to make website set up quick and (mostly) easy. If you’re online right now reading this, your business should be online too.
Set up your Google business profile and keep it updated.
A Google business profile is similar to the Yellow Pages of long ago. When potential customers are searching for a business online, those with a business profile will show up on the right side of the screen next to the search results. Your business profile should include all relevant information about your business. Contact information, location, hours, and anything else that would help them make a decision to do business. Google business profiles can include photos, PDF documents and pricing information. Information can be updated easily and often to be sure that what customers find is actually current.
Create a Facebook page for your business and post daily.
Facebook is a free tool that should be used by every business. Posting can be a stressful task when you’re unsure what to post or when. Finding a great social media marketing company can be a wise investment if social media makes you anxious. If that’s not you, start today. Post your hours when customers can walk in the door to inquire about your self-storage. Post your hours when customers can sign a lease agreement (hint: if you’re lease process is online, this is 24/7!). Post funny self-storage memes or jokes. Post storage tricks and tips to help customers make the most of their space. Post about what you cannot store.
Facebook profiles should also contain all relevant information like contact information, website, phone number, hours and anything else that helps convert interested people into customers. Think like a customer every time you post.
Ask customers for reviews online.
In your Facebook posting, ask for reviews online. Customers can review you on Facebook, on your Google business profile or on websites like Yelp. A positive review is great to have and share with potential customers so they feel more confident in doing business at your establishment. Ask current customers for positive reviews every time you interact with them.
Focus on SEO for your website.
While we could have mentioned this in the first marketing tip above, we think it stands alone due to its importance. Your website should be optimized for SEO. SEO is search engine optimization. SEO uses keywords in your website that make it easy for search engines to find your website and increase your rankings on search results. The more, high-ranking keywords you use, the better your ranking will be with search engine results. You can search for relevant keywords on your own and plug them into your website, or you can outsource this task to an SEO specialist.
Utilize storage specific directories.
Similar to the Yellow Pages we already mentioned, there are online directories specifically designed to assist customers in finding reputable self-storage businesses nearby. While Yelp and Google business profiles are more general, websites like sparefoot.com are more specific to self-storage.
Why does this matter?
These self-storage marketing tips are the best and most important ones to get you started for one important reason. They’re all free. Even creating a website for your business can be done free to begin. If you’re not using free marketing that is readily available to every business, you’re missing out on so many customer opportunities. It could be the difference between a thriving business or a failing business. It can be easy to think “customers will just find my business,” when in reality, a little bit of work will make it much easier to be found.
At Weaver Realty, we are the Argus Self-Storage Network Affiliate for the state of Florida and Georgia. We work with clients in locating new businesses to acquire and in building new facilities. We also work with clients as consultants on best business practices (like marketing) to ensure their success. Call us today at 904-733-0039 to get started on your next self-storage location.
