Social Media Tips for Self Storage Operators
During the Covid-19 pandemic Self Storage occupancy soared while the event world I normally promote was shutdown. Like most businesses I had to pivot and began helping self storage operators with their social media presence.
Here are some of the key tips I share with my clients:
- Determine how many and what social media channels you or your staff can maintain.
- This includes analyzing whether you have enough staff and time to produce videos, reels, and stories for those channels.
- Develop a calendar of content subject matter for regular post and determine the best days and times to post.
- Business to consumer posts are best posted around noon on Wednesdays. This varies depending on the social media platforms. Instagram, for instance, has superior results on Saturday at 11 am and 1 p.m. But retailers like Nike and Victoria Secret see the optimal time as lunchtime on Tuesday, Thursdays, and Fridays. Do your research. If you can only post one day a week, experiment with the weekday posts.
- Make sure you have “Professional” or “Business” accounts for your company’s social media. This includes going through the process on Facebook of having your website “verified.” Make sure you complete everything. Meta makes it easy with steps. Link Facebook and Instagram accounts through Meta Business Suite and Business Manager. If you had an employee set this up for you, make sure you have all the login information and that they have linked these accounts.
- Establish an ads manager page for advertising on both Facebook and Instagram.
- Use the same logo icon in all social media accounts. Make sure the logo or icon is clear and complete on each platform.
Quality content is always a challenge if this is being developed by your managers. There are several apps that have photos and graphics to use for posts. They include Shutterstock, Adobe Creative Suite/Stock, and Canva. Canva is a convenient tool for creating posts for all social media and this app includes templates for the dimension requirements of each social platform. Adobe Express also provides social media templates and content.
The most popular post form is video. Whether this is posted as a reel, story, or live; the beauty of videos is that they can be taken from your phone and instantly posted. It does not require a videographer or editor.
Videographers can help you in staging and filming a library of your facility to use in social media. Having stock photos and videos in a library will keep your content fresh and make it easier to develop your calendar of posts.
Here are some topic suggestions for self storage content:
- Educational/informational: How to pack books, collectibles, and family heirlooms. How to store bicycles, summer, and winder toys.
- Facility amenities: Climate-controlled units, contact-free rental, and access to units, renting online, free moving trucks are all good topics.
- Positive Tenant Reviews
- Current Promotions: Discounts, specials wine storage units or special sized units, RV spaces.
- Holiday Greetings
- Promotions of an Event in the Community
- Business storage and inventory storage
- Community involvement and outreach
- Charitable Donations