Russell-
For boats and RVs, consider visiting boat and RV dealerships to discuss your facility with them. Make sure to bring a goodie (something sweet usually helps) when you go, as people are more likely to listen if you don't come in with just a sales pitch. For example: Hi, my name is Sarah Beth, and I own the ABC boat and RV on Main Street. I'm not sure if you have anyone who stores with us. We have ( list features). If you know anyone who may need storage, we offer a $50 referral check to you for each person you refer who rents with us. Do you have anything you hand out when people make a purchase? If so, how can I be included? Additionally, I send monthly emails to all my tenants, and I would be happy to include your business in them if you're interested.
This demonstrates that you are trying to help their customers and their business simultaneously while also supporting your own facility.
2. Also join the Facebook groups that may need your services.
3. Boots on the ground marketing. The same applies to all businesses in the area as above. You never know who might know someone who needs storage. The same referral program applies to anyone in the community who refers you.
If you need more ideas, I am always happy to get on a call and give you more ways to boost occupancy.
Sarah Beth DeFazio
VP Sales and Development
Universal Storage Group
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Sarah Beth DeFazio
Vice President Sales and Development
Universal Storage Group
Atlanta GA
(770) 801-1888
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-19-2025 08:58 AM
From: Russell Lindsey
Subject: Marketing tips & ideas
Abby, yes we sent postcards through EDDM. We did it ourselves to save third party processing fees. It definitely had some success, several new customers came from this method. Cost was less than 50 cents a piece.
I agree Nextdoor and Yelp have not returned much success.
Driving neighborhoods is a good idea. We would go to Buccees on the weekend and talk with boat owners while they fueled up.
Original Message:
Sent: 9/19/2025 9:26:00 AM
From: Abby Fernandez
Subject: RE: Marketing tips & ideas
Did you do your post card through USPS everyday direct mail? What kind of response did you get?
We didnt see any benefit with Nextdoor or Yelp. Facebook ads may be effective in getting our name out there but we haven't had any conversions directly through the ads. We get a lot of impressions and clicks through Google ads, but again no direct conversions that I can tell. We can't spend enough on Google to compete with the big box stores' ad campaigns.
We had good luck with the road signs at new construction neighborhoods, but those are now outlawed. We also drove to the all neighborhoods and introduced ourselves and dropped off referral flyers. That was pretty effective and we had direct sales from that. Google Places and Apple Maps is the best referral source we have.
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Abby Fernandez
Comal Storage
Bulverde TX
(830) 293-5714
Original Message:
Sent: 09-17-2025 12:21 PM
From: Russell Lindsey
Subject: Marketing tips & ideas
Hi Everyone,
We recently opened a new boat & RV facility. Leasing is going well, but I'm wondering if our marketing efforts are reaching everyone. We have done a postcard campaign Yelp and Nextdoor. Do you suggest another channel?
What have been your most successful marketing methods to gain new tenants.
Thanks,
Russell @ Boat City Storage.