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Industry Blogs

There are 77 blogs listed under Industry Blogs.

The SiteLink, storEDGE, and SpareFoot family of companies has acquired the Select Merchant Solutions self-storage portfolio to improve operators’ payments capabilities

Marketing storEDGE | March 29, 2019

In an effort to enhance and simplify self-storage operations, the SiteLink, storEDGE, and SpareFoot family of companies has acquired the self-storage portfolio of the payment processing provider, Select Merchant Solutions (SMS).

Getting Started with Audits in SiteLink

Sue Creaser | November 06, 2018 • Webinar Introduction

Want to audit your facility but not sure how to begin? This introduction explains the basics of auditing and discusses which auditing tasks should be completed when in order to keep your business running smoothly.

10 Key Payment Terms Every Self-Storage Professional Should Know

Sue Creaser | October 29, 2018

The world of payment processing seems to have its own language with no shortage of 3-letter acronyms for you to memorize. Here are some of the most commonly seen terms you'll run into on a daily basis.

How to Recruit and Retain a Quality Self-Storage Manager

Sue Creaser | October 02, 2018 • Webinar Introduction

Great facility managers are worth their weight in gold. So how do you find one, and more importantly–how do you train, develop and keep them for the long term?

Using Technology to Better Understand Your Customer

Sue Creaser | August 28, 2018 • Webinar Introduction

When you better understand what technologies are readily available within management software platforms, you’ll discover easier ways to gather data and also automate daily tasks.

Outsourcing and Automating Collections: Not just for the Fortune 500

Sue Creaser | July 24, 2018 • Webinar Introduction

Affordable tenant notification solutions and third-party collections agencies are beneficial for operations of all sizes.

Back to Basics: Self-Storage Online Auctions

Sue Creaser | July 03, 2018 • Webinar Introduction

Online auctions have many benefits, and modern technology allows you to successfully post and sell a unit without all the hassles.

Fast, Easy and Effective Audits: 3 Ways Management Software Makes it Happen

Sue Creaser | June 06, 2018

SiteLink Web Edition and myHub have all the tools you need to audit your facility effectively. Start with these 3 everyday audits and discover how the right management software can save you time and money.

Self-Storage Tenant Insurance is Good Customer Service

Sue Creaser | May 30, 2018 • Webinar Introduction

From a customer service perspective, requiring evidence of insurance to store at your facility gives your tenants the opportunity to review their current coverage and compare it to the program you offer.

Unmanned self-storage provides high-tech and cost-effective solution

Sue Creaser | May 17, 2018

With SiteLink self-storage management software integrated into the INSOMNIAC kiosk from Open Tech Alliance, Ames West Side Storage may have the perfect recipe for an unmanned self-storage solution.

The Internet of Everything (IoE) has arrived in Self-Storage

Sue Creaser | April 27, 2018 • Webinar Introduction

The Internet of Everything (IoE) platforms are re-inventing the self-storage industry to offer smart-connected self-storage solutions. Learn about these technology advancements as they relate to the self-storage business.

Your New Self-Storage Business: Preparing for Opening Day

Sue Creaser | April 11, 2018

Are you ready for business? Don't forget that setup and configuration of your management software is one of the most important aspects of planning for your grand opening.

Strategies for Increasing Revenue Using Portable Storage Containers

Chuck Vion | March 20, 2018 • Webinar Introduction

Got extra land? Portable storage containers can be a natural extension to a self-storage site.

How eCommerce Technology and Progressive Web Apps Can Help Your Self-Storage Facility Beat the Competition

Chuck Vion | February 22, 2018 • Webinar Introduction

79% of people shop online, including those looking for a self-storage facility. Learn how eCommerce and Progressive Web Apps can help your facility gain clients and build revenue!

Marketing: The Secret to Increasing Self-Storage NOI and Asset Value

Chuck Vion | January 31, 2018 • Webinar Introduction

Marketing continues to be an underutilized driver of revenue and asset value. But with today’s digitally-minded consumers, if you don’t focus on your digital marketing presence, your self-storage property may not get found—leaving units vacant.

5 Steps to Winning the Leasing Battle and Capturing New Revenue with Current Tenants

Sue Creaser | December 05, 2017 • Webinar Introduction

Discover how to uncover hidden potential revenue, streamline the pricing process and create a revenue management plan that’s perfect for your operation.

Capture Caller Data and Never Miss a Self Storage Lead

Chuck Vion | November 15, 2017 • Webinar Introduction

By using real-time analytics, caller information, whether the call is answered or not, is automatically-populated into the self-storage facility's Point of Sales software (SiteLink) using TeleTracker.

Include Charitable Giving and Watch your Business Grow

Chuck Vion | November 14, 2017 • Webinar Introduction

Offering integrated donations during rental process can go a long way in customer loyalty and converting more rentals.

Top 5 Tech-Savvy, Time-Saving Benefits of Management Software

Sue Creaser | October 27, 2017

Whether you’re new to self storage management software or you’ve relied on it for years for a smooth-running operation, you may not have taken advantage of everything it has to offer. We’re calling out a few sure bets for saving time and money:

Using Technology & Automation as Self-Storage Differentiators

Chuck Vion | September 28, 2017 • Webinar Introduction

Self-storage technology and automation increase operating efficiency while delivering a high level of service to customers.

SiteLink Sales Executive Amird Caballero Witnesses Major Mexico City Earthquake

Amird Caballero | September 26, 2017

A simple, quick in-and-out presentation and introduction to our clients in Mexico turned into a frightening experience. Thankfully, my experience was a fortunate one, in part to the preparedness and quick action of Mexico City and its citizens.

Offer Your Self-Storage Tenants Multiple Ways to Communicate and Pay

Chuck Vion | August 30, 2017 • Webinar Introduction

It makes sense to provide an automated method for tenants who don’t have online access at the moment they wish to make a payment, or simply prefer to conduct that business over the phone.

Self-Storage Intelligence for the Smarter Operator

Chuck Vion | August 15, 2017 • Webinar Introduction

Do you want to collect and store data for later analysis, or do you want the data to work for you? Use Artificial Intelligence in your self-storage operation to manage, analyze, and alert.

Using Promotions to Attract and Retain Tenants

Chuck Vion | July 10, 2017 • Webinar Introduction

Promotions can incentivize customers to rent from you, but how you market your promotions may impact your ability to retain them.

Texting is More Than An Efficient Collections Tool For Self-Storage

Chuck Vion | June 17, 2017 • Webinar Introduction

Texting (a.k.a. TXTing, TXT, Text and SMS) is gaining more and more traction in the self-storage industry every year.

Self-Service for Self-Storage

Chuck Vion | June 01, 2017

Offering a variety of features and rental options, from self-storage kiosks to mobile-friendly websites with online rentals, along with an option for employee interaction, provides the most opportunity for customer satisfaction.

Increase Self-Storage Rental Conversions Using Google Remarketing

Chuck Vion | May 09, 2017 • Webinar Introduction

Marketing self-storage facilities have one primary goal, to increase self-storage rental conversion – moving tenants into empty units. Google’s Remarketing platform is an effective way to bring leads who have left your website back for another chance at closing the deal.

How Online Auctions are Changing Collections, Delinquencies and Auction Day

Chuck Vion | April 03, 2017 • Webinar Introduction

Self-storage unit auction day is typically one of the most dreaded events an operation endures. Often there is a lack of a process or system for managers to follow regarding the scheduling of auctions (how often and when.) Then there is the chaos surrounding hosting a public storage auction. Learn how to reduce the chaos of your next self-storage unit auction.

Pricing For Profit

Chuck Vion | February 17, 2017 • Webinar Introduction

As self-storage companies incorporate systematic, dynamic, and data-driven methods into setting move-in rates and rent increase to existing customers, they typically realize sustainable increases in profits that are greater than anticipated.

No Store "Too Small" For Self-Storage Software

Chuck Vion | January 26, 2017 • Webinar Introduction

Process efficiency, automation and delivering a superior self-storage tenant experience can have a dramatic affect on profitability.

Comparison: Tenant Insurance vs. A Tenant Insurance Program

Chuck Vion | January 13, 2017 • Webinar Introduction

If your initial response is “aren’t they same thing?” then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s begin by discussing risk. Self-Storage Tenant Insurance and a good Tenant Insurance Program both affect risk, but do so in different ways.

Customer Service: Your Competitive Advantage

Melissa Stiles | December 21, 2016

It has been said, in the self storage industry, that it is all about the Manager. What can the Manager do that is paramount in our business, especially when the Manager may be the only employee that our renter encounters? Customer service. In our field this could mean the rental of a storage unit or the customer going down the road to the next competitor.

Increase Your Self-Storage Revenue and Retain More Cash

Chuck Vion | December 05, 2016 • Webinar Introduction

Every self-storage operation needs to have a plan in place to manage revenue and that plan needs to be more detailed than sending a rate increase letter on the tenant’s anniversary date.

Make More Money - Audit Your Self-Storage Operation

Chuck Vion | November 21, 2016

Auditing is a tool every self-storage location should use regularly to help increase revenue, streamline operations, reduce theft, mitigate risk and grow the business.

Get Pricing Right And Why It Matters

Chuck Vion | October 20, 2016 • Webinar Introduction

Self-storage operators wishing to retain market share cannot afford to ignore pricing or customer shopping behaviors. Affordable tools have emerged to help the average self-storage operator look at pricing more strategically.

Changing Trends in Self-Storage Cybersecurity

Chuck Vion | October 12, 2016 • Webinar Introduction

Self-storage operators, like many business owners, are at risk of becoming the victim of a cybercrime.

Setting a Marketing Budget For Your Self-Storage Business

Melissa Stiles | September 22, 2016

Marketing is an important aspect of operating a self-storage business, but building an effective plan can be challenging. Creating a budget can help you devise a marketing strategy that allows for the best return on investment (ROI). Your budget should reflect all the aspects of marketing being handled by your facility manager. It can be broken down into two major categories: local and digital. Let’s take a look at each and see how to address them in your overall plan.

Converting Online Leads into Storage Unit Rentals

Chuck Vion | August 31, 2016 • Webinar Introduction

Self-storage is an industry that requires a locally targeted marketing strategy. For sustained success, it is important to increase your facility’s online presence in your local target market.

Self-Storage Rental Agreements | Potential Ticking Time Bomb

Chuck Vion | August 11, 2016 • Webinar Introduction

Your self-storage rental agreement is all that stands between you and a lawsuit, it is imperative that you regularly review and update your rental agreement to make sure it is accurate and current with all Statutory updates and case law changes.

3 Ways Your Online Reputation Impacts Your Self-Storage Business

Chuck Vion | June 23, 2016 • Webinar Introduction

Online customer reviews are powerful — they can make or break a business. In fact, 92% of consumers read online reviews and 68% say positive reviews make them trust a local business more, according to Search Engine Land.

Out-lease the Competition Using Analytics and Technology

Chuck Vion | June 16, 2016 • Webinar Introduction

True Marketing Return on Investment (ROI) is a struggle for many self-storage facilities. At worst, it’s an error-ridden process of asking “how did you find us”.

Web Traffic And Ranking Are Useless, Unless:

Chuck Vion | May 18, 2016 • Webinar Introduction

“How do you get more self-storage tenants and where do you spend your marketing budget?” Unless your business is blessed with unlimited resources, the decision process is overwhelming. An option, “increasing site traffic” is highly recommended.

The Time Is Now To Engage Your Self-Storage Customers With SMS (text messages)

Chuck Vion | February 15, 2016 • Webinar Introduction

I recently heard a self-storage operator say, "My customer base is not that sophisticated. They don't own cell phones". This statement is absolutely inaccurate and out of date. More people have cell phones now than ever before, and if they have a cell phone they can receive SMS or text messages.

Five Key Principles of Conversion-Focused Website Design

Chuck Vion | January 29, 2016 • Webinar Introduction

Did you know 97 percent of consumers use search engines to research products and resources? It seems intuitive, right? Consumers head online as their first stop before making a purchase decision.

Self-Storage Security Myths

Chuck Vion | December 10, 2015 • Webinar Introduction

There are lots of myths in popular culture such as the Great Wall being visible from space; chewing gum takes seven years to digest and you should wait an hour to swim after eating. The self-storage industry has its own myths that can and do impact a self-storage operation. Believing in the self-storage myths can put your reputation at risk, result in lost occupancy, reduced your rate of rental and put you in a difficult situation when new competition comes to your area.

Protect your Self-Storage Business with EMV and PCI

Sheryl Scott | December 03, 2015

There are lots of myths in popular culture such as the Great Wall being visible from space; chewing gum takes seven years to digest and you should wait an hour to swim after eating. The self-storage industry has its own myths that can and do impact a self-storage operation. Believing in the self-storage myths can put your reputation at risk, result in lost occupancy, reduced your rate of rental and put you in a difficult situation when new competition comes to your area.

A Self-Storage Operator's Guide to Getting More Website Traffic

Chuck Vion | November 24, 2015 • Webinar Introduction

You have Self Storage, they need Self Storage. The question is, how are they searching for you and are you where they are looking? With so much information available online, having your website as your only marketing tool is a mistake. Some of the most effective platforms that drive leads AND positively impact your website's visibility take only 15 minutes to set up and many are free.

Automate Past Due Tenant Notifications

Chuck Vion | October 27, 2015 • Webinar Introduction

One of the greatest keys to a successfully-run business involves proper management of our most precious and scarce resource -- time. The earlier shift from paper-based to electronic-based systems gave way to new, streamlined systems where data and information are shared and stored easily.

Essential Marketing Tasks And Tactics

Chuck Vion | October 15, 2015 • Webinar Introduction

It seems to be the American way to like things big. From groceries and household goods to hardware and restaurants, many tend to prefer the giants such as Costco, Walmart, Home Depot and The Cheesecake Factory because they know what to expect when walking into these establishments. Most American industries are dominated by the giants and although the 40 year old self-storage industry is a bit of a Johnny come lately to the big franchise party, it is happening there too.

What Is The September Equinox

Tom Roth | September 22, 2015

September marks the second and final equinox of the year, the first equinox occurred in March. These time periods are marked by the sun shining directly on the equator causing the length of daylight and night to be nearly the same. This year, the September Equinox occurs on the 23rd of the month.

What You're Losing by NOT Offering Tenant Insurance

Chuck Vion | September 17, 2015 • Webinar Introduction

Tenant insurance is to a storage facility as the internet is to a computer. Sure, a storage facility can run without having tenant insurance available, but just as the internet opens up opportunities for a computer, tenant insurance opens up opportunities for storage facilities by adding a valuable security feature, mitigating liability, and most importantly enhancing the customer service experience for tenants.

It's Labor Day Weekend, What Do You Have Planned

Tom Roth | September 03, 2015

It's that time of the year again where we put our white clothes away and get ready for the fall season. Labor Day is an annual U.S. workers' holiday on the first Monday in September. The first Labor Day was organized by the Central Labor Union of New York in 1882.

Lower Operating Costs by Using Electronic Lien Notices

Chuck Vion | August 07, 2015 • Webinar Introduction

Recent changes in self-storage lien laws are bringing lucrative opportunities for self-storage operators to cut costs and increase profits. More than twenty-five states across the U.S. have amended their lien statutes to allow for lien notices to be sent via email.

Why Self-Storage Is Important To Your Tenants

Tom Roth | July 08, 2015

To be sure, millions of Americans cope with clutter, as author Howard Mansfield so eloquently explained in an op-ed piece published in 2013 in the Los Angeles Times. But Mansfield's dismissal of the self-storage unit as "a symptom of our cluttered lives" overlooks many of the valid, uncluttered reasons that tenants rent storage units.

Why Online Marketing is a Critical Tool in Self-Storage

Chuck Vion | June 09, 2015

More and more people who are seeking self-storage are turning to the Internet to research facilities and reserve units. If you don't make it easy for them to do business online, then they're quite likely to check out another facility in your area. And that means you're missing out on rental income.

Collect Self-Storage Rent with Text Messaging

Chuck Vion | May 11, 2015

When it comes to managing storage properties, SiteLink and their technology partners can ease many of the burdensome tasks managers face. Whether it's to speed up the collection process, increase cash flow or become more sales efficient, the convenience associated with improved rent collection will transform the way you engage with tenants to collect payments.

Six Tips for Revenue Management in Self Storage

Chuck Vion | May 08, 2015

Setting rental rates at your self-storage facility shouldn't be a guessing game. Rather, the process of establishing rental rates should be rolled into a well-thought-out revenue management program.

A Guide to Evaluating Self-Storage Software

Chuck Vion | March 26, 2015

How do you evaluate self-storage software? Where do you begin? This guide will help you assess self-storage software for your self-storage facility.

Turbo-Charge Your Website to Get More Reservations and Rentals

Chuck Vion | January 14, 2015 • Webinar Introduction

Marketing your self-storage business online begins with a well-designed and interactive website. Yet many owners and operators still do not take advantage of integrating with major management software to enhance interactive website capabilities.

Digital Stats That May Help Shape Your Self-Storage Business

Chuck Vion | January 12, 2015

According to Website Magazine, modern consumers are becoming quite transparent about what makes them click and buy, or not. The buying process for a self-storage unit may be a tad different for the consumer than most online shopping, but nevertheless it's all about improving engagement and increasing rental conversions.

Have You Joined Your State Self-Storage Association

Chuck Vion | November 24, 2014

If not, why not? There are many benefits to joining your state self-storage association. In fact, some storage owners will close their store to attend state association meetings. This is where knowledge is gained, ideas are exchanged and where you surround yourself with like-minded individuals.

Mobile Madness is On! Are You?

Chuck Vion | November 21, 2014

Next time you are in any public venue -- or maybe even sitting in traffic -- look around. What do you see? Most likely a bunch of people using a smartphone or mobile device! According to Website Magazine, few trends have ever been as hot as mobile is today. With consumers so captivated by their mobile devices, you have the potential to reach current and prospective tenants nearly 24/7.

Track Calls, Measure Marketing, Rent More

Chuck Vion | November 20, 2014 • Webinar Introduction

One of the top five expenses a storage business faces is marketing. Often times, the money spent on a marketing campaign does not produce the expected results. It is becoming the industry standard to use call tracking as a means to evaluate marketing campaigns.

How to Best Make Your Rental Agreement Work for You

Chuck Vion | September 18, 2014 • Webinar Introduction

It behooves self-storage operators to ensure their rental agreement is well-written so that tenants can understand what they are signing up for when renting a unit. The manager should not have to explain every provision in the agreement, nor is it necessary for the renter to initial provisions, except where legally required.

SiteLink Promotions: SpareFoot Just Got Even Easier to Use!

Chuck Vion | August 29, 2014

Many SpareFoot clients are using SiteLink Web Edition to manage operations at their facilities. The integration syncs a facility's units from SiteLink to SpareFoot, and updates unit availability and pricing automatically on the SpareFoot listing. Our clients love how easy and seamless this integration is!

Your Last Self-Storage Property Audit was When?

Chuck Vion | August 14, 2014

When was the last time you conducted your self-storage property audit for employee theft, operational efficiency and proper employee training?

Yes...CRM Is Also For The Self-Storage Industry

Chuck Vion | July 23, 2014

According to Peter Prestipino, Editor-in-Chief of Website Magazine, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software will not bring value to a company if it is not used and not used correctly every single day.

Are Self-Storage Shoppers Finding You Easily?

Chuck Vion | July 16, 2014 • Webinar Introduction

In the self-storage business, a website is especially essential to generate leads. Today self-storage shoppers want easy access to information. They will most likely do an internet search for self-storage facilities within a certain geographic range. Does your facility come up at the top of the list? Are you easily found? If not, your website is not "optimized."

Why Do Self-Storage Customers Leave?

Chuck Vion | July 10, 2014

I recently heard that over the next year the self-storage industry will grow by about 400-500 new facilities in the U.S. Please don't quote me on that -- but for purposes of this blog -- let's believe that to be true. That means competition will become stiffer. Not only do you have to ensure that your marketing efforts are strategic, but as your customers leave, it's important to know why. Did they leave perhaps because they no longer need storage space, rent was high, or they chose to move to a competitor?

Registered Email for Legal Notices is Hassle-Free

Chuck Vion | June 23, 2014 • Webinar Introduction

RPost's Registered Email® suite provides self-storage manager's and their support staff with an exact legal way of communicating with their tenants, without always having to send out physical mail (registered or otherwise) or communicate by fax.

Increase Your Self-Storage Revenue Stream

Chuck Vion | June 20, 2014

Based on capacity, airlines charge different rates for the same package of peanuts and the same amount of legroom, timing of purchase, and competitor's prices. The factors that determine their rate increases are computed through extensive data collection and can be difficult to understand. Hotels also use complex formulas to adjust rates based on occupancy and demand. It isn't any different for the self-storage industry. They too, can optimize rates.

Evolving with Technology

Chuck Vion | June 11, 2014

According to a June 2, 2014 article written by Brian Deagon at Investors.com, PCs (including laptops) have been on the decline due to the widespread use of the smartphones and tablets. Mikako Kitagawa, a PC industry analyst at Gartner states that "In the past, the PC was the only device consumers could use to connect to the Internet." He goes on to say that consumers now use their Smartphones or tablets to surf the web on the go.

Self-Storage Facility Insights On Using SiteLink

Chuck Vion | May 14, 2014

Neighborhood Storage #17 is located at 2520 NE Jacksonville Rd Ocala, FL 34478, just north of the 8th Avenue and NE Jacksonville Road intersection. We offer a wide variety of temperature and non-temperature controlled units, and even a free truck rental with move in! This facility has security features like video surveillance, coded keypad access, and our facility is fully fenced and well-lit. If you are looking for a self storage unit in central Ocala, we have what you are looking for!

Self-Storage Website Experts Maximize SiteLink Features

Chuck Vion | April 22, 2014

Automatit, Inc. was formed in 2000 by co-founders Christopher Baird and Dee Jay Skinner. They went into business to create online applications that will automate processes for businesses. Using the term "Automation" and "IT" (Information Technology) they developed the name Automatit. During the first five years in business, Automatit, Inc. brought on a variety of clients from the travel and storage industries.

Self-Storage Operators Use Text Messaging to Communicate More Reliably

Chuck Vion | September 23, 2013

SiteLink, the leader in self-storage management software worldwide, introduces text messaging to storage operators as the latest means to communicate with tenants, staff and leads. As more managers and owners look for innovative solutions to improve tenant communication and streamline collections, SiteLink delivers.

Text Messaging Boosts Revenue By More Than $1,600 Per Month

Chuck Vion | July 29, 2013

SiteLink, the leader in self-storage management software worldwide, announces the roll-out of the SNA (Storage Network Advantage) Collections Manager integration to improve collections while reducing labor costs.

SiteLink Operator Increases Collections by 36%

Chuck Vion | March 25, 2013

SiteLink, the leader in self-storage management software, announces a new milestone by partnering with another industry-leading technology partner that adds more collection tools to SiteLink Web Edition.

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