The Latest Industry News

Search-by-amenity, geo-relevant sorting, and a fresh, friendly look help consumers find the most suitable self storage units near them, while intelligent web marketing tools keep facility owners geared to fill their spaces

Kansas City, KS – January 20, 2010 – After a successful run of its Beta website through Q4 2009, StorageFront (http://www.storagefront.com/) goes live February 1^st with its new self storage search engine and web marketing service. By cushioning the official launch three months, the independent website is able to incorporate findings from user feedback, call recordings, traffic statistics and lead conversions to offer a streamlined search engine for storage renters – complete with simplified user interface, advanced search, and geo-relevant results – and robust web marketing tools for facility owners.

Usability test results were very positive, with both renters and owners stating that the site is clean, accessible and informative. Respondents showed particularly positive reactions to the frank yet cartoony "Web 2.0” look.

"It's refreshing to land on a local-search site and not be bombarded by ads or unrelated businesses,” said Michael Glover, a resident of the Dallas area who reserved storage space via StorageFront. "I just wanted to get in, find the features I needed, and get out. StorageFront had all the information I was looking for, with none of the usual web directory clutter. I would recommend this site to anyone wants to find storage space.”

Storage facility owners who participated as product testers said that StorageFront appears to be a better and less expensive online marketing solution than competing solutions such as storage directories, marketing agencies, and yellow pages (print and online). Vendors who tested the site's display-advertising system also experienced click-through success, which can be attributed to StorageFront's sparing placement of ads in two hotspots per web page (left column and footer).

Unique visitor traffic to the website has climbed steadily at a rate of 290% month over month since the October Beta launch. The company credits the climb to intricate search engine optimization techniques (a complicated process that can take well over a year to fully index), plus a targeted Google AdWords pay-per-click campaign executed in the Texas test-market.

"I am nothing short of impressed with StorageFront's command of the technology, the tools available on the site, and the high personal level of service the company provides,” said Robert Francis, owner of three Plantation Self Storage locations and outgoing chairman of the national Self Storage Association (SSA). As an active user, Mr. Francis rented six storage units in the typically slow month of December via StorageFront's Beta website, and averaged 4.3 unique visitors to his sites per day.

Following February's launch, StorageFront will continue to progress its offerings in an effort to maximize the renter's search experience as well as to enhance the storage owner's visibility online—currently a learning curve for business owners in an industry that has long relied on traditional phone book and billboard advertising. StorageFront enhancements already slated for Q1 2010 include an advanced space-calculation widget that helps renters accurately select a suitable storage unit size and a Spanish-language search engine for the burgeoning Hispanic self storage niche.

StorageFront's positioning targets two distinct audiences in the self storage industry: residential and commercial consumers who need more space, and owners and managers of U.S. self storage facilities.

For Consumers: A Renter-friendly Search Engine

"The U.S. is one of the most consumer-driven countries in the world, but where to put it all? As Americans, we like our space almost as much as we like our stuff,” mused Marc Smith, StorageFront's Director of Business Development. "StorageFront is set to shine a new light on the self storage option. As the whole industry evolves from commodity space into specialty service, we're gearing up accordingly with a premium, precise search experience. Whether the consumer is moving, deploying, or just cleaning house, StorageFront puts mini storage front-and-center.”

Like web-based yellow pages, StorageFront specializes in local-area business search online. However, the company is sharply focused on the self storage industry specifically, enabling it to assemble tools and information that are uniquely relevant to the self storage shopper. For example, because renters most often choose facilities by location (typically within a two- to three-mile radius of home), directory features like geo-relevant results and visual mapping are essential to their nationwide search. Additional renter concerns include safety, accessibility and security, as well as business specialties like climate control and wine storage. StorageFront enables users to narrow their search by amenity.

StorageFront differs from other industry search engines in that it is much more than a database; the website provides depth and accuracy of content throughout, thanks in large part to the company's proactive sales and service team. Enhancements have been made to refine the relevancy of returned search results and improve the interactivity of maps. As a result, users can search by zip code, with fewer clicks and more flexibility.

What's more, StorageFront largely levels the playing field between facilities. Whether a storage business is comprised of one facility or a large national chain, the search engine shows everything that fits the renter's criteria, sorted by proximity. StorageFront currently lists over 40,000 locations—more than three quarters of the U.S. market. The complete storage facility directory can be viewed at http://www.storagefront.com/state-listing.

To reinforce the search engine as a self storage resource, StorageFront has kicked off a growing library of tools, tips and checklists. Well-researched topics range from antique wood furniture storage to RV winterization.

The front end of the website was designed to be extremely approachable and easy-to-use. Months of research revealed that although strong branding may be important to a market-specific search engine, affable feel and usability are essential. Thus StorageFront sidestepped the utilitarian look that is typical of industry directories for a friendlier, renter-centric feel. The site assimilates today's "standards and best practices” in web design to suit an audience that is largely female, lightly web savvy, and often relocating. Other design considerations included slower connection speeds, consumers with poor eyesight, and conservative commercial audiences.

To ensure that renters search StorageFront first, the company will continue to employ advanced search engine optimization and marketing. Complementary marketing, networking and promotional techniques will further boost exposure. By focusing marketing dollars on the renter more than the owner, StorageFront will draw more qualified shopper traffic to the owner and thus become the industry's leading search directory and web marketing resource.

For Storage Owners: More Manageable Marketing

"With StorageFront.com, we believe we have set the bar for online marketing in the self storage industry,” said Rich Cray, President of StorageFront. "On the front end, the website appears singly resourceful and inviting to the prospective renter, thanks to our first-rate search, smart tools and helpful reference materials. But on the admin side, the interface is actually a self storage owner's dream—especially if he/she isn't well versed in the complexities and costs of online marketing. StorageFront covers the applied web marketing gamut – from informative website layouts to search engine optimization to call tracking and trending – at an extremely competitive price. But most importantly: it generates rentals.”

Subscription packages on StorageFront range from $0.00/month for a "Basic” listing to $69.95/month for a "Priority Track” marketing suite, per facility. Optional premium services (such as Google AdWords management or virtual tours) are bid by project. "Competing services can run many hundreds of dollars, with premium services easily putting owners into the thousand-dollars-per-month column,” added Mr. Cray. "We suspect that's the main reason our Beta testers responded so positively to our offerings: StorageFront can pay for itself with just one rental.”

The Basic ($0.00) package includes a directory listing and a web page with address, phone, map, and driving directions. Owners can opt to "verify” a listing by confirming accuracy by phone. They can also tag their state and national association affiliations for added credibility. "We consider the zero-dollar price tag a ‘community service' to both owners and renters, as it assures a comprehensive list of stores in a given area,” Mr. Cray said.

 

Priority ($29.95) and Priority Track ($69.95) suites provide owners with a toolchest of aesthetic and functional enhancements over the free package. For one, the listings rank higher in the directory and show more detail (logo, tagline, map marker, and up to ten amenities that feed the advanced search function). For another, subscribers' websites are packed with particulars like property photos, unit sizes, descriptions, and hours of operation. Moreover, the page layout is strategically arranged to capture the lead, down to the prominent coupon in the top fold. Prospective renters can inquire, reserve, get directions, print or share with one click.

For the owner, setup appears easy; no design or coding experience is necessary to get custom page(s) up and running. The owner selects a design template that suits his brand, uploads a logo, and fills in the blanks. For owners of multiple locations, a "super admin” area supports control over many sites, including employee permission settings. Once the site is up, StorageFront drives local search engine optimization and pay-per-click.

The key selling point of the Priority Track suite appears to be the vast amount of information it puts at the fingertips of business owners. Most notably, a unique phone number is assigned which not only times calls but also records them. A facility owner can log in from anywhere and listen to entire sales calls on his PC or iPhone.

Web page data like unique-visitor traffic and call-to-action buttons are also tracked, then charted graphically in a marketing statistics dashboard. Owners can even opt to be notified via email the moment a new web lead or call comes in, which many Beta testers found useful for training managers to convert prospects to renter occupants.

A product chart comparing Basic, Priority and Priority Track is at http://www.storagefront.com/owner-benefits.

StorageFront runs entirely on open-source software in "the Internet cloud,” thus requiring no expensive infrastructure or software installation/updates by the storage owner. The database is powered by a proprietary programming language used to build data models with formal methods; the interface is powered by a specialized framework for building fast and secure websites. To prevent data loss and to protect sensitive information from hackers, StorageFront is protected 24/7 on a PCI-compliant dedicated server in a tier IV data center, backed up hourly. The restoration process is tested weekly.

From StorageFront's perspective, February's official website launch is just the beginning. "We'll continue to improve our tools and user interface based on the needs of both renters and facility owners,” concluded Mr. Cray. Plans currently include integration of application programming interfaces (APIs) to bridge the gap between marketing and operations, as well as a "how-to” resource library tailored to the self storage marketplace.

"Storage owners have become a hot target for marketing businesses, both because the self storage industry is becoming saturated – forcing facilities to compete harder for renters – and because the industry fares relatively well through economic slumps. But with so many different voices plugging ‘Google this' and ‘Tweet that,' it can be difficult for owners to decipher what really works for storage these days,” advised Carrie Royce, VP Marketing for StorageFront. "That's why it is our pride and singular purpose at StorageFront to fully understand this marketplace and the web's increasing role in it. As experts of both self storage marketing and online innovation, we endeavor to help owners better navigate their opportunities and penetrate the web—affordably.”

About StorageFront.com

StorageFront (http://www.storagefront.com/) launched in 2009 as an independent online marketing resource for the self storage industry—which now numbers over 50,000 facilities nationwide and continues to appeal to the American population. A bilingual search engine and marketing portal, StorageFront serves both storage owners and renters with an advanced, dynamic directory that currently comprises U.S. storage facilities. StorageFront is based in Kansas City, Kansas, and employs several specialists in development, sales and marketing disciplines.

 

Contacts:

Rich Cray, President

Direct Line 913-469-0997

rich.cray@storagefront.com

Carrie Royce, VP Marketing

Direct Line 785-393-7370

carrie.royce@storagefront.com

Search-by-amenity, geo-relevant sorting, and a fresh, friendly look help consumers find the most suitable self storage units near them, while intelligent web marketing tools keep facility owners geared to fill their spaces

Kansas City, KS – January 20, 2010 – After a successful run of its Beta website through Q4 2009, StorageFront (http://www.storagefront.com/) goes live February 1^st with its new self storage search engine and web marketing service. By cushioning the official launch three months, the independent website is able to incorporate findings from user feedback, call recordings, traffic statistics and lead conversions to offer a streamlined search engine for storage renters – complete with simplified user interface, advanced search, and geo-relevant results – and robust web marketing tools for facility owners.

Usability test results were very positive, with both renters and owners stating that the site is clean, accessible and informative. Respondents showed particularly positive reactions to the frank yet cartoony "Web 2.0” look.

"It's refreshing to land on a local-search site and not be bombarded by ads or unrelated businesses,” said Michael Glover, a resident of the Dallas area who reserved storage space via StorageFront. "I just wanted to get in, find the features I needed, and get out. StorageFront had all the information I was looking for, with none of the usual web directory clutter. I would recommend this site to anyone wants to find storage space.”

Storage facility owners who participated as product testers said that StorageFront appears to be a better and less expensive online marketing solution than competing solutions such as storage directories, marketing agencies, and yellow pages (print and online). Vendors who tested the site's display-advertising system also experienced click-through success, which can be attributed to StorageFront's sparing placement of ads in two hotspots per web page (left column and footer).

Unique visitor traffic to the website has climbed steadily at a rate of 290% month over month since the October Beta launch. The company credits the climb to intricate search engine optimization techniques (a complicated process that can take well over a year to fully index), plus a targeted Google AdWords pay-per-click campaign executed in the Texas test-market.

"I am nothing short of impressed with StorageFront's command of the technology, the tools available on the site, and the high personal level of service the company provides,” said Robert Francis, owner of three Plantation Self Storage locations and outgoing chairman of the national Self Storage Association (SSA). As an active user, Mr. Francis rented six storage units in the typically slow month of December via StorageFront's Beta website, and averaged 4.3 unique visitors to his sites per day.

Following February's launch, StorageFront will continue to progress its offerings in an effort to maximize the renter's search experience as well as to enhance the storage owner's visibility online—currently a learning curve for business owners in an industry that has long relied on traditional phone book and billboard advertising. StorageFront enhancements already slated for Q1 2010 include an advanced space-calculation widget that helps renters accurately select a suitable storage unit size and a Spanish-language search engine for the burgeoning Hispanic self storage niche.

StorageFront's positioning targets two distinct audiences in the self storage industry: residential and commercial consumers who need more space, and owners and managers of U.S. self storage facilities.

For Consumers: A Renter-friendly Search Engine

"The U.S. is one of the most consumer-driven countries in the world, but where to put it all? As Americans, we like our space almost as much as we like our stuff,” mused Marc Smith, StorageFront's Director of Business Development. "StorageFront is set to shine a new light on the self storage option. As the whole industry evolves from commodity space into specialty service, we're gearing up accordingly with a premium, precise search experience. Whether the consumer is moving, deploying, or just cleaning house, StorageFront puts mini storage front-and-center.”

Like web-based yellow pages, StorageFront specializes in local-area business search online. However, the company is sharply focused on the self storage industry specifically, enabling it to assemble tools and information that are uniquely relevant to the self storage shopper. For example, because renters most often choose facilities by location (typically within a two- to three-mile radius of home), directory features like geo-relevant results and visual mapping are essential to their nationwide search. Additional renter concerns include safety, accessibility and security, as well as business specialties like climate control and wine storage. StorageFront enables users to narrow their search by amenity.

StorageFront differs from other industry search engines in that it is much more than a database; the website provides depth and accuracy of content throughout, thanks in large part to the company's proactive sales and service team. Enhancements have been made to refine the relevancy of returned search results and improve the interactivity of maps. As a result, users can search by zip code, with fewer clicks and more flexibility.

What's more, StorageFront largely levels the playing field between facilities. Whether a storage business is comprised of one facility or a large national chain, the search engine shows everything that fits the renter's criteria, sorted by proximity. StorageFront currently lists over 40,000 locations—more than three quarters of the U.S. market. The complete storage facility directory can be viewed at http://www.storagefront.com/state-listing.

To reinforce the search engine as a self storage resource, StorageFront has kicked off a growing library of tools, tips and checklists. Well-researched topics range from antique wood furniture storage to RV winterization.

The front end of the website was designed to be extremely approachable and easy-to-use. Months of research revealed that although strong branding may be important to a market-specific search engine, affable feel and usability are essential. Thus StorageFront sidestepped the utilitarian look that is typical of industry directories for a friendlier, renter-centric feel. The site assimilates today's "standards and best practices” in web design to suit an audience that is largely female, lightly web savvy, and often relocating. Other design considerations included slower connection speeds, consumers with poor eyesight, and conservative commercial audiences.

To ensure that renters search StorageFront first, the company will continue to employ advanced search engine optimization and marketing. Complementary marketing, networking and promotional techniques will further boost exposure. By focusing marketing dollars on the renter more than the owner, StorageFront will draw more qualified shopper traffic to the owner and thus become the industry's leading search directory and web marketing resource.

For Storage Owners: More Manageable Marketing

"With StorageFront.com, we believe we have set the bar for online marketing in the self storage industry,” said Rich Cray, President of StorageFront. "On the front end, the website appears singly resourceful and inviting to the prospective renter, thanks to our first-rate search, smart tools and helpful reference materials. But on the admin side, the interface is actually a self storage owner's dream—especially if he/she isn't well versed in the complexities and costs of online marketing. StorageFront covers the applied web marketing gamut – from informative website layouts to search engine optimization to call tracking and trending – at an extremely competitive price. But most importantly: it generates rentals.”

Subscription packages on StorageFront range from $0.00/month for a "Basic” listing to $69.95/month for a "Priority Track” marketing suite, per facility. Optional premium services (such as Google AdWords management or virtual tours) are bid by project. "Competing services can run many hundreds of dollars, with premium services easily putting owners into the thousand-dollars-per-month column,” added Mr. Cray. "We suspect that's the main reason our Beta testers responded so positively to our offerings: StorageFront can pay for itself with just one rental.”

The Basic ($0.00) package includes a directory listing and a web page with address, phone, map, and driving directions. Owners can opt to "verify” a listing by confirming accuracy by phone. They can also tag their state and national association affiliations for added credibility. "We consider the zero-dollar price tag a ‘community service' to both owners and renters, as it assures a comprehensive list of stores in a given area,” Mr. Cray said.

 

Priority ($29.95) and Priority Track ($69.95) suites provide owners with a toolchest of aesthetic and functional enhancements over the free package. For one, the listings rank higher in the directory and show more detail (logo, tagline, map marker, and up to ten amenities that feed the advanced search function). For another, subscribers' websites are packed with particulars like property photos, unit sizes, descriptions, and hours of operation. Moreover, the page layout is strategically arranged to capture the lead, down to the prominent coupon in the top fold. Prospective renters can inquire, reserve, get directions, print or share with one click.

For the owner, setup appears easy; no design or coding experience is necessary to get custom page(s) up and running. The owner selects a design template that suits his brand, uploads a logo, and fills in the blanks. For owners of multiple locations, a "super admin” area supports control over many sites, including employee permission settings. Once the site is up, StorageFront drives local search engine optimization and pay-per-click.

The key selling point of the Priority Track suite appears to be the vast amount of information it puts at the fingertips of business owners. Most notably, a unique phone number is assigned which not only times calls but also records them. A facility owner can log in from anywhere and listen to entire sales calls on his PC or iPhone.

Web page data like unique-visitor traffic and call-to-action buttons are also tracked, then charted graphically in a marketing statistics dashboard. Owners can even opt to be notified via email the moment a new web lead or call comes in, which many Beta testers found useful for training managers to convert prospects to renter occupants.

A product chart comparing Basic, Priority and Priority Track is at http://www.storagefront.com/owner-benefits.

StorageFront runs entirely on open-source software in "the Internet cloud,” thus requiring no expensive infrastructure or software installation/updates by the storage owner. The database is powered by a proprietary programming language used to build data models with formal methods; the interface is powered by a specialized framework for building fast and secure websites. To prevent data loss and to protect sensitive information from hackers, StorageFront is protected 24/7 on a PCI-compliant dedicated server in a tier IV data center, backed up hourly. The restoration process is tested weekly.

From StorageFront's perspective, February's official website launch is just the beginning. "We'll continue to improve our tools and user interface based on the needs of both renters and facility owners,” concluded Mr. Cray. Plans currently include integration of application programming interfaces (APIs) to bridge the gap between marketing and operations, as well as a "how-to” resource library tailored to the self storage marketplace.

"Storage owners have become a hot target for marketing businesses, both because the self storage industry is becoming saturated – forcing facilities to compete harder for renters – and because the industry fares relatively well through economic slumps. But with so many different voices plugging ‘Google this' and ‘Tweet that,' it can be difficult for owners to decipher what really works for storage these days,” advised Carrie Royce, VP Marketing for StorageFront. "That's why it is our pride and singular purpose at StorageFront to fully understand this marketplace and the web's increasing role in it. As experts of both self storage marketing and online innovation, we endeavor to help owners better navigate their opportunities and penetrate the web—affordably.”

About StorageFront.com

StorageFront (http://www.storagefront.com/) launched in 2009 as an independent online marketing resource for the self storage industry—which now numbers over 50,000 facilities nationwide and continues to appeal to the American population. A bilingual search engine and marketing portal, StorageFront serves both storage owners and renters with an advanced, dynamic directory that currently comprises U.S. storage facilities. StorageFront is based in Kansas City, Kansas, and employs several specialists in development, sales and marketing disciplines.

 

Contacts:

Rich Cray, President

Direct Line 913-469-0997

rich.cray@storagefront.com

Carrie Royce, VP Marketing

Direct Line 785-393-7370

carrie.royce@storagefront.com

Omaha, NE Feb. 19, 2010 – USstoragesearch.com announces the completion of a comprehensive integration into all of the storage industry's main property management systems. This integration makes USstoragesearch.com the only online storage network that integrates with all major self-storage management systems in the industry.

Effective immediately, USstoragesearch.com's online network integrates with these property management softwares: Centershift STORE, SiteLink PC, SiteLink Web, DOMICO, Syrasoft, Storage Commander, StorMan, Symbio, Task Master, Total Recall and WinSen.

Any USstoragesearch.com member facility using one of the above property management systems now has a seamless way to display available inventory and secure online reservations via the USstoragesearch.com website, http://www.usstoragesearch.com/.

Through the USstoragesearch.com online reservation network, facilities can offer their customers a real-time inventory of available storage units, pricing and specials, 24hours a day, seven days a week. Reservations are confirmed by credit card and delivered in real-time through their property management system.

USstoragesearch.com completed the integration in partnership with the ISSN Network, creating custom development for certain softwares that did not yet allow for online reservations. With this comprehensive integration, nearly all storage facilities can fairly compete for the storage customer's secure online reservations.

USstoragesearch.com Executive Vice President, Megan Eckert explained, "We've been able to customize a solution which gets around the built-in limitations within some softwares. This is good for our industry and opens our online reservation network to storage operators who have been waiting for the same convenient access to real time reservations as everyone else.”

##

About USstoragesearch.com

Established in 2004, USstoragesearch.com is the self-storage industry leader with the longest running and largest storage directory, featuring over 12,000 member facilities and more than 2.8 million storage units nationwide. Storage customers using the USstoragesearch.com online reservation network search real-time available storage units by facility location, unit size, property features and specials. Customers have an easy way to find, compare and securely reserve storage by credit card in minutes. These real-time reservations have been proven to convert to paying rentals for member facilities more than 90% of the time. USstoragesearch.com is a trusted storage partner; serving the storage industry with aggressive and cost-effective marketing. Visit USstoragesearch.com at http://www.usstoragesearch.com/.

San Diego, CA – February 19, 2010 – A-1 Self Storage, the premier provider of self storage in California, announced today their partnership with Coastal Recycling Centers to offer free E-Waste Recycling to the public. Thirteen A-1 Self Storage locations in San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Bay Area have become authorized Green Spot Drop-Off Locations for the collection of old ink and toner cartridges, cell phones, computers, monitors and other electronic waste.

"A-1 Self Storage is proud to be involved with the proper disposal of E-Waste recyclables. This benefits our environment and reduces waste in landfills” Brian Caster, President and CEO of A-1 Self Storage explained, "As part of our commitment to our communities; all proceeds will benefit local schools.”

Coastal Recycling Centers provide recycling for E-Waste equipment and materials for California. For more information about Coastal Recycling Centers or to find a nearby Green Spot Drop-Off Location, please visit. http://coastalrecyclingcenters.com/ or http://www.greenspotdropoff.org/lookuprunner/index.php.

For more information about A-1 Self Storage, please visit http://www.a1storage.com/.

About A-1 Self Storage:

A-1 Self Storage is one of the leading providers of self storage in San Diego with 17 locations in the greater San Diego area and over 40 locations across California. A-1 is the Self Storage division of the Caster Companies, a third generation family-owned company headquartered in Southern California since 1959. The Caster Companies specializes in acquisitions, development and management of A-1 Self Storage, and other commercial properties in California. Its Real Estate Portfolio includes over 4 million square feet in real estate properties. It is one of California's fastest growing companies.

CONTACTS:

Fran Laporga-Ching

A-1 Self Storage

(619) 287-8873 x 141

press@a1storage.com

http://www.a1storage.com/

February 10, 2010 - MiniCo Publishing announced yesterday that its next webinar will cover the self-storage pro forma. The webinar, "Understanding a Self-Storage Pro Forma," will be presented by Mike Parham of Noah's Ark Development, a subsidiary of the Parham Group. Parham will cover the following topics:

• how to analyze a pro forma overall
• anticipated development variables
• normal operating expenses
• how to determine the cost of development
• how to determine the future fair market value

The Parham Group, including Maverick Investments, NDS Construction, Cross Metal Buildings, and Joshua Management, as well as Noah's Ark Development, is sponsoring the webinar. As is usual for MiniCo Publishing's webinars, Publisher Poppy Behrens will moderate the discussion. The webinar is free, but online registration is required.

Mike Parham, the presenter for the webinar, founded Noah's Ark Development and is its President. Noah's Ark Development specializes in self-storage consulting, market analysis, site and unit mix planning, economic feasibility planning, third party developing, chain developments, joint ventures, and financing. Parham is also the developer and general partner for the Noah's Ark Self-Storage businesses, having developed 3.2 million square feet of self-storage space for the chain. Parham is also the CEO and President of NDS Construction, which is a general contractor specializing in self-storage design and construction. NDS Construction has designed and built over 7 million square feet of self-storage space nationwide.

This webinar is one is a series presented by MiniCo Publishing. Other upcoming webinars in the series include:

• "Above the Roof, Below the Roof: Making Money on Both Sides," a webinar to be presented by Baja Construction Co., Inc., on using solar panels on a self-storage facilities roof to generate additional revenue for the facility, to be presented on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at 1 pm ET/ 12 pm CT/ 11 am MT/ 10 am PT
• "Marketing Strategy vs. Tactics -- a Game-Changing Distinction for Our Industry," a marketing webinar to be presented by Derek Naylor of Storage Marketing Solutions on Wednesday, March 24, at 1 pm ET/ 12 pm CT/ 11 am MT/ 10 am PT

MiniCo Publishing is part of MiniCo, Inc. It publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger,a leading monthly self-storage trade magazine. MiniCo Publishing, which was founded in 1974, also produces Self-Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac,the Self-Storage Development Handbook and the Self-Storage Buyer's Guide. 

02/09/10 -- StorQuest Self Storage is offering La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta and Tujunga Canyon mud-slide victims free self-storage space for two months throughout Los Angeles County to facilitate a quick and easy evacuation process. As mud levels rise throughout the community and local residents are being forced to quickly flee their homes, StorQuest is providing these individuals a safe haven to protect their valuables.

At several points the slides have become so intense, the community has been rudely awakened to thunderous noises coming from the sound of mud sliding off the canyons. "Rocks and boulders have covered the streets, mud has been flooding into homes and burying individual's belongings. Nobody in the community was really prepared for this sort of destruction," states Brianne Llewellyn, Sunland resident.

More than 500 homes have been evacuated as mud and debris flow down the mountain, overflowing basins and flooding the local region. The La Canada Flintridge area witnessed the devastation of 43 homes damaged by the occurrence of mudslides throughout the past week.

The area is expecting heavy rain again this evening, and rivers of mud coming off the mountain. For more relief information or to find a convenient StorQuest Self Storage location in Los Angeles County contact (800) 900-4644 or visit us online at http://www.storquest.com/

About StorQuest Self Storage

StorQuest is the operating brand name of storage facilities developed and operated by The William Warren Group, Inc. StorQuest provides temporary or long-term storage for personal or business needs. The company offers clean and secure units at affordable rates. StorQuest also provides a full line of packing supplies and maintains 10 locations throughout Los Angeles County and 47 locations in the United States. For more information about StorQuest - contact us at (800) 900-4644 or visit http://www.storquest.com/.

Contact:
Michelle Bakva
(800) 900-4644
http://www.storquest.com/ 

PhoneSmart Director Tron Jordheim recently completed a poll on the professional social network LinkedIn to help determine why professional people choose self storage facilities. The poll asked, "If you are using or have used self storage, why did you choose one facility over another?”

517 LinkedIn members responded. Of these, an overwhelming 50% chose their self storage facility because it was conveniently located. 11% chose a facility that was recommended to them by someone else. 12% picked their storage location because they liked the features and amenities. Another 12% picked their self storage facility because that facility was neat and tidy. Only 13% chose their storage unit because it was at the lowest priced facility.

Tron Jordheim, PhoneSmart Director said, "This poll should help calm some fears that price is the only consideration when people are looking for storage storage units. Our sales reps at PhoneSmart talk to a lot of people who seem concerned about price. But after talking to them you find that what they really want is a convenient location or a great value. A great value is not the same as a low price.” The PhoneSmart poll has busted the myth that price is more important to a consumer than location.

Mr. Jordheim continued to say, "This poll should also tell storage owners that lowering prices is not the solution for slower business.The solution for slower business is to have people with improved sales skills talking to potential customers. People with great sales skills can build value from a convenient location, a clean and tidy property, a good list of amenities and a good recommendation. People with weak sales skills can only offer price concessions. Price concessions kill businesses.”

PhoneSmart off-site sales force is a self storage marketing company that offers off-site sales support and sales training services to clients all across North America in English and Spanish. For more information go to http://www.phone-smart.info/.

A-1 Self Storage Proudly Installs Additional 24 Hour Self-Service

INSOMNIAC™ 900 Kiosks!

A-1 Self Storage Installs New INSOMNIAC™ 900 Kiosks by Open Tech Alliance, Inc. at Chula Vista and La Mesa – Spring St. Locations in San Diego.

San Diego, CA – February 1, 2010 – A-1 Self Storage, the premier provider of self storage in San Diego, CA, announced today the installation of new INSOMNIAC™ 900 self-service kiosks open 24/7 at their Chula Vista and La Mesa – Spring St. locations, plus plans to install more kiosks in the coming months.

Brian Caster, President and CEO of A-1 Self Storage explained, "We feel adding the convenience of 24 hour self-kiosks at our facilities is a real competitive advantage. By integrating this new on-site service with our call center and website we are making it very easy for our customers to do business with us. It also helps us rent more units when our competitors are closed.”

These INSOMNIAC™ 900 self-service kiosks by Open Tech Alliance, Inc. enable customers to rent a space, buy a lock or pay their rent at their own convenience, 24 hours a day. In addition, customers are able to speak to a Storage Consultant at A-1 Self Storage's Call Center. For more information, please visit http://www.opentechalliance.com/.

For more information about all A-1 Self Storage kiosk locations, please visit:

24 Hour Rental/Payment Kiosks:

http://www.a1storage.com/we_are_always_open

About A-1 Self Storage:

A-1 Self Storage is one of the leading providers of self storage in San Diego with 17 locations in the greater San Diego area and over 40 locations across California. A-1 is the Self Storage division of the Caster Companies, a third generation family-owned company headquartered in Southern California since 1959. The Caster Companies specializes in acquisitions, development and management of A-1 Self Storage, and other commercial properties in California. Its Real Estate Portfolio includes over 4 million square feet in real estate properties. It is one of California's fastest growing companies.

CONTACTS:

Fran Laporga-Ching

A-1 Self Storage

(619) 287-8873 x 141

press@a1storage.com

http://www.a1storage.com/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 25, 2010

Contact: Christa Van Zant, Marketing Manager

800-528-1056 · Fax 602-308-6368 · cvanzant@minico.com · www.minico.com

MINICO OFFERS SUBSCRIPTION DISCOUNT TO CALIFORNIA SELF STORAGE ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

 

PHOENIX, ARIZ. – As part of an agreement with the California Self Storage Association (CSSA), MiniCo Publishing now offers association members a significant discount on subscriptions to digital edition of the company's Mini-Storage Messenger magazine. Regularly priced at $21.95 per year, CSSA members may purchase annual subscriptions to the digital magazine for just $12.95. CSSA members currently receive MiniCo Publishing's Self-Storage Now! magazine as a member benefit.

To purchase a subscription to the digital edition of Mini-Storage Messenger, CSSA members should call MiniCo Publishing at 800-352-4636 and request the discounted rate.

MiniCo Publishing, a division of MiniCo, Inc., publishes the Mini-Storage Messenger, the leading monthly trade magazine covering the global self-storage industry. Other publications include Self-Storage Now!, Mobile Self-Storage Magazine, RV & Boat Storage Today, Self-Storage Canada, the Self-Storage Almanac, the Self-Storage Development Handbook, and the Self‑Storage Buyer's Guide.

Since 1974, Phoenix-based MiniCo, Inc. has been a self-storage leader providing superior specialty insurance programs, informative publications and valuable products and services created expressly for the self‑storage industry.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHONESMART CELEBRATES 600,000 LEADS FOR SELF STORAGE INDUSTRY

January 4, 2010 -- PhoneSmart announces writing their 600,000th lead/reservation. Tearrance "Ted” Chisholm, a PhoneSmart sales representative, has secured the momentous lead. "I feel honored to have taken the 600,000th lead. Sometimes as sales representatives we get so caught up in serving the individual caller without stopping to think about the bigger picture. It can be overwhelming.”

Though a shifty economy has left many businesses with an unsure vision of the future, Dana Shields, Call Center Director, is confident that PhoneSmart’s success will continue. "In the beginning, it took PhoneSmart almost 3 years to hit 100,000 leads. From 500,000 to 600,000, it only took us 10 months! It gives us hope that we can tackle anything the economy throws at us and still come out ahead.”

PhoneSmart, established in December of 2000, specializes in generating rental leads for an international network of self storage companies. For nearly ten years, now, PhoneSmart has been handling overflow inbound calls for StorageMart and over 600 additional self storage facilities. By generating reliable rental leads, PhoneSmart hopes to turn potential business into actual business for itself and its clients.

Looking forward, the bilingual call center employees plan to hold themselves to their central motto: "You don’t spend money with us; you make money with us.”

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For more information:

Tron Jordheim
PO BOX U
Columbia, Missouri 65202
Ph: 866-309-1715