There are always individuals in one stage of life or another looking to downsize. Whether it is job-related travel, aging, or bringing family members into the home, downsizing is one of the four D’s that drive demand for self-storage. The others are death, divorce, and displacement. As a result, self-storage demand remains steady and continues to be a wise investment.
For further reading on this topic, check out “The Four D’s.” The Self Storage Association explains the various life events that lead to the need for self-storage. (SSA) Many people in the process of downsizing are now looking for self-storage to keep some of their most treasured items that simply can’t be replaced. Self-storage offers a valuable service in these situations. The key is to attract those who find themselves in need of storage.
Let’s refresh on some of the best ways to reach families who are downsizing and need additional storage. Remember, the most important ways that new tenants find you are online, driving by, or a referral. Today, we share practical tips you can do immediately to upgrade your online presence and attract new tenants.
- Google Business Profile.
- Facebook & Instagram profile.
- Reviews
- Website.
- Photos
- Consistency
Google Business Profile
Every business needs to claim a Google Business profile. You can find the steps here. Find your business category, add your location and service area, add all relevant information, and then verify your business. This business profile should be as complete as possible. Add hours, location, methods of contact, website, and photos.
As potential tenants use Google to search for “self-storage near me,” you want to be sure that your business information is populated because it contains your address. This profile is a free business tool and should not be ignored. If you haven’t done so, let this be the first task you complete today.
If the business profile exists, log in to manage your account. Ensure that all information is correct and up to date. If you have received any reviews, take the time to respond to them with a thank you.
The Google Business Profile is such a valuable tool. It works with the algorithm to boost your SEO the more that you are active on your profile. While verifying your business can be a bit of extra work, shifting focus to get that done is really beneficial. Business owners can then focus on obtaining Google reviews and work toward a robust 5-star rating. This should be priority one.
Facebook & Instagram
Social media is a free and easy way to advertise your business. Make sure that all information is complete and accurate. Check for misspelled words. In each profile, include contact information, hours, and website so that the business is easily found.
Once your profile is complete, it’s important to begin posting consistently on social media. Add photos each day, provide tips on proper storage, and include “did you know” information about what is permitted in storage and what is not. Sharing this type of information will grow your followers and invite to new tenants.
Reviews
Post on your Google profile, Facebook timeline, and Instagram asking for reviews from followers and tenants. Your best advertisement is a positive review. Be sure to thank people for their reviews. You may also have to address a negative review. “Thank you for the feedback. Please email us directly at info@thebestselfstorage.com (insert your customer service email here).
Responding to all reviews, positive or negative, is necessary because it demonstrates attention to the business, concern for customers, and commitment to customer service.
Website
The Google Business Profile is the most important piece because when people search for your business, this is what comes up first. The second most important aspect of an online business is a good website. A website does not need to be fancy, but it does need to be user-friendly and easy to find. The Google Business Profile, combined with search engine optimization, will enable future tenants to find your business quickly. How do some businesses end up being at the top of search results? That’s what SEO does. As a website applies keywords relevant to a business, the Google algorithm works on placement in the search results. The Google Business Profile works with this.
It’s also important to work through your website to be sure that all links work correctly and that it is easy to find what you need. It doesn’t hurt to ask a few friends to check out the website, and to have a different perspective.
Photos
Websites, Google profiles, and social media all need photos. Photos should be clear and of good quality, that show the property for people to see if they want to rent or not. Professional photos are great, but most smartphones take great photos if needed. Some photos to include are the rental office, the parking lot, the gate, security cameras, every unit size, the signage, each building on the property, and anything else that sets this self-storage apart from competitors.
Consistency
Posting on social media consistently is essential for all small businesses. Posting consistently gains favor with social media algorithms and enables future tenants to find businesses more easily. Be creative and make it fun. A local self-storage business uses a sign on the side of the building to advertise a funny quote weekly. This could be one social media post every single week. Find ways to be creative, fun, and brighten other people’s day.
Downsizing is something that is happening at all times across the United States. Learning to capitalize on life changes is necessary in the self-storage business. These are free ways to effectively market a business daily. It’s time to get to work.
At Coastal Storage, we focus our business on self-storage. Our clients love our attention to detail and trust our self-storage expertise. Let us help you find your next self-storage investment. Call today at 904-591-0140.