Utilizing Technology in Self Storage
Now well into the 21st century, technology plays a prominent role in the development and maintenance of almost every business today, leaving very few untouched. The self storage business is no exception. In order to to maintain relevancy in this unique and sometimes complicated business, you’ll want to stay up to date on the most recent technological trends, which can separate a good facility from a great one.
Keep in mind that the chances of potential customers researching your self storage facility online before actually visiting its location is highly likely. In a study conducted by GE Capital Retail Bank, it was found that 81% of shoppers research stores and products online before making larger purchases, which can entail any number of goods or services. Make sure your facility’s website is up to date, displaying a clean, easy-to-navigate platform to make all visitors’ online experiences an enjoyable one. Follow through with this professionalism by having the actual facility reflect your online presence. Consistency can go a long way in generating positive online reviews, which can, in turn, lead to even more customers and a higher revenue.
Consider the fact that many of your potential customers will have at least basic understandings of modern technology. It would be rare to see someone walk into your office with a check, or even cash for that matter. Almost everyone today is in possession of a credit or debit card, and uses them for most purchases due to their convenience. This is another factor that should be prepared for, which you can do so by having the right tools in place. These include mobile credit readers, electronically signed documents, an online bill payment system, and even automatic payments. The key is to provide as much convenience as you can for your customers to maintain their satisfaction, and recommend your business to others.
As I have discussed in a previous blog, the idea of running unmanned storage facilities is growing in popularity. The benefits of these include lengthened availability, in that these storage units are able to stay open for much longer periods of time, providing further convenience for customers while you as the facility’s manager are able to tend to more pressing issues. Advancements in this field have led to self-serving machines that can effectively scan individuals’ forms of identification, which can give you all the information needed to properly monitor each unit and its user.
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits that come with this surge in business technology is your ability to track and monitor every form of data your company generates. Utilizing social media gives you the opportunity to see how many people have followed your profiles, engaged with your page or posts, and how effective your marketing tactics have been. Using analytical software allows you to track your tenants’ payments and usage, and any growth or reduction in income that may have occurred recently. It would be foolish not to take advantage of this simple strategy in adequately monitoring your business’s successes and failures.
