Don’t we all wish to look into a crystal ball and anticipate every tenant’s need? In reality, you can’t predict the future, but you can certainly anticipate frequent self storage issues or questions. With the right self storage system, you can proactively answer your leads’ burning questions and concerns. This friction reduction will facilitate a rental process that is as smooth as butter.
Unlocking the full potential of your self storage rental software doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right technology and data, you can provide the best rental experience in the self storage business. Happy tenants and increased rentals? It’s a match made in heaven.
How do you get started with proactive answering? Storagely is here to divulge the best rental system tips and tricks available. You might just think we have a crystal ball, after all.
What is Proactive Answering?
Proactive answering is like setting up signposts on a winding road, guiding tenants before they have a chance to get lost. It’s a customer service approach where the company takes the initiative to provide answers and solutions to potential questions or issues before they’re asked. More than 85% of customers want proactive communication from a business, making it a critical strategy for building trust. By anticipating common concerns and addressing them through tools like website FAQs, size guides, social media posts, email newsletters, or chatbots, businesses can offer solutions before customers even realize they have a problem. This is the best way to win customer loyalty.
How does this differ from traditional reactive customer service? Let’s take a look.
Proactive Vs. Reactive Customer Service
Reactive Customer Service
- Responds only when the customer reaches out
- Can lead to long wait times for customers
- May not always address all concerns or issues
- Risks customer dissatisfaction due to delayed responses
- May miss opportunities to provide added value or upsell products/services
Proactive Customer Service
- Anticipates and addresses potential concerns before they arise
- Saves time and effort for both customers and agents
- Builds trust and improves overall customer satisfaction
- Enhances communication and reduces misunderstandings
- Increases efficiency in resolving customer issues
- Creates a more seamless and positive user experience
- Encourages customer loyalty and repeat business
By staying one step ahead, you’re not only solving problems; you’re preventing them, making your customers feel valued and your team look like rockstars. After all, why wait for a complaint when you can create a compliment?
Proactive Answering Features: Anticipating Tenant Needs Every Step of the Way
Let’s dive into the specific self storage system features that can help self storage owners proactively address tenants’ needs and concerns.
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Location Map
Enable your website visitors to easily find their closest self storage facility using a user-friendly Location Map feature.
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Online Chat Support
Got questions? No problem. Online chat support lets tenants get instant answers without leaving your site (or their couch). Whether it’s a last-minute concern or a quick clarification, you’ll be there to save the day—and secure that rental. With Storagely’s swivl integration, potential tenants will be guided to the specific units they’re interested in through the Unit Connect chat feature, complete with all necessary details pre-populated. The faster you pair a lead with a perfect unit, the better.
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Online Bill Pay
With mobile-friendly online bill pay, tenants can handle their rental payments anytime, anywhere. It’s secure and hassle-free, and there’s no risk of “Oops, I forgot!” surprises.
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Size Guides and Unit Recommendations
Not everyone’s a storage pro, and that’s okay. Visual Size Guides help tenants find the perfect fit for their stuff. No more overpaying for extra space—or cramming 10 boxes into a closet-sized unit!
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FAQs and Knowledge Base
Cut down the “Hey, I have a quick question” calls with a robust FAQ section and knowledge base. Tenants get quick answers, and you get fewer headaches. Everybody wins.
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Gated Virtual Tours
Why settle for a few photos when you can explore the place without even leaving home? Gated virtual tours let tenants check out your facility and its features, all while sipping coffee in their PJs.
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Storage Unit Calculators
How much space does a king-sized mattress and 15 boxes of who-knows-what take up? The storage unit calculator knows! This handy tool helps tenants figure out exactly what they need, keeping surprises (and headaches) to a minimum. Storagely is all about innovative integrations, and Calcumate offers the perfect storage calculator to end unit size errors and confusion. Convenience is king!
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Integrate Google Reviews on Your Website
Let your happy tenants do the talking. By showcasing Google reviews right on your website, you build trust, boost credibility, and make potential renters think, “Yep, this is the place.”
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Helpful Tooltips
Visitors have questions—Tooltips have answers. These little informative heroes guide users through your website or product, providing the right info exactly when it’s needed. Think of them as your digital tour guides, reducing confusion, boosting engagement, and making your site look extra smart.
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Highlight Features and Amenities
Got something special? Show it off! Use your self storage system to create stunning pages that showcase all the bells and whistles your facility offers. From climate-controlled units to super-snazzy security, make sure tenants know why your facility is the real MVP in town. Value-based pricing can also serve as an effective strategy for bundling valuable add-ons, providing tenants with greater flexibility and choice.
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Email Communication
Email remains one of the most powerful tools for engaging with your tenants and prospects. Email topics may include Google Review requests, newsletters, promotional offers, welcome emails, lead nurturing emails, and more. Ensure emails are visually appealing and mobile-friendly to capture attention across all devices.
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Abandoned Rental Recovery
Another vital aspect of email communication is Abandoned Rental Recovery. A follow-up email can make all the difference if a potential tenant begins the rental process but doesn’t complete it. Gentle reminders, paired with a clear call to action and perhaps an incentive like a small discount, can help nudge prospects toward completing their rental. With tailored and targeted email campaigns, you can enhance engagement, strengthen relationships, and maximize conversions effortlessly.
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Informative Content
Blogs, eBooks, and web pages—oh my! Keep your website the go-to hub for tenants and prospects by serving up content that educates, entertains, and promotes. This content can serve as an answer to frequent questions or concerns, as well as promote your facility’s services and offers. By providing valuable information, you can establish a trusting relationship with potential tenants and keep current tenants informed about any updates or promotions. Did we mention that optimized content is essential for any SEO strategy? Well, it is! Don’t forget to include keywords and relevant links in your content to boost your website’s visibility and attract more visitors.
Your website needs to be more than just an online brochure for your facility. By incorporating these features, you can enhance user experience, reduce friction, improve tenant satisfaction, and ultimately increase your facility’s profitability. Proactive answering of questions, online convenience, and providing valuable resources are all essential components of a successful self storage website.
Storagely offers all of these features and more with our cutting-edge self storage system. After years of self storage marketing experience, we’ve gathered data to inform our features. With data and continuous innovation, we’ve pinpointed the greatest points of friction and frequent inquiries. Our custom websites and self storage rental software are designed to address these issues and provide solutions that will make your facility stand out and succeed in a competitive market. Don’t just settle for a basic website; elevate your online presence with Storagely’s all-in-one platform!
Want to know more? Check out our latest Case Study to see how we helped Gatekeeper Self Storage beat the REITS while increasing year-over-year rentals by 43.3% in a 3-month period.
What is a Self Storage System?
A self storage system is your website’s digital platform that allows potential tenants to rent self storage online. It serves as the central hub for all rental transactions and information, from unit availability to payment processing. A well-designed self storage platform should be user-friendly and provide a seamless experience for both tenants and storage operators.
Benefits of Using a Self Storage System
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Convenience for Storage Tenants
Why trek to a facility when you can book a storage unit in your PJs? A self storage platform lets tenants search, compare, and reserve units online—no awkward phone calls or wasted trips required. Easy peasy.
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Improved Efficiency for Facility Operators
Running a storage facility can be hectic, but a storage website makes it a breeze. Automate tasks like unit management, payments, and tenant communication so you can spend less time on admin and more time growing your storage business. At Storagely, we know how much of a game changer an efficient self storage rental system can be. Increased rentals are the name of the game, and efficient self storage software can make it happen.
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Increased Security
Cash and checks? So last century. Tenants can pay securely and access their units through secure digital channels. The best self storage platforms take security seriously—think Fort Knox, but for your data. With no redirects and a simple interface, Storagely’s online checkout process gives renters an extra boost of confidence when they enter their information.
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Real-Time Data and Insights
Want to know which units are flying off the shelf or how to tweak your pricing? A self storage system delivers real-time data and insights, helping you make smart business moves without the guesswork. With Storagely, you can access detailed reports and analytics to track your facility’s performance, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions for future growth.
Choosing a self storage rental software can be challenging, but Storagely has full confidence that our self storage platform is just what you’re looking for. We know how to produce tangible results through flawless design and Second-Mile SEO.
How Much Does Self Storage Software Cost?
Self storage software costs depend on many factors, including the amount of facilities you own and what services you desire. An essential plan can give your facility a much-needed boost with basic features for a lower cost, while other plans offer more options for a larger investment. You may also find discounts with multiple locations or varying billing plans. Ultimately, the cost depends on your unique self storage needs.
Why Trust Storagely for Your Self Storage System Needs?
At Storagely, we pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive self storage software solution that prioritizes your tenant’s experience as much as your operational success. With proactive tools and intuitive features, our platform is designed to address tenant concerns before they arise, ensuring a smooth and satisfying rental process. Storagely seamlessly integrates with leading storage management software like Sitelink, Self Storage Manager, and StorEdge, making it easier than ever to optimize your operations. Our dedicated support and innovative technology make managing your facility efficient and stress-free, enabling you to focus on what matters most—growing your business.
But don’t just take our word for it. Let’s hear from from Storagely clients!
“We ended up dramatically increasing the conversions and also moving more of our traffic to renting online. Our online share of total rentals increased probably from 10% to almost 25% pretty quickly. Being able to convert something like twice as many online customers. So many fewer customers were bouncing from our site…So for folks that know that they need more rental activity, a better website, and an online rental system, I would just encourage them to talk to Storagely.”
—Jason Koonin, CEO | Bluebird Self Storage
“There’s no other vendor out there right now that is doing what Storagely does. So, on our website, you can rent on it in thirty seconds—a super smooth process. We’ve taken all the friction out of the move-in process. And that’s just led to some really great results and near-term wins for us. And we expect, especially as this industry gets more competitive and the macroeconomic environment starts to tighten and things like that, that partnering with a vendor that is innovative and thinking outside the box is gonna make a difference.”
—Andrew Capranos, President | 10 Federal Storage
Choosing Storagely’s self storage system means choosing a partner you can trust to elevate your facility and create a positive experience for every tenant. Request a free demo today and discover how we can help you stay ahead of the competition in the self storage industry while keeping your tenants satisfied. Let us consult our crystal ball— your future looks bright!
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