Like most businesses, your advertising and marketing budget is probably nearly non-existent in light of today’s economic environment. But that doesn’t mean you can relax and the customers will continue to walk through your door. Self-storage owners and managers must find new and creative ways to market their products and services. What marketing strategies work best? Referral programs? Fliers or coupons? Craigslist or newsletters?

Marketing takes center stage at this year’s Inside Self-Storage World Expo, Oct. 2-5 in Washington, D.C. This month, the ISS education team is putting together a comprehensive marketing track to guide you through today’s tumultuous economy and on to success.

In addition to the marketing educational track, industry veteran Tom Litton will present a marketing boot camp, a five-hour intensive workshop outlining powerful marketing techniques. Tom is an engaging speaker, very witty and will give you concrete suggestions to boost your marketing strategies.

ISS columnist Derek Naylor will also be speaking at the D.C. expo, and he has an attention-getting topic: 7 Bold Faced Lies You’ve Heard About Marketing (And the Facts Behind the Fiction.) As he pulls together his educational seminar, Derek is seeking input from Self-Storage Talk forum members. Be sure to give him your two-cents.

While you’re on Self-Storage Talk, check out the other marketing threads. TexasCycleGal posted a great thread on community-based marketing ideas.

There’s no doubt the economy is still struggling, but there are signs of hope. New construction is up for the first time in months. Many banks are on the mend. And even the job market is not as bleak.

Recovery is on its way. Until then, get the marketing know-how you need by attending the Inside Self-Storage World Expo.