How about the old-fashioned bulletin board? I still sometimes see them in coffee shops, pizza places, etc. I've seen lots of ads and business cards on them.
I have used craigslist off and on. Very few of our renters come from there. It's free advertising but our storage prospects don't usually go to CL when they're looking.
I have been the Manager here for three years, and I can remember only one customer that said they saw us on Craig's List. Google is by far the ave in which we get customers. Tired of wasting my time because some Guru says I should do this!!!!!
Craigslist is more about the area you're in than anything else. I've overseen some sites where in one state we'll have maybe 1-2 rentals a month come from 10+ craigslist posts per day and another site in a different state have over 30 rentals a month from craigslist. Even if you don't know they're coming from craigslist, unless you have a call tracker with a number specific to your craigslist ads to know the calls are coming from that source you may have some coming in and just not realize it. Here in a small college town i've literally had a person come in with a print out of the craigslist ad just last month.
I am in CA and craigslist works very well for us. I do about 30-40 listings at a time and every time I renew (every 3 days) I seem to get a call. Also its FREE and cant hurt. Good luck
Because our business has been around for over 30 years and we are a "mom and pop" sort of business the way we run things here. We don't get any leads from when we post on Craigslist or Facebook. Its all mostly from Driving by or Word of Mouth. Occasionally people will say they found us on Google or our Website
I've done well with Craigslist over the years for getting the small business guy who is just starting a business or is just considering leaving the home office and wants to consider self-storage. I also use it for the "crazy deal" type thing that lasts a short time and is dirt cheap rate...
I worked for a very professional storage company and we tried everything to get business from direct mail to Home Shows. I personally went door to door to every business in my neighborhood - with gifts and introductions. Results = ZERO. It was mostly drive bys, signage and curb appeal. On the internet it was Google.
^ totally agree SanSaba. Made me realize the value of street traffic, curb appeal and web presence. Couldn't buy a rental from chamber of commerce activities, flyer distribution, local business introductions, etc. Did nothing.
In any case I do use CL for advertising...even though it does next to nothing..if it's free it can not hurt.
Craigslist works well for us with our big 12x42 units they do not come available a lot but when they do we advertise on Craigslist and we usually have them rented within the day
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They've got Google and Siri to help them now.
Nextdoor: is a better option then Craig's list it is neighborhood orientated
In any case I do use CL for advertising...even though it does next to nothing..if it's free it can not hurt.