The self-storage industry is very competitive for independent business owners. Finding ways to grow your business is crucial for owners and operators. Becoming a part of the U-Haul Self-Storage Affiliate Network is a great way to grow visibility and in-turn increase your occupancy. As a part of the Affiliate program, you also have an opportunity to sign up for the Storage Affiliate Advertising Van. The van gives you a way to advertise your storage facility and to rent it out to self-storage customers for move-in or move-out if you choose. This is a perfect fit for your business and also for your customers that need equipment to transfer their belongings. Read these tips to see how you can maximize the use of your advertising van.
Carefully Select Your Artwork
A great benefit to the Advertising Van program is that you will get a new cargo van every year that you are enrolled. That being said, you still want to get the most out of your advertising each year. When designing your artwork with the U-Haul design team, remember to include your logo, phone number, website and address. You may also want to include any special offers you have like the Free Truck with Move-In program. Your design should be easy to read and eye-catching. All of these features will help to increase visibility and follow-through from potential customers in your community.
Parking Options for the Van
Do not leave the van in the same spot every day. Identify three high traffic parking locations with great visibility and rotate parking the van in these locations. This provides a greater opportunity to be seen by the community.
Rent the Van Out
Renting the van out to customers provides you with two great benefits. The first is that you are able to collect revenue for the van and increase your R.O.I. on the van. The other benefit of renting out the van is that it becomes mobile advertising for your facility. By allowing customers the ability to use the van to move-in or out of your storage facility, you are further expanding your reach while it is driven around the community versus only parking the van on your property.
Take the Van to Community Events
Participating in community events shows your potential customers that you are active in your community. When attending community events, you are able to market your storage facility. Typically, you would need to invest in signage for your booth, but the van provides you with visibility whether it is parked in a lot or near your booth. It also provides you with space to bring everything you would need at the event.
Lend it to Charity
Allow charity events or groups to haul their donations or other needed items in the van. Of course, only if you do not have it rented out or reserved for that time period. Renting it to yourself on the charity’s behalf is another way to become a part of your community and again, it gets your van on the go, gaining more visibility.
Use these tips to get the most out of your Storage Affiliate Advertising Van and see how your visibility grows in your community. Keep the edge up on your competition by combining the U-Haul Self-Storage Affiliate Network with the Advertising Van for maximum exposure.
Sign up here to become an Affiliate and have access to the Advertising Van program.