13 Tips for Self-Storage Businesses to Attract Customers

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Self-storage businesses are everywhere, but it’s not easy to run one. You need a great location and plenty of facilities if you want people to rent space from you. Attracting clients can be challenging because the industry is crowded and many competitors. Here are thirteen tips for self-storage businesses to attract more customers.

1. Be Different from your Competition 

Many storage units look alike, so you have to give them something they don’t offer. For example, you can offer climate control services that ensure clients’ possessions stay in good condition even during hot or cold months. If you’re located near an airport, you can also provide short-term storage for travelers who need someplace safe to store their luggage while on vacation.

2. Offer a Discount for First-Time Renters

First-time renters often pay full price, so they won’t recommend you to others unless you offer a discount. It doesn’t have to be much; offering first-timers 10% off their rent will do the trick. This tip works best to let potential tenants know about your first-time discounts before they contact you rather than after. You could advertise this perk with signs around town or online ads.

3. Invest in Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

You can improve your search engine rankings by optimizing your website. Self storage SEO involves adding relevant content to your site and building links to it from other sites. The best way to find out what keywords you should focus on is to research popular searches in your area. A professional SEO company can help you rank higher on Google. You can also optimize your web pages for local search engines like Google and Yahoo! Local.

4. Showcase Your Storage Space Online

People like seeing what they can get for their money, especially since renting a unit involves parting with hard cash. You should take photos of each available unit and post them on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. These photos can drive traffic to your website, where users will see more information about your storage units. Hire a professional photographer to get high-quality images if you can afford them.

5. Advertise Your Storage Units on Social Media

Social media advertising gives you access to millions of people worldwide, many of whom are interested in self-storage units. You can use Facebook Ads to target specific audiences based on age, gender, location, interests, etc. You’ll set up several different campaigns targeting different demographics if you’re smart. You can also create ads with call-to-action buttons that encourage people to visit your website.

6. Make Sure Your Website Design Looks Professional

Your website needs to look modern and appealing. People won’t trust you if your website looks outdated. This goes beyond having a good design; you should also update your site regularly with new features. For example, you could add a blog page where you share valuable tips about moving, packing, and storing items. You might also include a “call us” button so people can reach you easily.

7. Offer Free Trials

Free trials work well for most industries, including self-storage. They allow potential clients to try your service without paying anything upfront. You can give free trials as part of your marketing campaign or a sign-up incentive. Offering free trials makes it easier for potential customers to test your products and services and decide whether they want to buy from you.

8. Partner with Other Businesses

Partnering with other companies lets you reach more potential customers. For example, you could partner with a moving company to help clients move into their storage units. The other company can recommend your services to its customers and vice versa. You can also pair up with a car dealership to offer short-term parking spaces to customers who need somewhere safe to park their vehicles while on vacation.

9. Use Promotional Products

Promotional products are inexpensive but effective ways to spread the word about your business. To attract new clients, you can use pens, bags, umbrellas, and other promotional giveaways. Giving away things like these shows people you care about your business and appreciate every client. You can also hand out printed flyers and brochures that promote your storage units.

10. Hire a Marketing Agency

Marketing agencies can help you reach more potential customers. They can set up digital ad campaigns across multiple platforms. Agencies offer comprehensive creative services that expand the reach of your campaign, such services may include graphic design, social media management, and PR. This helps you build a strong brand image and boost your revenue. A marketing agency can also help you choose the proper business structure for your storage facility.

11. Host Community Events

Self-storage facilities are great places for community events. You can start with picnics, barbecues, and holiday parties. You can also host workshops, training courses, and seminars. The key is to find unique ways to engage with your audience and make them feel appreciated, which will lead to customer loyalty and repeat business. This strategy has worked for big brands like Starbucks and Apple.

12. Set up a Loyalty Program

Loyalty programs provide a financial return for your time and effort. They reward regular clients for choosing your storage units over others. You can do this by offering discounts on monthly rent or other perks. Some self-storage companies even offer free upgrades to premium units and discounts on shipping services. Whatever you decide to offer, be sure it encourages customers to stick around.

13. Offer Financing Options

A lot of people struggle to pay for their storage units upfront. If you’re unwilling to help them, competitors might swoop in and take your clients. Self-storage businesses offer flexible payment plans because they know how expensive storage units can be. It’s worth the investment and will increase your chances of making sales to first-time buyers.

The above strategies can help you stand out from the competition and maximize your profits. Many self-storage companies are starting to use digital marketing methods like SEO and social media to grow their businesses. They’ve helped many self-storage companies grow their businesses. Just remember to take your time when implementing each strategy. The goal isn’t to rush things and attract many customers right away. Instead, you should focus on finding customers interested in your services and engaging with them. Once you build a strong relationship with your clients, you’ll find it easier to sell to them.