Why People Use Self Storage & How to Target Them

One of the hardest things about marketing your self-storage facility is finding your target market. People store for a variety of reasons and so you have to have a variety of marketing techniques. By diversifying your marketing, you are able to target more of the potential renters. However, once you target them, you need to make sure that your rates are competitive, and your self-storage facility is what they are looking for.

A common reason that people use self-storage is that they are redecorating or remodeling their home. As a result, they need to move things out of their property for a short period of time. However, many of these projects end up lasting a lot longer than anticipated. Often, once the remodel is completed, they don’t want all of their clutter back in the house. This means that they will get to the storage shed when things slow down a little or when things warm up or cool down. Either way, you may end up with a renter that didn’t plan on being there for more than a few months.

So how do you reach people who are redecorating? Market at remodeling stores, in the online classifieds under remodeling, find a creative way to reach out to these people who only need a little more room for a short period of time.

Another group of people who need self-storage are those who are relocating. These people need to start packing and often don’t want to fill up the garage because they are trying to sell the property. Network with Realtors to get them to recommend your facility to their clients who need to de-clutter in order to sell.

There are a lot of businesses with inventory. They need to be able to store that inventory safely and conveniently. You have the space. Advertise to businesses that have inventory. Offer them an inexpensive option for inventory storage. Along the same lines are businesses that need to store equipment or tools.

As you are marketing to potential self-storage renters, make sure that you point out the benefits of using self-storage. If you are marketing to homeowners, point out how much more room they will have by utilizing your facility. Show them that it is a minimal cost for the additional square footage.

When you are marketing to businesses, point out that it is less expensive than office or warehouse space and you have flexible terms because you are month to month. In addition, they can rent a 5x5 or 20x30 depending on their needs.

Everyone wants to know that their belongings are safe. Remind them about your security. Show them that this is a great alternative. Be diverse in your marketing so that they will want to work with you rather than your competitors.

Once you have someone interested in your self-storage facility, it is likely that they will visit your website first. Make sure that your website looks appealing, loads quickly, and allows them the opportunity to reserve a unit online. You can have your manager review everything with them in person later. Don’t lose out on a renter because you didn’t offer them the opportunity to rent a unit on the spot. Show them how much each unit can hold so they know what size they need up front.

Specials are a great way to get someone in the door. Then, once they have their belongings situated, it is very unlikely that they will move them. Do not give them the first month free. Instead, give them the second full month as a discount. This means that you are guaranteed one full month of rent. Think about all the different people who will be renting from you and why. Then focus your marketing efforts on those groups. As always, happy investing.