You’re preparing to open your brand new self storage business, and you don’t know where to begin with your marketing strategy. You do know that if you want to fill units, people have to be able to find you. Online presence is not an option, and choosing the right self storage website contract is a critical first step toward building a strong digital presence.
Staying within your budget can be challenging. However, cutting corners with a DIY or low-quality website can hurt your business in the long run. While you might save money upfront, you could lose customers and revenue over time. Asking the right questions now can help you to determine what type of site is right for your self storage business in the future.
The upside is that StorSuite has a list of questions to help you get the highest return on your investment. You need a high-converting, well-designed site that tells prospects who you are and why your facility is superior to the one down the street.
StorSuite’s website team has the expertise and experience to create a site that will be your ultimate first impression. We’ll provide you with a polished, custom-tailored, regularly-updated site that attracts renters and drives conversions.
Before you sign on the dotted line, take a look at the following questions.
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Self Storage Website Contract
Website Features and Functionality
Before signing a contract for a new self storage website, make sure you understand exactly what you’re buying and how the website will help your business grow. After all, a website should do more than just look nice. In many cases it’s the first impression that prospective renters have of your business. Here are the key questions to ask and why they matter.
1. Is the website built specifically for self storage?
Ask whether the website is designed for self storage operators or if it’s a general website template.
Why this matters:
Self storage customers want to see unit sizes, prices, availability, location details, access hours, security features, and online rental options. A generic website misses the details that help convert visitors into tenants.
2. Will the website connect to my facility management software?
Find out if the website can integrate with your property management system, payment tools, or online rental platform.
Why this matters:
A website that connects to your existing software can save you time and reduce manual work. It can also help customers see unit availability and complete online rentals.
3. Does the Website Support Online Rentals?
Ask whether the website supports online rentals.
Why this matters:
Today’s renters expect convenience. They should be able to take action whether they find your website at 1:00 PM or 1:00 AM. StorSuite websites make it easy to choose a unit, review the price, and complete the rental without friction.
4. How will the website help me show up on Google?
Ask what search engine optimization (SEO)is included.
Why this matters:
Even the most attractive website won’t drive move-ins if people can’t find it. StorSuite builds your site with local search in mind. Location pages, clear service areas, optimized page titles, fast loading speed, and relevant content work together to optimize your presence and attract high-intent traffic.
User Experience and Performance
5. Will the website be mobile-friendly?
Confirm that the website will work well on phones and tablets.
Why this matters:
Millions of searches occur on phones every day. If your website is hard to use on a small screen, slow to load, or difficult to navigate, you’re losing leads and opportunities.
6. How fast will the website load?
Ask about website speed and performance.
Why this matters:
Slow websites frustrate visitors and can hurt your search rankings. A fast website provides a better user experience that renters demand, making it easier to go from browsing to renting.
7. What pages are included?
Ask how many pages come with the website and what those pages will cover.
Why this matters:
At a minimum, your site may need a homepage, unit sizes, pricing or availability, location details, contact information, FAQs, features, and online rental pages. If you operate multiple facilities, you’ll need separate location pages.
8. Who writes the website content?
Find out whether the vendor writes the copy, expects you to provide it, or uses generic text.
Why this matters:
Your website content isn’t just a selling tool. It should attract high-quality buyers with solutions, information and value. Today’s consumers demand more. They want convenience and personalization. They should be able to see self storage as part of a lifestyle that can solve their problems and meet their needs. The StorSuite content team shows readers why they should rent from you and not somebody else.
9. Can I update the website myself?
Ask whether you will be able to make simple edits, such as changing hours, photos, promotions, or facility details.
Why this matters:
StorSuite provides you with access to edit basic content like text and images, enabling you to keep your website updated and accurate. We take care of the more complicated issues so that you don’t have to.
Pricing, Contracts, and Support
10. What is included in the monthly fee?
Ask for a clear breakdown of the setup cost, monthly cost, hosting, support, software, SEO, updates, and any extra fees.
Why this matters:
Some website contracts look affordable upfront but become expensive once you add basic features. StorSuite is fully transparent. You’ll know the full cost before you commit.
11. How long is the contract?
Review the contract length, renewal terms, cancellation policy, and any early termination fees.
Why this matters:
Make sure the terms give you enough flexibility. StorSuites offers a 12-month contract, and we answer all your questions before you sign.
12. Will the website include tracking and reporting?
Ask whether the site will track calls, form submissions, online rentals, traffic, and conversions.
Why this matters:
You need data to know whether your website is working. Reports can show how many people visit your site, where they come from, and how many become leads or renters.
13. Can the website support multiple locations?
If you own or plan to grow into more than one facility, ask whether the website can handle that.
Why this matters:
Your website should be able to grow with your business. Separate location pages can help each facility rank locally and give customers the specific information they need.
14. Will my website be secure?
Ask whether the website includes SSL, security updates, backups, and protection against common threats.
Why this matters:
A secure website protects your business and your customers. Renters need peace of mind because they’re entering personal information or making payments online.
15. What happens if I want to leave?
Ask what you can take with you if you cancel.
Why this matters:
You need to know whether you can keep your domain, content, photos, design files, analytics data, and website access. These questions should be asked before you sign the contract.
16. How will the website make it easy for renters to contact me?
Ask whether your phone number, address, contact form, map, and office hours will be easy to find.
Why this matters:
You’re attracting a variety of people. Some renters want to call. Others want directions. Others want to rent online. Your website should make each path simple.
Your Website is an Investment
At StorSuite your website isn’t just a design project; it’s your bottom line. We believe your website should help your business move faster. We build it to support the way today’s storage customers actually shop. Before you make a commitment, we want you to feel confident that the website will support your business goals.
Ask the right questions so that you know your website will work as hard as you do.
