Marketing Your Self-Storage Facility: 12 Actionable Tips To Maximize Your Space

Marketing your self-storage facility involves more than just putting up a sign and hoping for the best.

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Self-storage facilities offer a valuable service to individuals and businesses dealing with changing circumstances, space limitations, and the need for secure off-site storage. The question is, when you are competing against many other local facilities, how do you position your facility to potential tenants? Standing apart from the competition in a crowded market requires effective marketing strategies.

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Are you…

• Struggling to attract new tenants to your self-storage facility?
• Unsure how to effectively market your self-storage business online?
• Feeling overwhelmed with the multitude of marketing options available?
• Concerned about the competition outpacing your facility's visibility?
• Wondering how to optimize your digital presence to increase rentals?

This article will explore how to enhance your self-storage facility's visibility and attract more tenants.

Why listen to me? I have worked in the conversational AI space for close to a decade, with our previous AI company getting acquired. My day-to-day consists of speaking to operators of all sizes to understand their automation needs and wants, and see how to best help them get there. I am currently in charge of swivl's go-to-market strategy and am a co-host of the Self Storage Lab podcast.

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12 Marketing Strategies For Your Self-Storage Facility

Segment Prospective Tenants Based On Usage Patterns

To create targeted marketing strategies, it's crucial to segment your prospective tenants based on their intended use of your storage solutions. For instance, a business client may require larger units with climate control and longer rental periods, while a residential customer might need a smaller unit for seasonal items or during a move.

Conduct Surveys for Feedback from Existing Tenants

One of the best ways to improve your self-storage marketing materials is to gather feedback from your existing tenant base. Conduct surveys and ask open-ended questions to learn about their experiences, what attracted them to your facility, and areas where you could improve. This valuable information allows you to refine your marketing messages and address common concerns raised by potential tenants.

Analyze Peak Rental Periods

Understanding peak rental periods for self-storage will help you time your marketing initiatives for maximum impact. Moving season in the summer or college breaks are examples of times when demand might surge. Design special promotions and targeted advertising to capture the increased interest during these periods.

Enhancing Online Visibility

Self-storage facility operators should aim to establish a strong online presence. This involves optimizing your website and utilizing digital marketing strategies to attract prospective tenants.

Optimize Website for Mobile Devices

With mobile devices becoming the primary means of browsing the internet, ensure your website offers a seamless user experience across different devices. Implement a responsive website design that automatically adjusts to fit various screen sizes, providing ease of navigation and a positive impression for prospective tenants.

Use Specific Keywords for Local SEO

To boost your search engine visibility for potential tenants in your area, incorporate localized keywords into your website content. Target keywords that include "self storage," "storage units," and your city or region. This practice, known as local search engine optimization, is crucial for attracting prospective tenants searching for storage solutions near them.

Engage in Google Business Profile Listing Optimization

Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile. This listing will significantly increase your facility's visibility in Google Maps and local search results. Provide accurate information including your business name, address, phone number, hours of operation, and high-quality photos. You should encourage satisfied tenants to leave positive reviews. These ratings and reviews act as social proof and greatly enhance your credibility.

Strategic Social Media Use

Social media offers a valuable platform to connect with potential tenants and build your brand.

Share Testimonial Videos from Existing Tenants

Video testimonials offer potential tenants a relatable and credible endorsement of your facility. You could showcase short video clips of satisfied tenants discussing their positive experiences on your social media channels.

Run Geo-Targeted Social Ads

Target your social media advertising to potential tenants residing in your local area. Geo-targeting ensures your ads are seen by prospective tenants who are most likely to use your facility.

Host Social Media Giveaway Contests

Generate excitement, engagement, and brand awareness with social media contests. For example, offer a discount or a free month of storage as a prize, and encourage entrants to share and tag friends for additional entries.

Email Marketing Optimization

Design Mobile-Responsive Email Templates

Optimize your email newsletters and promotional offers for mobile compatibility for a streamlined user experience across devices.

Personalize Emails with the Names of Existing Tenants

Include the tenant's name in your email communications. Personalization goes a long way in building relationships and fostering loyalty.

A/B Test Email Subject Lines

Experiment with different email subject lines to determine what resonates best with your audience.  This practice helps you understand what types of messages and language have the highest chance of generating opens and click-throughs.

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Next Steps for Marketing A Self-Storage Facility

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Marketing a self-storage facility requires a multi-faceted approach that combines understanding your target audience, a robust online presence, creative promotions, and exceptional tenant service. The strategies outlined in this article will help attract new tenants, retain your existing customer base, and set your facility apart in a competitive space.

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To further optimize your self-storage operations, consider exploring resources like swivl's Operator's Blueprint. Designed to streamline your facility and offer a seamless tenant experience, this comprehensive guide highlights the diverse technology landscape of back-office tools, automation, and marketing solutions available to self-storage operators.

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By adopting a strategic marketing plan and leveraging cutting-edge technology, you'll position your self-storage facility for continued growth and success within the booming self-storage industry.

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You may also like:

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24 Self-Storage Marketing Tips For Operators In 2024

Automated Self-Storage: An Operator’s Journey Through 5 Levels Of Automation‍

12 Best Self-Storage Software Companies For Facility Operators

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