Technology

7 Ways Technology Has Been a Game-Changer for the Self-Storage Industry

Think about the last time you went up to the counter at McDonald’s to order a Big Mac. Pretty sure you can’t remember, can you? Why would you go up to the counter when you can now purchase your meal by ordering online or at a kiosk? Online ordering has indeed transformed people’s lives.

The advantages that technology now serves, however, aren’t simply restricted to the food industry.  Tech innovations allow for the evolution of other avenues, for example, the self-storage industry. Several self-storage companies now provide technology-based solutions such as biometric security and self-serve kiosks. Storage businesses can now utilize the latest technological innovations in accounting, management, maintenance, marketing, leasing, and other tasks that make up a successful self-storage business.

The storage business is thriving at an unprecedented speed. The progress can be accredited to e-commerce and e-business solutions. Here are a few examples of how technology has been a significant success booster for the self-storage industry:

1. Online Self-Storage Rental Process

During the pandemic, people realized the need for contact-less delivery and purchase. Many notable companies have thus made it possible for clients to rent a storage unit online. Several self-storage companies have been able to capitalize on the covid-19 pandemic. Internet self storage marketing has particularly opened up a new revenue stream and client base. More and more people are making a reservation online and entering the facility without actually being there.

2. Social Media Platforms

Is there any way that self-storage managers can use social media to enhance rentals and income? Of course, there is! You can highlight the aesthetics of your storage facility and introduce customers to the management team using this platform, which is designed specifically for images and videos.

Your storage facility’s Internet marketing strategy can include key social media platforms to post photographs of your storage units and distribute essential news related to storage. You can even let your followers know when to run a special promotion or provide a special discount soon.

It’s possible to achieve any specific objective with social media marketing if you know how! Many storage companies are now adopting a wise move and hiring a digital marketing agency for this purpose. The good news is that some agencies now specifically cater to the storage industry’s marketing needs.

3. Robotic Automation

Every business person must have pondered the possibility of robots entering the workforce at some point in the past. Finally, the storage sector has caught up with this idea and incorporated it into their business module. Robotic automation has reshaped this industry’s dynamics drastically, which itself is a revolutionary innovation. Now, clients don’t have to worry about storing their belongings in a safe place. Mechanical devices and robots can perform these tasks on their behalf. Autonomous cars are another form of robotic automation with a built-in map allowing you to put your stuff anywhere.

4. Advanced Access-Control Systems

Storage companies look up to personalized self-storage software to leverage better control over their units. The cloud-based software will continue to work, even if your internet connection is interrupted. Furthermore, it also allows storage providers to acquire insights about renter behavior using real-time data visualization.  Learning about consumer habits enables them to adapt more rapidly to new demands. For example, if clients ask for climate-controlled storage spaces, you can include a few in your facility.

5. Improved Communication & Precision

Many inquiries about storage facilities go ignored. Customers get irritated by this conduct since they expect immediate responses. However, they now have access to live storage call centers. Companies can personalize phone-answering services and use in-call messages to notify customers regarding their rental rates or operating hours. People will obtain correct information, which will develop trust and loyalty. Companies can also integrate AI-powered Chatbots to assist in responding to client complaints through automated responses 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

6. Flexible Payment Plans

A large number of consumers tend to make payments without using cash. Customers find digital payment methods more convenient, be it Venmo or credit cards. You can transition to automated storage collections payment services if you run a self-storage facility. Computerized systems can come in handy to accept payments from clients 24/7. It will send reminders to tenants, requesting them to settle their payments ASAP. This approach can also filter out accounts that have a history of late payments.

7. Increased Security

Self-storage facilities’ security has been made more systematic by technology. Customers now have more secure storage options, allowing them to store their valuables without worry. We’ve compiled a list of the three most well-known technology-driven security protocols.

a. Video Monitoring

Security cameras are installed in every storage facility, making it much easier for customers to monitor them around the clock. They can view live CCTV footage on their smartphones 24/7. It increases their trust in the service, resulting in more customer loyalty.

b. Smoke Detectors

Companies are now offering storage lockers with advanced detectors to help prevent fires. These detectors are capable of detecting smoke, activating sprinklers, and preventing damage.

c. Biometric Devices

There’s no need for clients to carry their keys around with them all the time since they can access the storage unit by scanning their biometrics. Place your thumb on the gadget, and the storage unit will automatically unlock when it identifies your fingerprint.

Words of Wisdom

Since a growing number of businesses are starting to incorporate technology to improve their customer experience, customers look forward to renting a unit from you without walking into your office. That means people go to your website, choose a storage unit, sign up for insurance, sign a formal lease, make a payment, and receive a gate code. It’s as simple as that.

At this point, you can add access-control software, electronic security systems, a call center, or even a vending machine to your business operations. See what’s working for other owners who are employing technology, and similarly, what’s not.

Furthermore, with the rising use of social media platforms, people would like to see some promotional offers and incentives to trust your company. Don’t let the opportunity of digital marketing slip from your fingers.

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