Staying ahead of the technology that surrounds us is easier than it sounds. Technology is everywhere. And whether we like it or not, we depend on it. We get our news, entertainment, health information, food, clothes, toys and books online. We have doctor appointments, work meetings, parent teacher conferences and school online. Shopping habits, in particular have evolved to mostly online in the past decade — and even more since COVID. Statics say, “In 2021, over 2.14 billion people worldwide are expected to buy goods and services online, up from 1.66 billion global digital buyers in 2016” (Statista.com). We research and purchase items online without ever seeing them in person. It’s so easy to find what you need on your phone or computer. By filtering out options, we can choose the right brand at the right price. Purchases are definitely driven by digital.
Technology may surround us, but it’s our customers that we need to know. Today’s shoppers can browse through websites to learn more about a brand. They read the reviews and compare prices. As a business owner, it’s important to make the shopping process clean and transparent for all varieties of shoppers. Think about what’s important to your potential customers. And know your competition. Staying ahead of the technology that surrounds us involves knowing how your customers shop. What other brands are your potential customers considering? Be sure to clearly showcase your product online. Figure out which features are going to secure the sale. Here are some tips for staying ahead of the technological curve:
Staying Ahead of Technology in Self-Storage
Online presence is key. It’s not just the essential products that are doing well online during the pandemic — the self-storage industry is also growing. With the need for a more hands-off approach during COVID, self-storage facilities have had to adapt their sales and marketing strategies to stay in the game. Whether you sell products directly from your website or rent storage units and need to show potential customers the ins and outs of your facility, having a strong online presence is key. Showcase your product online with good photography, videography, and written copy. During these times when in-person retail has become next to obsolete, we rely upon the visuals and information coming through a phone or computer screen. Be sure that your product is well illustrated with clear photos and descriptions that show all the features and specific nuances you want to highlight. Videos are also an important marketing tool. You can walk the consumers through the experience of your product and give them notion of being there first-hand.
Tracking Your Online Visitors
As a business, it would be wonderful to know exactly what your customers are looking for, right? What are the key words people are using to search for your product or service? Luckily, you can track what your website visitors are searching for with online analytics. Know where your visitors linger on your site and from what page they eventually contact you or purchase a product. Look at what this data reveals to determine what (and how) you want to showcase your products in the future. There is typically more than one touchpoint from which a consumer will see your brand and make their purchasing decision. Be certain that your products and services are consistently represented across the channels — on social media, through marketing emails, on your website, and in your blogs and news articles. Know the features about your product or service that consumers are seeking and highlight those throughout the web.
Be Available for Your Customers
Consumers are quickly getting used to having all their purchasing resources and options at their fingertips. With convenient and comprehensive online offerings, self-storage businesses can stand out amongst the competition and thrive online. The shift to an online retail world makes it important for businesses to tell their story and present their product clearly on their website. Be sure to have your “Contact Us” button easily visible, as many consumers will have additional inquiries about your product or service. After all, it’s great knowing that a real person is available for you in the digital age. Meet your customers where they want you, which is easily accessible and searchable online. Staying ahead of the technology that surrounds us is as easy as staying true to your product and customers.
Top 4 Considerations When Browsing Self-Storage
Let’s look at the things that will make a difference when a consumer is looking at their options in storage:
QUALITY – Does your product stand the test of time? Is it guaranteed? It is comforting when a company stands behind their product 100% and is willing to replace or refund an item based upon its quality.
INNOVATION – What sort of research has the company done to make their product the best it can be? Have they updated with new materials and creative ideas? If your business has done a lot of market research and made improvements to your product, be sure to highlight that.
VALUE – Because it’s good does not mean it has to be expensive. Consumers are looking for a good cost to benefit ratio. If you can offer incentives or coupons to your customers, do so. Sometimes the smallest deal will make the sale.
TESTIMONIALS – Other consumers’ experiences with a product or service are helpful. As a society, we’ve grown accustomed to letting others do the test runs. What are the pros and cons? Be sure to display these reviews on your site.
