By Amy Campbell
It may seem totally unbelievable, but the holidays are coming. It all begins in just a little over two weeks with Halloween. While some might not see trick-or-treat time as an official “holiday,” many self-storage operators take advantage of the spook-filled fun day to market their facility.
Take US Self Storage 1 in Boynton Beach, Fla., for example. Known for its many community events, the storage operator is once again hosting a Halloween-themed party on Oct. 31 complete with food and “sweets.”
AA U-Stor-M Self Storage in Upland, Calif., is also throwing a party on Halloween day, the facility’s “8th Annual Halloween Treasure Hunt.” The operator hands out “loot” bags and a treasure map so kids and their parents can hunt for candy and other treasures. Plus, the facility features a singing pumpkin light show every night during the week of Halloween.
Last year, All Canadian Self-Storage turned its facility in Toronto into a “haunted storage” on Halloween night, daring community members to walk its ghostly halls. The operator rounded out the event by hosting a silent auction and drawings for prizes. All proceeds from the Halloween festivities benefited a local charity.
If you’re not a fan of the fright, that’s OK. Halloween is just one holiday storage operators can use as a backdrop to promote their facility. With the festive season just weeks away, now’s the time to start planning your holiday décor, parties and marketing messages to attract new customers and say thanks to existing ones.
So how can you capitalize on the season to sell your brand? This article from the Small Business Administration includes 33 ideas for holiday marketing. Check out No. 16: “Hold a kids’ contest like a make-your-own-ornament or holiday coloring. Give a big prize or just give everyone small prizes, like candy canes.”
If you’re considering an event, such as a barbecue, visit from Santa or a “family fun day,” start planning now. Here’s an excellent article from the ISS archives on how to throw a memorable community event.
Simply adding some fun decorations that celebrate a holiday is also a great way to attract notice. Add some creep to your facility office with a few cobwebs, spiders and a bowl of candy corns this month, then go for fall foliage and pilgrim décor in November. During December, consider adding bright lights, an inflatable snowman near your front door and a stocking packed with yummy treats. Your presentation doesn’t have to be over the top to be effective. For more ideas on holiday decorating or share your advice, check out this Self-Storage Talk thread.
Another great way to promote your facility and provide goodwill is by becoming a drop-off site for any number of charities collecting food, clothes or toys. This is a favorite act among many self-storage operators. If you’re not sure how to get involved, try your local chamber of commerce, food bank or other local charity. Nonprofits are always seeking support and will typically have a number of ideas on ways you can help.
Adding a few decorations to your facility or hosting a holiday-themed event are just another way for you to show your community you’re more than just the another storage facility. It’s an opportunity to be a part of your community, give back, attract new customers and show your gratitude to existing ones. Try these “tricks” and I’m positive you’ll receive many “treats!”