Consumer use of the Internet to find and reserve self-storage units grew dramatically in 2011, according to USstoragesearch.com, an online self-storage network that saw an increase of more than 400 percent in online reservations during the year.
Aided by the launch of several network websites, including Storage.com and StorageUnit.com, USstoragesearch.com experienced online-traffic increases in 2011 of more than 300 percent. Throughout the year, the company added 170 new partner websites, bringing the total number of websites that display its member listings to 3,000. USstoragesearch.com has also reached agreements to power listings on additional self-storage websites in the first quarter of 2012.
The adaptation of the self-storage industry to online conversions in the form of storage-unit reservations has occurred remarkably quickly," said Mike Jones, vice president. "Over the last couple of years, the industry recognized the potential for more online conversions in this area and has adapted its technology, marketing practices and sales techniques to capitalize on a great opportunity to keep their storage units full and reach more potential tenants."
USstoragesearch.com provides members with customer leads in the form of e-mails, quote requests, storage coupons and phone calls. The company also provides online reservations for members who choose to join its self-storage network. These reservations are secured via a credit card deposit by the new self-storage customer. This process leads to a move-in rate of more than 90 percent, according to the company.
Established in 2004, USstoragesearch.com provides a self-storage directory featuring more than 18,000 member facilities and self-storage network including approximately 3,000 websites. These resources allow consumers to search in real time for available storage units by facility location, unit size, property features and specials.
