Consumers continue to rely heavily on Google when researching self storage options. For example, in Vancouver alone, there are approximately 40,000 to 50,000 monthly Google searches related to terms such as “self storage” and “storage units.” This significant search volume represents a substantial opportunity for self storage operators to attract new customers online.
At the same time, more consumers are turning to AI-powered platforms such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Copilot to conduct preliminary research. For example, a prospective customer may provide a list of items they plan to store and ask an AI tool what storage unit size they need. Appearing prominently in Google search results or being cited by AI-generated answers can help self storage facilities increase brand visibility, drive qualified website traffic, and generate more leads.
Below are several self storage SEO tips that can help improve online visibility and attract more customers.
Included Targeted Keywords in SEO Titles
Google continues to use page titles as an important ranking signal. If a webpage contains relevant phrases such as “business storage,” “small storage units,” or “drive-up storage,” it may be more likely to rank for searches related to those terms.
As a result, self storage facilities should include important keywords such as “self storage,” “storage units,” “vehicle storage,” or “drive-up storage” in their SEO titles whenever appropriate. Well-optimized page titles can help search engines better understand the content of a page and improve its visibility for relevant searches.
Gain and Maintain Positive Online Reviews and Mentions
Positive online reviews can help self storage facilities attract new customers, as many consumers read reviews on platforms such as Google Reviews, Yelp, and Facebook before making a decision.
Reviews may also influence visibility in AI-generated recommendations. Many AI platforms reference online reviews and business listings when identifying businesses to recommend. The more positive reviews and online mentions your facility receives, the more likely it is to be viewed as a trustworthy option by both consumers and AI systems.
Install Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools on the Website
Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools are free platforms that help website owners monitor search performance, identify technical issues, and improve website indexability.
If a webpage is not indexed, website owners can submit the URL through either platform and request indexing. While there is no guarantee that Google or Bing will index a page, submitting it can increase the likelihood that it will be discovered and reviewed.
In addition to traditional webmaster tools, Bing Webmaster Tools now provides AI performance insights that help businesses understand how their websites perform across Microsoft-powered AI experiences, including Copilot. Although the data is still evolving, it can provide valuable information about AI visibility and potential opportunities for improvement.
Ensure Your Website Pages Are Indexed
A webpage cannot rank in search results if it is not indexed. Occasionally, search engines may remove pages from their indexes due to technical issues, content quality concerns, or website configuration problems.
To check whether a page is indexed, use Google’s “site:” search operator. For example:
site:yourwebsite.com/page-url
If the page appears in the search results, it is likely indexed. The same approach can be used with Bing.
If a page is not indexed, submit it through Google Search Console or Bing Webmaster Tools and investigate any technical issues that may be preventing indexing.
Publish Helpful Content That Answers Customer Questions
One of the most effective SEO strategies for self storage facilities is creating content that answers common customer questions.
For example, consumers frequently search for questions such as:
- What size storage unit do I need for a two-bedroom condo?
- Can I store a mattress in a storage unit?
- How much does a storage unit cost?
- What can fit in a 5×10 storage unit?
Publishing informative articles that address these topics can help your website appear in traditional search results and increase its chances of being referenced by AI-generated answers.
While there is no guarantee that a blog post will be featured in Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, or other AI platforms, creating useful, informative content is one of the best ways to improve visibility and provide value to potential customers. As a general rule, content that helps customers tends to perform well over the long term.
If you have any questions about SEO for self storage want want help with SEO for your self storage website, please feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to help!
