The self-storage operators understand that this industry is competitive. With ongoing increases in storage competitors, a focused and targeted marketing plan is imperative. Traditional self storage or mini storage marketing has focused on useing print media, however the massive costs of Yellow Books makes other options significantly more attractive. Further, with the targeted nature of self storage marketing, focusing on a 5 mile radius around the facility, targeted media can be incredibly effective. If you are looking for a edge in your marketing plan, setting up a FREE Google Places for Business page is a must. Set Up Your Google Local AccountClaim your business listing on Google Places – Google may have already generated a Place page for you, and claiming your page can help out your rank. Claiming your page will have you enter some contact information and verify that the map listing is correct.If you are starting with a new listing, you will be asked for a phone number, your website, email address, and mailing address to establish the map details. Avoid using your 1-800 number, you want to use the local phone number if possible to be recognized by location. Be sure use your full mailing address.You will need to select a category for self storage, I recommend the Category (Services) and a Sub-Category of (Services – Storage). You will want to add the optional 4 categories, in categories that may apply to your storage. You will be asked for a Description – where you will want to craft a great description leveraging keywords around self and mini storage in 200 characters or less.Make sure that you use good photos, as including photos and videos on your Place Page will help the listing and improve your ranking. Further, pictures and videos will help your page stand out among the search results. Making your page more useful to customers will improve your click-through rate. Include in the pictures any local landmarks that will help the searchers understand where your storage is located, as this visual calling card will make sure that any local searchers immediately recognize your location.You will need to define your service area, and your services. Use Google default categories; however add search friendly keywords of Mini Storage, and Self Storage at a minimum, as well as other common storage keywords as applicable. The “Other”  section is a great place to input additional services that you offer, or want to highlight.After you have completed the information, added your hours, and payment types you will require one more authentication step before the listing is live. Google will ask whether you want to receive a phone call with a code to enter in order to activate the listing, or have a card physically mailed to the address attached with the code, that you will need to input into your Google Places account. Pop in the code and you Google Places listing is live.Google will send analytical data on traffic to the Local listing, and you will have the ability to create coupons and promotions as well. In just a few steps, you can have you Google Places / Local page created and drive traffic, and push that occupancy rate! 

Aneil Hussein is the author of this article on Self Storage Marketing. Find more information, about Online Advertising here

Article Source: http://www.infoarticles.us