6 Self-Storage Marketing Tips, Ideas and Strategies
May 13, 2021
Here are some tactics, tips, and ideas to help you market your self-storage center and keep it at capacity.
#1: Have a simple, conversion-based website design
Your self-storage center website has one basic purpose — to get people to make a call, request an estimate or visit you so they become a client.
Most storage center websites provide pricing information, descriptions of storage options and location details. If it sounds simple, that’s because it is, and that’s a good thing.
You don’t need anything fancy for a storage center website. Stick to the basics so people can easily find the essential information they’re looking for. Be really obvious about your location and contact info.
Make sure your website is mobile responsive so people can view it on their phones. Many of your leads will come on mobile.
Anything you can do to distinguish yourself from the competition in terms of security, convenience or pricing will help you win customers.
Compare your website experience to that of your competition. Do you look professional, established and trustworthy? Do your prices and services offer the highest value? Is your content clear, or do you confuse people? Would you choose you?
If not, your website probably needs some work.
#2: Master search marketing
To drive traffic to your website, you’ll want to show up for all storage-related searches in your area. There are three ways to dominate the search results on Google, Bing and other search engines.
The first is pay-per-click advertising. These ads are run through auction-based systems, like Google Adwords and Bing Ads.The main advantage here is that you show in the top positions (reserved for paid ads), and that you can control the ad copy and landing page. For example, you might want to run an advertisement for summer student storage. Your ad and the page it goes to on your website can match that offer.
Next, you need to set up and rank for Google My Business. This is the maps listing and review platform Google uses for geo-targeted searches. It’s a free listing that you can optimize with your descriptions and by getting customer reviews.
Then you have the organic website listings. These are also free clicks, with ranking gained by optimizing your website for keywords, gaining links, getting social media traffic and adding content to your blog. For organic optimization, be sure to include city names and other geographic areas that people might search (for example, “self-storage centers in Denver”). Use both the type of storage service and the region as keywords in your meta tags and on-page content.
If you do it right, you can show up in three spots on page one:
Search marketing is the single biggest driver of online leads for storage centers, so being on page one in your area is critical. Budget what is necessary to stay on page one for paid results, get reviews on your business listing and optimize for your website for organic search.
If you’re not on page one, make it a priority to get there.
Pro tip: Use retargeting
It’s said that online consumers “surf,” meaning they float around from site to site, driven mainly by distraction.
That’s accurate. People are hesitant and non-committal online, which is why retargeting ads are so important.
These are ads that follow people around on Google and Facebook after they’ve visited your website. They remind people of your brand and that they need to get back to finding a storage unit for their overflowing possessions.
Here is an example ad:
Retargeting ads are a low-cost way to capture leads that otherwise might “surf” to the competition.
Tip #3: Get more reviews
Today, if you really want to convince people that you offer the best self-storage services, you need to get your customers talking about you. Online reviews are some of the most persuasive content you associate with your business because they come from your customers.
Online reviews are everywhere. They’re huge on your Google listing. People rate businesses on Facebook, Yelp, Top Rated Local® and beyond.
You need a strong review profile because prospective customers expect to see it.
Gaining positive reviews starts with your service. Make efforts to ingrain customer service into your business. Every time you delight a customer, you help your marketing.
Reviews are so important today that it’s worth it to ask people to review you. One of the easiest, most effective ways to get more reviews is with an email follow-up. We use templates like this to get our reputation management clients more reviews:
Also, use testimonials on your website to get positive customer comments in front of people.
Consumers trust other consumers. Get your best clients to help your marketing with positive reviews.
#4: Create a Video
Video is an underused tactic for self-storage businesses. Take advantage of this fact to gain an edge over your competition.
You can give people a tour of your self-storage center and communicate your value proposition in a quick 30-second video. Here’s a good example:
You can optimize your video for YouTube searches (where there is very little competition), embed it on your homepage and use it on your Facebook business page and beyond.
A professional video is a bit of an investment, but one that can pay off for years.
#5: Get on Facebook
Most storage centers overlook Facebook, thinking there is nothing for this type of business to share on a social media platform.
Indeed, you’re not likely to gain followers who want to see posts about what’s going on at your storage center.
But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a Facebook business page. Think of this as kind of a second website meant to attract people on Facebook.
In fact, you can present most of the information from your site on this page. You can also get direct leads off messenger or by having a contact call to action button.
And it’s free. If it generates one new customer, it paid for itself.
#6: Use marketing software
Want to centralize all your marketing efforts, including paid advertising, social media, CRM and email marketing?
Then consider using a marketing software platform for self-storage centers, like Marketing 360®. This all-in-one solution lets you set budgets, track results and plan your marketing strategy.
Best of all, with Marketing 360®, you work with a team of marketing professionals who can do the heavy lifting for you so you can run your business.
Originally published on 5/3/18
Get Plans and Pricing Below
Get the know-how to get ahead
Get business, marketing and sales tips written by experienced industry practitioners. 100% free. Cancel anytime.