As more people turn to online searches, Google Business Profile is your neon sign on the internet. For storage facilities, it’s not just a listing; it’s your first impression and your ticket to more rentals. A Google Business Profile is the easiest free marketing tool available for local businesses. This is your official business listing on Google that helps people find your storage facility online.
Google is the top search engine. Regularly updating your Business Profile can help you outrank competitors who aren’t doing the same. Your Google Business Profile may be the deciding factor for potential customers. The key is to stay active, keep it updated, and stand out from the competition.
Getting Started
Setting up your Google Business Profile is straightforward:
- Go to Google Business Profile Manager
- Sign in with your business’ email.
- Sign in with your business’ email.
- Enter your Business Name and Category
- Example: “Boxwell – Container Supplier in Boulder, Colorado.” Be sure that your business name is the exact same as it appears in other places on the web to reduce confusion and increase discoverability.
- Example: “Boxwell – Container Supplier in Boulder, Colorado.” Be sure that your business name is the exact same as it appears in other places on the web to reduce confusion and increase discoverability.
- Input Contact Information
- Address, phone number, website, and hours of operation.
- Address, phone number, website, and hours of operation.
- Write Small Business Description
- Don’t leave this blank! This is where you can highlight your facility’s features. Use relevant keywords like “self-storage,” “storage units in [your location],” or “secure storage” to improve your search rankings.
- Don’t leave this blank! This is where you can highlight your facility’s features. Use relevant keywords like “self-storage,” “storage units in [your location],” or “secure storage” to improve your search rankings.
- Upload Quality Photos
- Update your photos with shots of curb appeal, safety features, location, cleanliness, etc.
- Update your photos with shots of curb appeal, safety features, location, cleanliness, etc.
- Verify your Business
- Google will prompt you to verify by phone, email, or video
Once verified, your Google Business Profile appears in local search results—making it easy for customers to find you.
Pro Tip: Set “Self-Storage Facility” as your primary category and add relevant secondary categories to expand your profile’s reach (i.e. RV and Boat Storage, Wine Storage, Climate Controlled Storage).
Why Keywords Matter
Keywords are the terms people use to search for storage, like “self-storage near me” or “affordable self-storage [your city].” Adding them to your profile helps Google show your facility to the right customers.
There are over 33 million U.S. based searches for storage units each month (Marketkeep), the right keywords will help your facility stand out in the search results.
Pro Tip: Use a mix of general and specific words and phrases across your website and Google Business Profile. This helps you show up in broad and targeted searches.
Example: General: “Storage units.” Targeted: “RV and Boat Storage in [your city].”
Build Trust Through Reviews
Now that your Google Business Profile is up and running, it’s time to start using one of its most valuable tools: reviews. Reviews help build trust with potential customers and boost how Google ranks your business in local search results.
When it comes to getting reviews, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make it easy: Use the “Get More Reviews” button or create a QR code to share direct links with customers.
- Respond to every review: Add personal touches wherever possible.
- Example: “Thank you for your review, Jenna! We still remember how perfectly you packed that moving truck – our team was seriously impressed…”
- Example: “Thank you for your review, Jenna! We still remember how perfectly you packed that moving truck – our team was seriously impressed…”
- Handle negative reviews: Respond calmly. Avoid emotional or defensive language, show you’re listening, and invite the customer to talk offline. Think of it this way: it isn’t about one unhappy customer, it’s more about showing potential customers what kind of business you are.
- Example: “Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Alex. We’re disappointed to hear about your experience, especially because we strive to provide clean units and common areas. We’re looking into what happened and would appreciate an opportunity to talk directly – please give us a call at 555-555-5555.”
- Example: “Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Alex. We’re disappointed to hear about your experience, especially because we strive to provide clean units and common areas. We’re looking into what happened and would appreciate an opportunity to talk directly – please give us a call at 555-555-5555.”
Pro Tip: Encourage customers to add photos to their review. Google favors reviews with photos, which also builds trust with future customers.
Engage Customers with Posts and Updates
Google lets you publish short updates, known as Posts, directly to your profile. These work like mini social media posts and show up in your facility’s listing on both Search and Maps.
Why It Matters: Posting often signals Google that your facility’s profile is active, which can help boost your local ranking. Plus, each post is a chance to highlight keywords and showcase your facility’s newest features, promotions, or events.
How Often Should You Post: Aim to post an update at least once a week. This keeps your profile fresh and gives customers a reason to check back for latest updates or news.
Post Ideas:
- Offers: sales, discounts, and limited-time promotions
- What’s new: facility updates and new unit availability
- Community Involvement: local events and outreach
- Educational: Moving tips and tricks, unit sizing guides, etc.
Example: “New climate-controlled units available now! Perfect for summer storage needs. Call us today to learn more.”
Gain Visibility in Google Search and Maps
Your Google Business Profile makes your facility easy to find when people search terms like “rent storage near me.” It’s a key part of your digital presence, giving customers quick access to your contact info, location, and hours.
“Storable SEO research found that well-optimized listings have a 70% better chance of being found in discovery searches compared to under-optimized listings. Storable also found that self-storage operators with optimized Google Business Profile pages generated twice as many customer interactions.” – Storable
Pro Tip: Don’t stop at Google! Set up similar profiles on Apple Maps, Bing, Nextdoor, Yelp, Yellow Pages, and more.
Get More Rentals
Your Google Business Profile is often the first impression your facility makes. Most renters will find you through Google Search or Maps. That’s why it’s crucial to keep your Google Business Profile up to date. An active Google Business Profile, paired with customer reviews and photos, drives more traffic—both online and in person. Positive reviews and quality images boost your Google rankings and attract more customers fast. If managing your online presence feels overwhelming, partner with marketing experts who specialize in the storage industry (StorSuite).
Improving your online visibility works. Increase rentals and gain higher foot traffic to your facility with your Google Business Profile.
Boxwell designs, manufactures, and installs industry-leading storage solutions. Our lineup includes relocatable self-storage units, portable containers, hallway systems, and roll up doors. Every product is fully customizable and built to last—trusted by companies across the United States, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Boxwell is Built For Your Success. From the start, our mission has been simple: create the best B2B storage products and back them with outstanding customer support. Our clients gain access to dedicated Account Managers, design and installation services, and extensive product warranties.
We are here to help. Contact Boxwell today via our email, sales@boxwell.co, or call 303-317-5850.