A guide to website design and development for self storage startups

1. Why is a well-designed website an essential tool for any self storage business?

Increase Visibility of Your Business

Having a website provides businesses of all sizes the opportunity to reach a global audience. A well-designed website will show potential customers that you are trustworthy and professional, as opposed to having a cheaper and less effective design. This can help increase brand recognition and boost your chances of success. Furthermore, a website can act as a hub for a company and show customers the full range of services that are offered.

Provide Customer Support

Your website can offer customers crucial information about your business, such as location, contact details, directions, and frequently asked questions. This can save your business time from having to answer customer queries. Additionally, through the website, customers can book reservations online at any time or reach out via a contact form for further inquiries. Your customers will appreciate the ease of use when it comes to having access to all the information they need in one place.

Establish Credibility

A website is an opportunity to demonstrate the advantage of your product or service over competitors. It's important to showcase pictures, qualifications, positive reviews, and any awards the business has won to actively build trustworthiness and credibility. This in turn will attract more customers since they are assured of the quality of the product or service they would be buying.

2. Key Elements to consider when creating a self storage website

User Interface Design:

A great user interface design is the foundation of any self storage website. It should be seamless, intuitive, and have a logical navigational structure. Effective design should be based on usability goals, like helping visitors to quickly find what they're looking for. It should also be optimized for all types of devices.

Search Optimization:

Having a self storage website is pointless if no one can find it. Investing in search engine optimization (SEO) is essential to ensure that your website shows up in organic search results. Focus on optimizing the website code, content, and link structure so that it is easier for search engines to index the website and rank it higher in the search results.

Responsive Web Design:

Today, more people are accessing the web on their smartphones and tablets, so it's important to implement a responsive design that responds to the device's screen size. This ensures that visitors have a great experience no matter what type of device they use when visiting your self storage website.

 

3. What pages should a self storage business website include?

1. Homepage

The homepage should act as a welcoming point for customers, providing an overview of the self storage service and contact information. It could feature a brief introduction the company as well as a sample unit, or size options, and a button to reserve a unit. It's also an opportunity to display customer service awards or positive customer reviews.

2. About Us Page

The About Us page should serve as an introduction to the mission and background of the self storage business. It should communicate what the company stands for, customer first service policies, mission statement, and founding story. This page should also include links to any press releases or promotional materials.

3. Services Page

The Services Page should detail the capacities and sizes of the storage units on offer and the corresponding costs. Compare and contrast the benefits of storing items within a climate-controlled environment. Feature any add-on services such as vehicle storage, moving equipment rentals, document shredding, or climate control, etc. Include information about payment methods and payment plans.

4. Location Page

The Location page should provide address information for each location, business hours, and any relevant information on the nearby area. Include contact information and any updates or announcements regarding facility events or new store openings. Feature a pin on Google Maps; this is also a great way to provide directions to the facility.

5. Contact Us Page

The Contact Us page should contain detailed contact information for all store locations, including postal address, phone number, and email address. Providing a contact form or live chat feature can also give customers a quicker way to get in touch. Additionally, the Contact Us page should include customer service hours, as well as general service policies.

4. Common Mistakes to avoid during website development for self storage startups

1. Not Taking Mobile Design into Consideration

Website design typically starts with a desktop version, but many business owners forget the importance of creating a mobile version. Mobile devices such as phones and tablets are increasingly opted for when looking up storage solutions. It’s vital to create a mobile-friendly website that your visitors will find easy to navigate, regardless of the device they’re using.

2. Ignoring Navigation Menus

The navigation menu is probably the most important part of a website's design for a self-storage startup. It's the primary way that visitors will find information on the website, and if it’s not designed well, visitors may leave the site out of frustration. Make sure your navigation menu is easy to use, intuitively laid out, and clearly visible.

3. Focusing Too Much on Design

While design is important, the best websites for self-storage startups should also focus on content. Make sure the content is well-written, engaging, and relevant to the business. Focusing on design without emphasizing content will cause your website to stand out for the wrong reasons.

4. Not Having Clear Calls to Action

Your website should always be focused on what you want to achieve. This means it should have clear calls to action that encourage visitors to take action. Whether it’s signing up for an email list, filling out a contact form, or exploring your services further, make sure your call to action is clearly visible and prominently featured on each page.

5. How to promote a self storage business website

1. Utilize SEO

SEO involves optimizing your website and its content to appear higher in search engine results for relevant searches. Ensure that your content is optimized with keywords and phrases, as well as other relevant information. This is a long-term process that will take some time to see results, but over time you should notice a big jump in organic (non-paid) traffic.

2. Engage in Paid Advertising

Another strategy for increasing website visibility is to use paid ads. Alternatively, you could use a pay-per-click (PPC) model to drive website traffic. By utilizing this model, you only pay when someone clicks on your ad and visits your website, significantly cutting down on costs.

3. Harness Social Media

Make sure you are utilizing social media platforms in order to promote your self storage business website. This involves creating an account on each platform, regularly posting unique content and engaging with your followers. Each platform offers unique opportunities for leveraging customer engagement, and you should take advantage of this.

4. Participate in Online Communities

Online communities offer great opportunities for promoting your business website. Join forums, discussion groups and other online communities and share your content, to get the word out to a wider audience. Ask questions and offer insight in relevant topics to build trust and credibility with potential customers.

5. Utilize Email Marketing

Email marketing allows you to reach out directly to potential customers and keep in touch with existing ones. Create email campaigns and newsletters with valuable content that are tailored to each customer segment to increase engagement and drive website traffic.

Website Content Ideas for self storage Businesses

 

Self Storage Services Overview

Give an introduction to the services offered by self storage businesses. Describe the different storage options available, such as climate-controlled units, outdoor storage, vehicle parking, and additional services that are available to customers. Explain the advantages of using self storage services.

Available Storage Systems and Options

Include an in-depth look at each different type of storage available, such as size, accessibility, and features. Give a thorough explanation of each type of storage offered so customers can decide which option is best for their storage needs. Include a clear graphical representation of the storage units and their size with a list of features available.

Pricing and Special Deals

This section of the website should be devoted to pricing information for each type of storage unit. Include a list of specials for longer-term storage contracts, discounts for packing supplies, and any other pricing deals offered for each unit. Display all rates plainly, and include discounts for multiple units or long-term contracts.

FAQs

This section should provide answers to common questions that customers may have about self storage services. Include questions about the size of storage units, relocation options, security features, and payment options. Provide as many answers as possible regarding self storage services and pricing.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Include customer reviews and ratings to show potential customers what other people have to say about the self storage services. Ask customers to leave reviews on the website to provide even more authenticity to the reviews. This can be a great tool to attract more customers and build trust.

Case Studies of Successful self storage Business Websites

U-STORIT Self Storage - Salt Lake City, UT

This website is a great example of a successful self-storage business website. It is well-designed with a modern and professional look, and is filled with quality photography. The website is easily navigable and provides the necessary information customers may be looking for such as the contact information, payment options, security features, and unit sizes and pricing. It also provides customers with easy access to their online portal, which allows them to manage and pay their bills online. The website also features a blog with helpful resources and tips for customers.

XYZ Self Storage - Phoenix, AZ

XYZ Self Storage is another example of a successful self-storage business website. This website features a modern design with a clear and easy to use layout. It also includes detailed information about their services, features, and promotions. The website makes use of social media to connect with potential and existing customers, and provides an easy-to-use online reservation and payment system. Customers are also provided access to the XYZ Self Storage app, which allows them to manage their account from anywhere.

A-1 Self Storage - San Francisco, CA

This website is a great example of a successful self-storage business website. It features a simple and professional design, with detailed information about the services they offer. The website includes an FAQ page and a page dedicated to their moving and packing supplies. Customers are also provided with easy access to their online portal, where they can manage their billing and reservations. They have also included a blog with helpful tips and resources for customers.

Smart Self Storage - Dallas, TX

Smart Self Storage has a great website that is filled with plenty of helpful information for customers. The website features a modern design, with a simple layout and easy-to-navigate pages. Customers can easily find information such as unit sizes, payment options, security features, and moving and packing supplies. The website also provides easy access to the online portal, which allows customers to reserve and pay for their units online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

FAQ: Why do I need a professionally designed website for my self storage business?

A professionally designed website for your self storage business can establish your online presence, attract potential customers, and build credibility. At Avvale, we specialize in creating tailored websites that help businesses like yours stand out and succeed in the digital landscape.

FAQ: How long does it take to design and develop a self storage website?

The timeline for designing and developing a self storage website can vary based on your specific requirements. At Avvale, we work closely with our clients to create a customized project plan, ensuring timely delivery without compromising quality.

FAQ: Can you help with content creation for my self storage website?

Absolutely! Avvale offers comprehensive services that include content creation tailored to your self storage business. From engaging copywriting to compelling visuals, we ensure your website communicates your unique brand effectively.

FAQ: Will my self storage website be mobile-friendly and optimized for search engines?

Yes, Avvale places a strong emphasis on mobile responsiveness and SEO optimization. We ensure that your self storage website is accessible on all devices and ranks well on search engines, increasing your online visibility.

FAQ: What is the cost of designing and developing a self storage website with Avvale?

The cost of a self storage website varies based on factors like complexity, features, and customization. Avvale offers competitive pricing, and we can provide you with a personalized quote after discussing your specific needs.

FAQ: How do I maintain and update my self storage website after it's launched?

Avvale offers ongoing maintenance and support services to keep your self storage website up to date and secure. We make it easy for you to make content updates and provide assistance whenever you need it.

FAQ: Can I see examples of self storage websites Avvale has designed?

Certainly! Visit our portfolio page to see some of the stunning self storage websites we've created for our clients. We take pride in showcasing our successful projects as a testament to our expertise.

FAQ: How can I get started with Avvale's self storage website design services?

Getting started with Avvale is easy! Simply reach out to us through our contact page or request a consultation. We'll schedule a meeting to discuss your needs and provide you with a customized plan for your self storage website project.

FAQ: Do you offer e-commerce solutions for self storage websites?

Yes, Avvale can integrate e-commerce functionality into your self storage website, allowing you to sell products or services online. We'll ensure a secure and user-friendly shopping experience for your customers.

FAQ: What sets Avvale apart from other web design agencies for self storage businesses?

Avvale stands out thanks to our deep understanding of self storage industries, our commitment to client satisfaction, and our creative and technical expertise. We take a personalized approach to each project, ensuring your website reflects your brand and goals perfectly.