Who doesn’t want free resources to make their self-storage operation purr like a kitten and kick out gobs of cash? We’ve had a very busy this spring, rolling out all kinds of free resources and information materials that will make your work lives easier, faster and more rewarding. Here’s list of offerings of which to take advantage.

Teri Lanza

June 8, 2017

5 Min Read
Free Stuff That Will Make Your Self-Storage Business More Efficient and Profitable

Who doesn’t want that? Free resources that will make your self-storage operation purr like a kitten and kick out gobs of cash? It’s pure zombie aftermath—that is, a no-brainer!

(I know, I know … I can hear the moans and eye rolls from here.)

But trust me … We’ve had a very busy spring here at ISS, rolling out all kinds of informational materials that will make the lives of self-storage owners and managers easier, faster and more rewarding. Below is a list of offerings of which to take advantage. Why not? They’ll cost you nothing except time to learn, and may earn you great dividends.

Online Marketing Summit: We’ve just signed on as a media partner for a two-day Web event, June 27-28, that will give you access to 18 education sessions on digital marketing strategies including e-mail campaigns, local search, online advertising, reviews and ratings, social media, and websites. Produced by the Local Marketing Institute, the Local Business Marketing Summit will include more than a dozen experts who’ve been regular contributors to hard-hitters like “Forbes” magazine, Google My Business, Moz, Search Engine Land, Social Media Examiner, SMX and “The Wall Street Journal.” Sign up for free at LocalBusinessMarketingSummit.com. You can participate in as many or as few of the sessions as you like, and VIP options are available.

Mobile-Technology Case Study: This free, downloadable PDF by PTI Security Systems focuses on the company’s EasyCode mobile app and how it helped SpaceMax Storage add value to its property while delivering convenience to customers. The study provides details about the operator’s experience using the technology for its vehicle storage. It also explains how the app works and what self-storage operators can gain by incorporating it into their business, giving three return-on-investment scenarios.

Cloud Storage Case Study: This free paper by VaultDrop shows how self-storage operators can gain profit and improve occupancy by offering their customers cloud storage as an added amenity. It demonstrates how Right Move Self Storage increased occupancy levels and property values with this ancillary. You’ll learn why and how tenants are using cloud storage, and how the offering can help you distinguish your facility in busy markets.

Real Estate Podcast: In this informative audio, we interviewed Michael Mele, senior managing director of investments for Marcus & Millichap, about self-storage real estate trends and how the Trump Administration may affect them moving forward. Mele offers insight on how the sector is performing, what’s changed in the past year, and how legislative variations might impact the playing field. Finally, he offers advice on how to prepare for rate increases.

Facility-Renovation Case Study: Explore facility upgrades that can improve a storage property’s aesthetics and rentability in this free study by Janus International Group LLC. The publication shows how Top Self Storage in Miami was transformed from an underperforming property that lacked space and curb appeal to a successful facility that garners rave reviews. It provides details about the project, including enhancements such as new doors and hallways, an improved rental office, advanced technology, and more.

Lending Case Study: Every new self-storage project needs money. Do you know how to get it? This downloadable PDF by Live Oak Bank tells the story of Mike Castleman, owner of Castlerock Interests, and his quest to secure funding for a facility in Pflugerville, Texas. It provides an overview of the self-storage lending process, including opportunity initiation, underwriting and closing. It even gives a detailed timeline and insider advice for new owner/investors.

Design Image Gallery: Our readers clamor for this resource very year. They use it to get ideas for their own storage projects as well as to help convince planning and zoning boards of a facility’s potential to blend with and enhance any community. It’s our annual design showcase! This year’s collection provides a tour of industry facades and grounds including architectural elements and focal points, building techniques and materials, color palettes, landscaping, and other innovative ideas for properties of all sizes.

Buyer’s Guide: We’ve just completed data collection for this annual compendium—the most comprehensive list of product and service suppliers in the self-storage business. The guide organizes hundreds of companies by alphabetical order and geography as well as by category. Groupings include building components, finance, legal, management and operation, marketing, real estate, and many others. The 2017 listings are immediately viewable online, while the print guide will appear in the August issue of ISS magazine.

Best of Business: Voting is now open for our annual Best of Business reader-choice poll in which industry professionals are invited to identify their favorite suppliers. Participants can vote once in each category after verifying their e-mail address. Now in its seventh year, the campaign covers more than 35 categories. Winners will be announced on the ISS website on Aug. 1 and featured in the November issue of ISS magazine. This is your chance to recognize your favs and see who reigns supreme on the vendor side.

Top-Operator’s List: Finally, data collection for the ISS 2017 Top-Operators List will begin on July 3. Each year, the list identifies 100 of the industry's leading operators based on total net-rentable square footage. It includes facility and brand owners, independents, and property-management companies. Don’t miss your chance to be included! If you’d like to be considered for the new list, please update your company's existing listing or submit a new listing via this page. If you’re not sure if your company has an existing listing, reach out to me and I can look it up for you. To view last year’s list, click here.

There’s always something good cookin’ in the ISS kitchen. Watch the website for announcements regarding additional free resources, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter. To do so, scroll down on this page to the “Free E-Mail Updates” box at the bottom of the right-hand column.

Are there other materials you’d like us to create or offer in the future? I’d love your suggestions. You can post them in the Comments box below or e-mail me directly.

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