Promotions are key to attracting new customers to your storage facility. There is a wide range of ideas to catch a customer’s eye and get them to walk through the door. Some self storage companies are getting creative and elaborate with their giveaways, even using social media to attract people to the promotion and reach out to greater numbers.
As a celebration of the new year, The Lock Up Self Storage Company created a buzz on Facebook by running an impressive giveaway for existing customers. The Chicago-based company with more than 30 climate controlled storage facilities nationwide, gave away a brand new iPod Touch to a lucky customer at each of their locations. Most likely the news spread on Facebook from existing customers to potential new customers, who could be lured by the company’s generosity.
"We realize that consumers have a lot to choose from with regards to self storage options, so we really strive to go above and beyond their expectations in terms of customer care," said Andrea Carnes, Vice President of Operations for The Lock Up Self Storage.
Ads in newspapers or radio can be effective, but the power of the internet is unmatched. Many storage businesses post promotions directly on their websites. And with the proper SEO capabilities, their company likely will show up high on a search engine when “promotions,” “sales,” or “deals” are typed in along with “self storage.” Northwest Self Storage in Oregon posts its deals on its website to attract new customers. Currently a 30 percent off three months’ rent or a free round lock with any new rental of a unit is being offered. The potential customer can print out the online coupon and bring it into the sales office. Northwest has dozens of storage facilities in different locations throughout Oregon and Washington.
Some specials are offered only online, such as a 10 percent off, limited time online offer that could be coupled with a regular promotion of $1 for the first month. Some facilities are even offering two months free rent coupled with an online 25 percent off special for a longer period of time.
If a self storage company wants some professional help with developing promotions or crafting a marketing plan, there are companies that specialize in assistance just for storage facilities. Self Storage Promotions, a full-service public relations, advertising and marketing agency that exclusively serves the self storage industry, can be hired to develop a modern strategy that includes how to handle promotions. According to their website, there is a new definition for storage promotions. In the current high-tech atmosphere, promotions and marketing should go beyond cookie-cutter websites, phone book listings, and direct mailings. Their approach is finding the unique value of a storage facility client and use mixed media to promote the business, with a focus on the Internet. And their clients, they say, appreciate the ability to clearly measure the return on investment from their promotional efforts.
Getting creative with promotions is always eye-catching, such as with The Lock Up Self Storage iPod Touch giveaway. It is certainly an investment to operate promotions, especially expensive giveaways, but the rewards can be significant. Winning new customers over the competition takes effort and time, and promotions can be the key to the catch.
Sources Used:
“The Lock Up Self Storage Gives Gratitude For Their Customers with iPod Touch Giveaway.” PRWeb. Jan. 4, 2011.
Northweast Self Storage. 2011.
Self Storage Promotions. 2011.