Are REITs the bane of your existence? As a self storage owner, you’re undoubtedly looking for any way to get ahead. Those pesky REITs seem to rule the internet, and therefore, storage rentals. So, what’s a store owner to do?
The answer: Pump up your SEO game. Implement Second-Mile SEO strategies and learn how to choose the right self storage keywords—beating the REITs IS possible. It just takes some determination, know-how, and of course, your best friend Storagely.
Okay, okay. We’ve talked the talk. Now, we’ll show you how we walk the walk. Let’s take a look at a Case Study for a Storagely client.
Gatekeeper Self Storage went from being buried on page 2 of Google to snagging a top-3 spot on page 1, outranking heavyweight REITs in just seven months. How? Storagely worked its SEO wizardry, blending Second-Mile SEO with a sleek rental system to supercharge their visibility. The results? A whopping 43.3% jump in year-over-year rentals during a market downturn. When everyone else is renting less, Gatekeeper is crushing it thanks to Storagely’s innovative strategies.
Curious how a smaller storage facility can take on the industry giants and win? Don’t miss the full case study blog for all the details and a closer look at how Storagely gets results.
We all know having a strong digital presence these days is essential for any business. Additionally, ranking within the coveted top 3 on Google is essential with the first 5 organic results in the SERPs accounting for 69.1% of all clicks. But how do you get started?
In this blog, we’ll give you the rundown on keywords and help you kickstart an SEO revolution for your storage company.
Let’s pump up the jam.
Understanding the Role Keywords Play in Self Storage SEO
Before we dive into the process of choosing the right keywords, let’s first understand what they are and why they are important. Keywords are words or phrases that people use when searching for information online. They are what connect users to relevant websites and content, making them a crucial aspect of SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
When your site has the right keywords, it helps search engines understand what your site is about, like waving a giant “look at me!” flag to boost your chances of landing higher on those SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages). Translation? More people will stumble upon your site—especially those actively looking for self storage units in your area. Nail your keyword game, and you’re not just boosting traffic; you’re setting yourself up for more rentals and a happier bottom line.
Choosing the Right Self Storage Keywords
Now that we understand the importance of keywords, let’s discuss how to choose the right ones for your self storage business.
Think of targeted keywords as the secret sauce to your SEO recipe—get them right, and your business will be the talk of the town (or at least the top of the search results). Remember, organic search results are free, so investing time and effort into keyword research is a cost-effective way to boost your online presence.
1) Brainstorm Relevant Terms
Start by brainstorming a list of keywords and phrases that are relevant to your business. These can include general terms like “self storage” or more specific location-based terms such as “self storage units in Los Angeles”. Make sure to also consider variations of these terms, such as “storage units” or “storage facilities”, as well as any unique features or services your facility offers (e.g. climate-controlled units, RV storage).
2) Use Keyword Research Tools
There are plenty of online tools available to help you research and refine your keyword list. Google Search Console is a popular choice, as it allows you to search for keywords and phrases related to your business or industry. Other tools, such as SEMrush and Moz’s Keyword Explorer, also offer valuable insights into keyword popularity and competition. When selecting self storage keywords, prioritize “low-hanging fruit” that will be easy to rank for. AKA: low difficulty and some degree of search volume (the higher, the better).
To find these keywords, you can utilize various keyword research tools such as:
- Google Keyword Planner (free)
- Google Search Console (free)
- SE Ranking (affordable)
- Ahrefs (mid-range)
- SEMrush (expensive)
3) Analyze Your Competitors
Another helpful way to gather potential keywords is by analyzing your competitors’ websites, specifically those who rank highly in search engine results for similar services or products. Take note of the keywords they use in their page titles, headings, and content. This can give you an idea of what terms are most relevant and effective within your industry.
4) Utilize Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that typically have lower search volumes but higher conversion rates. These can be more targeted and specific to your self storage business, making them valuable for attracting potential tenants who are ready to make a rent.
For example, instead of just using the keyword “self storage,” a long-tail keyword could be “climate-controlled storage units in Houston.” This not only narrows down the search intent but it also targets a specific audience looking for specialized storage options in a specific location.
5) Focus on Local Keywords
Remember how we talked about beating the REITs? Local SEO for self storage will play a huge role in your success. Local keywords are essential for businesses that have a physical location or serve a specific geographic area. These include keywords such as “near me” or city and state names. Nearly half of all Google searches—46% to be exact—are focused on finding local services or businesses. Even more compelling, 28% of those local searches lead directly to a purchase.
By incorporating local keywords into your SEO strategy, you can target potential renters in your area and increase foot traffic to your business. This is especially important for small businesses that rely on locals for business.
To optimize for local keywords, make sure to include your business address and contact information on your self storage facility’s website and use location-specific keywords in your content and meta tags.
Hungry for more details? Learn more about our Second-Mile Seo strategies in our free eBook: The Ultimate Checklist for Self Storage SEO: Innovative Strategies Guaranteed to Transform Your Business!
Self Storage Keyword Examples
We know you’re itching for more self storage keyword examples you can use in your SEO strategy, so here are a few to get you started:
- “Self storage units near me”
- “Climate-controlled storage units [city/state]”
- “[City/State] self storage solutions”
- “Affordable self storage [city/state]”
- “Secure self storage facilities [zip code]”
- “Best self storage company in [city]”
- “Mini storage units [city/state]”
- “[City] self storage deals”
- “Self storage near me”
- “Storage units in [city], [state]”
- “[City] self storage”
- “Climate-controlled storage [city], [state]”
By incorporating self storage keywords into your website and online listings, you increase the chances of being found by potential tenants searching for storage options in your area.
There are four main categories of search keywords, each offering insights into buyer intent and guiding different marketing strategies. The categories are as follows:
1) Similar Keywords
These keywords closely resemble the term “self storage” and capture common searches with slight variations, such as:
- Self storage near me
- Nearby self storage facilities
- Local self storage options
2) Industry-Related Keywords
Industry-related keywords reflect the terms people use when researching self storage options. Examples include:
- Climate-controlled self storage units
- Affordable self storage solutions
- Self storage unit size comparisons
3) Specific Inquiry Keywords
These keywords are detailed questions that highlight a potential tenant’s deeper interest. Common examples are:
- How much does self storage cost?
- Can I store a vehicle in self storage?
- How secure are self storage units?
4) Niche Keywords With Lower Search Volume
These often-overlooked keywords focus on specialized aspects of self storage, targeting unique tenant needs. Examples include:
- Commercial self storage solutions
- Self storage with moving services
- Self storage protection options
By understanding and leveraging these categories, you can tailor your self storage marketing strategy to attract and engage the right audience effectively.
How to Implement Self Storage Keywords
Okay, so you’ve got the keywords. Now what?
So, how do you sneak these keywords into your self storage SEO strategy like a pro? Here are a few tips to get the ball rolling:
Website Optimization
Once you have your list of keywords, it’s time to optimize your website content with those terms. This can include incorporating them into the following website elements:
- Web Pages
- Landing Pages
- City Pages
- Location Pages
- Page Titles
- Meta Descriptions
- Headers
- Image Names and Alt Tags
- URLs
- Title Tags
Blogging
Regularly publishing blog posts that incorporate these self storage keywords is a great way to increase your storage facility’s online presence and attract potential customers. Make sure to include the keywords naturally within your blog posts and create high-quality content that will keep readers engaged.
Local Listings
Claiming and optimizing your business listings on local directories such as Google Business Profile, Yelp, and Bing Places can also help improve your self storage SEO on local search results. Be sure to include relevant keywords in your business description and utilize location-specific keywords if you have multiple facilities.
To boost your storage facility’s online visibility, focus on local SEO strategies like creating city and location-specific pages with SEO keywords such as “storage units in [city name].” These pages should be supported by landing pages, blogs, and social media content that incorporate relevant local keywords. Use these keywords strategically in key areas like H1s, some H2s, intros, conclusions, and meta descriptions throughout your content. Don’t forget to include keyword optimization in your Google Business Profile posts, YouTube descriptions, and other social interactions to enhance your ranking in Google’s algorithm.
However, strike the right balance—Google can penalize keyword stuffing, so aim for natural placement. SEO for self storage requires consistency and patience, but the long-term rewards are worth it. By ranking organically, you’ll save money on advertising and increase website traffic. We all know what that means: more organic traffic=increased rentals. Dedicate time to SEO efforts, and with patience and consistency, you’ll see the benefits!
Outsmart the REITs With Storagely
In the cutthroat world of self storage, blending in won’t cut it—you’ve got to dominate. That’s where Storagely+ comes in, not just as another tool but as your secret weapon to outshine the big guys (yes, even the REITs). With Storagely+, you’re not just playing the SEO game—you’re rewriting the playbook.
Packed with powerhouse features, Storagely+ boosts your online presence like never before. Need a stunning website that screams your brand? Done. Looking for content marketing that catapults you to the top of Google? We’ve got you. And with our analytics tools, you’ll know exactly what’s working, making it easy to steer your business towards growth—and away from mediocrity.
Add in our standard Storagely features, such as industry-leading rental systems, Second-Mile SEO, advanced reporting engines, and marketing services that actually get results, and you’ve got a recipe for success no REIT can touch.
Why settle for average when you can take on the giants? Contact Storagely today, and let’s show those REITs who’s boss. With the right self storage keywords and experts by your side, you can improve your self storage SEO and compete with the big players in the self storage industry. Your business’s future just got a whole lot brighter.
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