The self-storage industry is rapidly growing for a number of reasons. Growing families that need space to store a large number of things, people who don't have the space for storage at home, and growing numbers of businesses of all scales and sizes, all rely on self-storage companies.
For all these kinds of potential customers, self-storage units are a cheaper and better alternative than renting additional spaces. With the advancement in technology, and the growing demand for self-storage in the USA, the industry has grown enormously and has smartly incorporated technology to serve their customers better.
As word of mouth is no longer the main method to discover businesses, it is important that the best self-storage companies modify their outreach that uses technology to their advantage.
Thanks to the e-commerce boom, technology has successfully made its way into the core of all the top self-storage companies in the US and self-storage units in Dayton, Ohio is one of the top-notch option for everyone. Read below to find out the seven ways technology has changed the self-storage industry.
Online Rental Processes
With the growing importance on having an online presence and being available online for ease of access to customers, a lot of the best self-storage companies have websites where customers can rent a storage unit easily, and pay using a number of digital payment methods.
Several smaller companies saw how much revenue the online rental option was bringing to the largest storage companies, and they followed suit. Now, nearly all of the top self-storage companies in the USA have an online rental portal on their websites.
Automation of processes
The best self-storage companies in the USA like Storage Mart have automated a lot of their online and on-ground processes which makes it easier for both storage companies and users. With the renting process automated, the payment system is also largely online.
Some of the top storage companies even have automated on-ground processes, such as automated storage unit doors, trolleys to carry your belongings, and so on.
All of tech additions not only gives the user a better experience, but it also makes the process a whole lot safer, which adds to trust in services.
Use of Social Media
The largest storage companies in the USA have a very strong online presence, and this s something smaller companies are picking up on. Being easily searchable online not only makes your storage company seem more trustworthy and reliable, but it also makes your company look more professional.
This is by far the easiest way of incorporating technology to increase your user base. Online digital marketing is the most efficient way to ensure your company is known to people, and this increases your company's reach and reliability.
Use of Data and Cloud Storage
A lot of the best storage companies in the US have adapted to the data revolution, and now have large databases to monitor customer behaviour. Not only is this beneficial to companies as a safer alternative to store data, but it also provides information into customer's interests and desires so you can offer your services better.
Storage providers can use real-time data visualisation tools to see where they are lacking and adapt accordingly to attract more customers. Using automated access control software systems also is a great option, as it streamlines the company's processing and makes it efficient and hassle-free.
Flexible and Convenient Payment Options
Any service provider knows that cash is not king anymore. With the advancement in technology, digital payments and online payments are the way to go.
Not having these payment options actually harms your business as customers prefer the most convenient methods. Computerized systems to accept payments from a variety of options is the best option to adapt to, as many of the largest storage companies will tell you.
Better Communication and Customer Service
Customers are greatly benefitted when services provide them with fast and approachable customer service. A lot of the top storage companies have automated and regulated phone answering services or in-call messages to give customers the right information without needing to talk to a representative.
The largest self-storage companies even have AI powered chatbots on their websites to make customer service accessible and easy.
Increased Security
By far the biggest advantage of technology in the self-storage industry has been the improvement in security and monitoring that allows customers to trust these services and use them more. With CCTV cameras in every unit, customers can even view the footage on their smartphones.
Smoke detectors and security alarms added to the units make it a much safer experience. Adding biometrics for entry or access such as thumb print scanners are very common in the best self-storage companies, and these changes directly impact the user experience.
As you can see, it is evident that technology has truly been a game-changer for the self-storage industry. The largest storage companies in the US have incorporated these changes, and the best storage companies are those that provide these options.