When considering Self Storage Management Software, there are a number of basic requirements that most platforms provide such as automation in customer management including data and lead collection, invoicing, integrations with payment processors and gate access systems as well as consistent support and regular updates. While these are all important elements that provide base level requirements, your software should be doing so much more than just managing your facility!
There is a significant gap between traditional basic solutions and more advanced, truly automated platforms. While traditional systems focus on basic management tasks like unit tracking and invoicing, they lack the online marketing and automation features essential in today’s market.
So what else should you be looking out for? Here’s a list of considerations we’ve put together to provide guidance when you’re making this big decision!
- Customer Acquisition: Modern solutions integrate with websites specifically designed for storage businesses, optimising SEO, loading speeds, and conversion paths to help storage providers rank higher in search engines and drive traffic directly to their sites. Storman’s platform, for example, includes these features to keep customers engaged on the site rather than relying on standalone consumer-grade website builders that aren’t tailored for self storage.
- Sales and Conversion: Once your customer is ready to book, the importance of a seamless, self-service online booking and payment system, integrated directly into the platform is paramount. Customers should be able to progress through the process without any manual intervention. Our customers experience higher conversion rates compared to traditional CRM-focused systems, which often require manual follow-ups with leads.
- Automation: Storman advocates for complete automation across tasks like payment collection, reconciliation, customer follow-up, and unit allocation. These processes are designed to significantly reduce staff burden and ensure customers have a smooth experience. In contrast, other systems only offer partial automation, requiring manual actions that reduce productivity.
- Sales Growth Support: Modern software is usually priced based on revenue or usage, so the software provider has a vested interest in helping clients grow. This stands in contrast to traditional per-unit pricing, which may not incentivise growth.
- Risk Minimisation: Advanced ID verification and digital contracting are part of Storman’s offering, streamlining compliance and risk management. Storman, partners with industry leading suppliers such as, APLYiD, offering a fast, user friendly ID verification process both for in-person and online processes, instead of traditional ID verification which requires physical document checks and signatures, which can introduce risks and inefficiencies.
- Development and Updates: Modern platforms focus on continuous updates, developing features based on client feedback and industry trends. Storman, for example, has a single core product that’s frequently updated with new features for all users. In contrast, some software with multiple product versions may have slower, less frequent updates.
- Advanced Reporting: While base level platforms will provide limited reporting, Storman’s suite of multi-site reports can compare site conversion rates, insurance uptake and Autopay uptake side by side. Drill down into the detail and also look at individual staff performance for training and upskilling opportunities.
Choosing the right self storage management software can be transformative for your business. While basic features like invoicing, customer management, and gate access are essential, they represent only a fraction of what modern, advanced platforms like Storman can offer. A truly robust software solution should drive customer acquisition through SEO-optimised websites, streamline the booking and payment experience with complete automation, support sales growth with dynamic pricing, and reduce risk with integrated ID verification.
Additionally, Storman’s commitment to ongoing development means you’ll always have access to the latest tools and improvements. From in-depth reporting to seamless automation, Storman is built to enhance every aspect of your self storage operations, helping you stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market. Embrace a platform that goes beyond basic management—invest in a solution that positions your facility for growth, efficiency, and long-term success.
As always, if you have any questions, or if you’d like to understand more about how Storman Cloud can help your business, feel free to get in touch with us using the form below!
