As a self-storage owner, you know storage needs are universal—but targeting niche markets can bring great tenants. While we’ve previously explored groups like college students, this blog spotlights three overlooked customer segments you should consider.
- E-commerce business owners
- Retail business owners
- Small business contractors
In any city, these three groups need storage. They are likely bursting at the seams with items to store. During two years of selling products on Amazon, one couple we spoke with had inventory tucked into every cabinet, bedroom, closet, and garage. It was time for storage outside of the home.
Another small business owner had outgrown their storage space for fixtures and retail inventory. A contractor we spoke with also needed a place to store extra tools needed for specific jobs, but too large to keep in the van for daily use.
The most logical step is to seek storage for items that are necessary to keep long-term, but their immediate use is less frequent. How can self-storage owners attract these businesses? It starts with marketing, and it continues with educating employees to provide solutions to individuals in need of storage.
Be a problem solver.
Create content for marketing
Create content designed for these three types of people. The e-commerce business owner, the retail business owner, and the contractor with lots of equipment. Use that content across social media (Facebook, Instagram, Google Business Profile, paid ads on social media) in all relevant channels to communicate that storage isn’t just for your favorite dishes from Granny or your China cabinet that you can’t bear to part with. The image should depict a relevant message showing how to store e-commerce inventory, retail inventory, or large equipment and supplies. The information in the ad should communicate directly that “Yes, you can store this too!”
Let the customer know they have a problem – too much stuff, and self-storage is the solution.
Utilize e-mail communication with existing customers
Use the same image and verbiage to communicate through email channels to existing customers that self-storage provides the solution to storage woes. Your current customers may be storing their personal belongings and haven’t considered that they could also store their business items. They may also know a business owner who could benefit from self-storage, also. Adding an incentive for people to share with others like a discount off rent for existing tenants to refer new ones is also a great way to encourage others to use self-storage.
Get creative
What other options do you have as the business owner to advertise creatively? Utilize a business sign that has changeable letters or a digital marquee to reach everyone passing by who would benefit from your business. Add a banner on the building that faces the traffic to attract new customers.
At Coastal Storage, we focus on self-storage business. Whether you are looking to acquire, build, or sell, our team of self-storage experts is ready to assist you every step of the way. Call today at 904-591-0140 to work with us.