Gabfocus Self Storage Podcast

We're back for part 2 of the self storage SEO discussion that began on last week's episode. There were so many unanswered questions that needed a response: What if you have multiple locations? Do you use 1 website, 1 Google Profile? How do you get in the Map Pack if your not already? Should my website list every single chain restaurant near my facility? When is it worthwhile to mention a landmark or other business in my content? What if people don't have Google accounts? What metrics should we prioritize to accurately measure the ROI of our SEO efforts, particularly in driving move-ins and reducing customer acquisition costs? Can you advise on how to ask customers and the frequency for reviews after rate increases have been given across multiple facilities? How do you get people to follow your Facebook page? As voice search usage increases, how can self-storage businesses adapt their SEO strategies to capture leads from queries like 'storage near me' or 'affordable storage units nearby'? For the longest time we have heavily focused on Google Ads thinking it was the primary lead driver. However are you all saying it is actually organic/SEO? How do you measure how well your website is doing compared to other facilities? Does SEO have to cost a lot? We are paying an outside company a lot of money a month to put us at top. Would it be worth it to do it ourselves to save money? Yes, we tackle all of these, plus give a few recommendations at the end for furthering your self storage education. Listen to Last Week's SEO Episode - SEO 101: How To Rent More Units Online Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

What is SEO, why does it matter, and how does it work for self-storage specifically? Today we tackle search engine optimization basics and discuss the impacts of the REITs, AI, and changes to expect in the coming year. Do you need to still be on page 1 of Google? What metrics should you pay attention to? Who and how do you target your ideal customer? David, the SEO expert from StoragePug, joins the webinar to answer these and many other questions to make sure you are on the right track. This is a re-broadcast of the January 23, 2025 webinar. Guests: David Austin, StoragePug Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

When is the last time you looked through your self storage operations manual, assuming you have one in place? Is it still fully applicable and relevant? Are you using it to train new employees or is it so out of date it just collects dust on the shelf? Today we talk best practices for optimizing your operations manual. These documents should be regularly used tools to run your business. If they aren't serving you well, we go over several ways to turn that around and make them a valuable piece of your operation. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

A new year is here and change is in the wind! Is it time to get into TikTok? Do you need to pivot to AI search? Maybe a billboard strategy or having a manager available 24/7 is what you need. As more and more options for doing self storage become available, what do you need to be doing as a business owner or operator? As with most things, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Self storage has been around for a while, and the basics are still the basics. Yes, there are more options, but the core of what we do isn't changing at all. Join us as we kick off 2025, leaning into what works and keeping an eye on what's coming. Listen to the SMART Goals Episode from 2022 Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Welcome to Episode 4 of Legal Chat. This virtual "Power Hour" covers a variety of topics and questions sent in from self storage owners and operators around the country. Today it's all about costs, data protection, and un-signed leases. Is it okay to pass along costs to your tenants? How long should you hold on to your tenants information once they vacate their unit? What if your tenants refuse to sign a new or updated lease? Carlos and Scott tackle these topics on this quarter's episode. You can watch this episode over on the YouTube channel- Watch Episode 4 on YouTube Make sure to subscribe to watch future episodes. Hosts: Carlos Kaslow & Scott Zucker with the Self Storage Legal Network Brought to you by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

"The sky is not the limit, demand is the limit for what we can do in self storage." This is just one of the nuggest from our end of the year review. What was your toughest challenge this year? What are the weaknesses you identified in your business? What worked? What didn't? What trends are you expecting in 2025 for self storage? We look back on 2024 and peak ahead at 2025 with our special owner, operator, and broker guests who join Tommy and Melissa on our final webinar episode of the year. This is a re-broadcast of the 12/19 webinar. Guests: Matthew Roberts (Southern Storage), Alexis Ducharme (Stop-N-Go Storage Management), and Jane Sauls (Sauls Storage Group) Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions

You're paying hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to get website visitors, walk-in traffic, and phone calls to rent self storage units. But what if you're not there to answer the phone? Too many voicemails and missed calls turn into missed opportunities if you aren't connecting with customers in the moment. But is a call center the right solution? Sherry Miller from XPS Solutions joins us as we talk tackle these questions and more: Are call centers essential for running a self storage business? What services should a good call center provide? Do domestic vs international agents make a difference? What are red flags to keep in mind when choosing a provider? Plus, we have several great recommendations and another Christmas bonus track at the end. Guest: Sherry Miller, XPS Solutions Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Cameras and gates and wasp spray, oh my! Yes, these are all great ways to keep the trash off your property and to give your security a boost. Security is top of mind for most self storage tenants. It consistently ranks in the top 3 for what is most important to our customers. What security do you need for your facility? Do you really need a gate? What about cameras and lighting? From locks to access hours, good managers to AI, cameras to wasp spray, we cover a ton as we break down what it takes to keep the trashy people off your self storage property. Plus, some bonus content towards the end as we approach the end of the year. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Happy Thanksgiving! As 2024 begins to wrap, we reflect on what makes us most thankful in the self storage industry. From trade shows to business opportunities to our crazy travel schedule, there's a lot to think back on. Yes, we give several specific shout-outs to vendors and individuals who have impacted us, plus some bonus content about our favorite Thanksgiving foods. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and this episode brings you some smiles and helps set the table for the holiday season ahead. Hosts: Josh Huff & Melissa Huff Produced by Lighthouse Storage Solutions

Melissa Stiles from Storage Asset Management brings her expertise managing marketing for over 600 self storage locations to the group as we dive into digital marketing. What tactics work for lease up, large stores, small stores, or stable properties? When is it time to change things up? What should your budget look like? We explore social media, Google Ads, Analytics, Business Profiles, and competing with other operators in your market. Plus, we reveal the most underutilized marketing tactic in self storage. This is a re-broadcast of the 11/21 webinar. Guest: Melissa Stiles, Storage Asset Management  Hosts: Tommy Nguyen & Melissa Huff Brought to you by the teams at StoragePug and Lighthouse Storage Solutions