Storelocal Team May 13, 2024 6:48:00 AM 16 min read

Self Storage Ads 101: What You Need to Know

In the self storage industry, crafting the perfect ad can be the key to standing out in a crowded market. Whether digital or traditional, your self storage ads need to communicate not just the availability of space but also the safety, convenience, and peace of mind that your self storage facility offers.

This guide will walk you through the intricacies of creating compelling ads for your self storage business that resonate with your target audience, ultimately driving occupancy rates and fostering business growth. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or new to the self storage industry, these insights will empower you to create ads that capture attention and convert prospects into loyal customers.

Why Do Self Storage Businesses Need Ads?

With more and more people turning to self storage as a solution for their space needs, the industry has become highly competitive. To thrive in such a market, self storage businesses need to actively promote themselves and stay top-of-mind among potential customers.

This is where self storage ads come in - they provide a platform to showcase your unique offerings and attract new tenants to your facility.

How to Create Effective Self Storage Ads

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Understanding Your Target Audience

One of the most crucial components of creating effective self storage ads is understanding who your target audience is. Your ad should speak directly to your demographic's needs, wants, and pain points.

Are you targeting college students looking for temporary storage during summer break? Or perhaps families in need of long-term storage for their household items?

Tailoring your marketing efforts to the specific needs of your specific self storage customers will help you connect with them on a deeper level and increase the likelihood of conversion.

Highlighting Unique Selling Points of Your Self Storage Facility

In such a competitive market, it's not enough to simply advertise the availability of storage units. You need to differentiate your self storage company from the rest by highlighting its unique selling points, such as:

  • Does it have state-of-the-art security systems?
  • Is it conveniently located near a major highway?
  • Does it offer climate-controlled self storage units?

These are just some examples of features that can set your facility apart and attract potential customers.

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Importance of Using High-Quality Imagery and Videos

In today's digital age, visuals are key in capturing people's attention.

Using Video

Between YouTube, TikTok, and Reels, video is king in visual marketing. Videos on social media aren't just for younger generations, either. Two-thirds of American adults watch short-form video content on their mobile devices, watching an average of 17 hours of video content every week. That being said, utilizing video in your self storage marketing ads can significantly enhance engagement and conversion rates.

For example, a well-crafted video tour of your facility can offer a deeper insight into what customers can expect, enabling them to visualize the safety, cleanliness, and accessibility of your storage units. Highlight specific features such as security cameras, keyless entry systems, or the variety of unit sizes through video to build trust and credibility.

Remember, the key to a successful video marketing strategy is not just high production quality but also authenticity and relatability. By integrating video content on platforms where your target audience is most active, your ads can achieve greater visibility and impact.

man filming a youtube video

Using Images

When using images in self storage ads, it's important to use high-quality imagery that showcases your facility in the best light. This includes photos of the exterior and interior of your facility, as well as images of happy customers* using your services.

In a crowded market, high-quality visuals make your ad more appealing, prompting users to stop scrolling and engage with your content. They also allow you to build trust from your first touchpoint by providina glimpse into what potential customers can expect from your facility. Low-quality images could make for a bad first impression of your self storage facility and not stand out against your competition.

*If using photos of your actual customers rather than stock photography, be sure to get permission through signed photo release forms.

Crafting Compelling and Clear Call-to-Actions

A strong call-to-action (CTA) is essential in any ad. This is the part where you tell potential customers what action to take next, whether it's visiting your website, calling for more information, or visiting your facility for a tour.

Make sure your CTA is clear and compelling, using action words like "call now" or "book today."Consider creating a sense of urgency by using phrases like "limited-time offer" or "while supplies last" if applicable.

Measuring the Success of Your Ads

Once you've created and launched your self storage ads, it's important to track their success. Metrics and reporting help you understand which ads are performing well and which may need some tweaking.

Some metrics to consider measuring include:

  • Click-through rates
  • Conversion rates
  • Cost per click
  • Cost per acquisition

By tracking these metrics, you can make informed decisions about future ad campaigns and continuously improve your results.

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Tracking Self Storage Ad Performance: Tools and Platforms

For self storage businesses looking to monitor and evaluate the performance of their ads, leveraging the right tools and platforms is crucial. Google Analytics stands out as an essential asset for tracking online ad performance, offering in-depth insights into website traffic, user behavior, and conversion rates stemming from your ads.

Social media platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) provide their own analytics for ads run on their networks, enabling businesses to observe engagement rates, reach, and demographic information of the audience interacting with their ads.

Utilizing these tools not only aids in assessing the effectiveness of your advertising efforts but also guides strategic adjustments to enhance future campaigns.

Traditional vs. Digital Advertising for Self Storage


Pros and Cons of Traditional Advertising Methods

Traditional advertising methods, such as billboards, print ads, and direct mail, have been used for decades to promote self storage facilities. They offer a wide reach and can be effective in reaching local audiences. However, these methods can also be costly and are becoming less effective as consumers increasingly turn to digital channels for their information.

Pros and Cons of Digital Advertising Methods

Digital advertising methods, such as social media ads, search engine marketing, and email campaigns, offer targeted reach and cost-effective options for self storage businesses. They also allow for more precise tracking of ad performance. However, they can be overwhelming to navigate for those unfamiliar with digital marketing and may require a larger investment in time and resources.

The Role of SEO in Digital Advertising for Self Storage

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a crucial aspect of digital advertising for self storage businesses. By optimizing your website and content for search engines with keyword targeting and proper website maintenance, you can increase your visibility online and attract more organic traffic to your website. This can lead to higher conversion rates and ultimately drive occupancy rates.

Not sure where to start? Local SEO can drive traffic to your facility starting with your Google Business Profile (GBP). A GBP is free to set up, and by optimizing it, you increase your likelihood of ranking in Google's map pack (the first three businesses that show up when people search for "self storage near me" in Google Maps).

Remember to keep your business name, address, and phone number - also referred to as your NAP - consistent across your website, GBP, and social channels. This not only helps customers find your storage services, but it can help with your SEO marketing efforts.

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The Role of PPC in Digital Advertising for Self Storage

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising is another important aspect of digital advertising for self storage businesses. With PPC, you can bid on keywords related to your business and have your ad appear at the top of search engine results pages. This can help increase brand awareness and drive targeted traffic to your website, but it also requires a budget for ad spend.

The Role of Social Media in Digital Advertising for Self Storage

Social media platforms offer a unique opportunity for self storage businesses to connect with their target audience and promote their services. By creating engaging content and leveraging features such as targeted ads or boosted posts, businesses can reach potential customers on popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

How Storelocal Storage Can Help with Your Advertising & Marketing Campaigns

Storelocal Storage is a marketing solution specifically designed for self storage businesses. Once you brand your store on Storelocal.com, we handle your digital marketing - a major challenge for independent owners. Navigate the online marketplace effortlessly with Storelocal. Contact us for more info.

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