How many times have you looked at your self-storage facility and thought, I wish more customers would come through the door? If you’re like most self-storage owners or managers, it’s probably quite frequent.
For your business to thrive, you need a consistent flow of customers coming in and out. But how do you attract more people to your self-storage facility? Here are some tips to stand out and increase business.
Know Your Target Audience
Who are your potential customers? Are they college students looking for temporary storage during summer break or small business owners in need of a secure place to store inventory and equipment?
When you understand your target audience, you can customize your marketing efforts to appeal directly to them. For example, if you’re targeting college students, you could offer discounts or promotions during the summer months when they’re most likely to need storage. Or if you’re appealing to small business owners, highlight security and climate-controlled features.
Utilize Social Media
Social media is a powerful marketing tool to reach additional customers. Create a presence for your self-storage facility on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. Share photos of the facility, customer testimonials, and current promotions or special offers. Encourage current customers to leave reviews or tag the facility in their posts.
Another way to use social media is by joining local groups or forums where people need storage solutions. By actively participating in online communities, you can establish yourself as an expert in the industry and attract new customers.
Leverage Local Advertising
While online marketing is important, don’t forget about traditional forms of advertising in your local community. Consider placing ads in local newspapers or magazines, sponsoring community events, and handing out flyers to local businesses.
You could also partner with nearby businesses to offer mutually beneficial promotions or discounts. For example, if you have a partnership with a moving company, you could offer a discount to customers who need storage during their move.
Showcase the Facility’s Features
Your self-storage facility may have features that set it apart from others in the area, such as climate-controlled units, state-of-the-art security systems, and drive-up access. However, if you don’t make these amenities known to the public, you’re less likely to boost your business.
Don’t be afraid to showcase these features in your marketing tactics. Include photos and descriptions of the facility’s top features on your website and social media pages.
Provide Excellent Customer Service
One of the best ways to attract customers is by providing excellent customer service. Happy customers are more likely to refer their friends and family to your facility, which can lead to even more business.
Your staff should be friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Everyone on staff should respond promptly to inquiries or concerns and go above and beyond when resolving issues. By consistently providing top-notch customer service, you’ll create a positive reputation for your facility and attract more customers through word-of-mouth.
Offer Flexible Payment Options
Another way to attract more customers is by offering flexible payment options. The perceived hassle or commitment of signing a long-term contract may deter many people from choosing self-storage.
Consider offering month-to-month leases and the option to pay online for added convenience. This will make your facility more appealing to potential customers who are looking for flexibility.
Provide Excellent Security Measures
One of the top concerns for people when it comes to self storage is security. As a facility owner, it’s important to showcase the security measures you have in place to protect the customers’ belongings.
Include features such as 24/7 surveillance cameras, individually alarmed units, and secure access codes for entry into the facility. These measures will give people peace of mind that their belongings are safe and increase the likelihood of signing up with your facility.
Keep the Facility Well-Maintained
Is your facility run-down, cluttered, or unorganized? This can be a major turn-off for potential customers. No one wants to store their belongings in a dirty or poorly maintained facility.
Regularly clean and pick up the facility, including the units, hallways, and common areas. Don’t neglect the exterior of your facility either. Incredible curb appeal will draw potential customers in and unappealing exteriors will turn people away.
Offer Online Reservations
Nowadays, many people dread making phone calls or visiting businesses in person. Offering the option for customers to reserve a unit online can make the process much more convenient and appealing.
Your website should be easy to navigate and feature clear instructions on how to reserve a unit. This will attract customers who prefer to do things digitally and may not have the time or desire to visit your facility in person.
Make It Easy To Find What Customers Are Looking For
People appreciate it when the information they need is simple to find. When potential customers visit your website or social media pages, make it easy for them to find the information they need. This includes details about unit sizes and prices, special promotions, contact information, and how to reserve a unit.
Consider creating a FAQ page on your website to address common questions and concerns. This will save them time and effort in navigating the website or making a phone call for answers, thereby increasing the likelihood of signing up with your business.
Increase the Facility’s Visibility
Is your facility easy to spot from the street? If not, you may be missing out on potential customers who are simply driving by.
Make sure the facility has clear signage and ample illumination at night. You could also consider adding eye-catching landscaping or a unique design to make your facility stand out from others in the area.
If your business is in a lull, don’t let that get you down. Every business goes through ups and downs, but implementing these tips will help you attract more customers to your self-storage facility.
To keep your business thriving in the future when you’re ready to expand or open a new location, invest in a self storage demand study. This can help you determine the potential demand for self storage in a particular area before signing a lease or building a new facility. If the demand is high, you can have more confidence in your business’s success.
Box Pro performs self storage feasibility studies and demand studies for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to expand their self-storage enterprise. For more information, contact us today. Our affordable services come with a comprehensive site evaluation and market analysis that can help you determine the potential for your self-storage business.