When it comes to self storage marketing, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each facility has its own location, target customer base, and budget—and the strategies that work for one business may fall flat for another. That’s why successful storage operators take the time to build a marketing mix that fits their unique situation.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your marketing, it’s important to understand the wide range of tools available—and how they work together to drive occupancy. Let’s take a look at a few of the key marketing channels that every operator should consider.

Start with What’s Free: Grassroots Marketing & Google Business Profile

You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. In fact, some of the most effective strategies are free. Grassroots efforts—like partnering with local realtors, sponsoring community events, or dropping off donuts and brochures to nearby businesses—can build trust and drive word-of-mouth referrals.

And don’t underestimate the power of your Google Business Profile. This free tool helps you show up in local searches and Maps results when someone types in “storage near me.” A well-optimized profile with accurate hours, photos, and reviews can be a game-changer for attracting tenants in your area.

Your Website: The Digital Front Door

Think of your website as your facility’s 24/7 sales rep. It needs to load fast, look professional, and make it easy for people to rent a unit online—especially from a mobile phone. A strong website should:

• Clearly list unit types and pricing

• Feature high-quality photos and FAQs

• Make online rentals and payments a breeze

• Be optimized for SEO so it ranks well in search engines

If your site isn’t converting visitors into renters, it may be time for an upgrade.

Paid Strategies: Pay-Per-Click (PPC) and Beyond

When you’re ready to compete in more crowded markets, paid advertising can help you rise above the noise. Platforms like Google Ads let you show up at the top of search results for key phrases like “climate controlled storage near [your city].”

The key to success with PPC is making sure you:

• Target the right keywords for your location

• Track performance and return on investment

• Test and refine your ads over time

Other paid options include social media ads, local sponsorships, and aggregator listings—but it’s crucial to measure what’s actually driving results.

Want to Know What Works for Top Operators?

That’s exactly what we’ll explore in our upcoming ALSSA Marketing Webinar! Join Tommy Nguyen from StoragePug as he walks through the strategies, tools, and channels that successful operators are using right now.

You’ll learn:

• Which marketing channels are working—and which aren’t

• How to track and measure your marketing performance

• Who manages marketing efforts and what tools they use

Whether you handle your marketing in-house or work with a vendor, this session will give you practical, data-driven ideas to help grow your business.

Click Here to Register