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06/28/2021

Stretch Your Budget: 10 Tips For Free To Low-Cost Marketing

By Kerri Fivecoat Campbell 
Freelance journalist, regular contributor to MiniCo's publications

 

There’s a saying that “nothing is free.”

In these trying times, self-storage owners are trying to find ways to save money. While there are certain things owners/operators shouldn’t cut corners on, there are a few tricks that can get you free and low-cost marketing. 

  1. The most effective marketing is your brand: Building and maintaining your brand is an on-going process. This includes ensuring your facility is clean and well maintained and that your staff is fully trained in customer service. Requiring your managers to walk the property at least once a day with a clipboard to take notes of anything that might need improving makes them appear professional to customers who are on the property. As they are walking the property, they should be acknowledging customers and inquiring about their needs. At the same time, they can be picking up litter, including cigarette butts.

“Managers should also have a positive attitude about helping people through this time,” says Carol Mixon, president of SkilCheck Services, Inc., in Marana, Ariz. “There have been a lot of people who have passed away during the pandemic and who have lost their jobs. This is a good time to be helpful, compassionate, and caring.

Become a member of the community: While it may cost a little money to join local organizations such as a chamber of commerce, it is well worth it, says Ann Parham, CEO of The Parham Group in Bulverde, Texas. “Participate and become someone people in the community know and recognize,” says Parham.

“You can also join local neighborhood groups and join or become a member of the board,” says Mike Feuti, a senior marketer with Creative Storage Marketing, which works with Pogoda Companies in Farmington Hills, Mich. 

Feuti also advises to send out press releases informing the media of any events being held at your facility, as well as any major upgrades, additions, or renovations.

Morrison also recommends setting up a blog on your website that offers customers interesting informational articles on such topics as moving, packing, looking for pet sitters in a new area, etc.

Another way Parham’s managers get out there is to decorate their golf carts and enter them in local parades.

Ask For Suggestions
According to Feuti, another good way to market for free is to email a questionnaire to tenants at least twice a year asking for their opinion on how your facility might improve. This may call attention to issues of which you weren’t aware; simultaneously, it will build good will with your current tenants who will then be more inclined to stay and refer their family and friends to the facility.  

 

This article is provided courtesy of AZSA with the permission of Mini-Storage Messenger magazine. © MiniCo Insurance Agency LLC. All Rights Reserved. It is not intended for further reproduction/distribution without the exclusive permission of MiniCo Insurance Agency LLC.

http://www.ministoragemessenger.com

 

 

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