Driving self-storage growth with digital marketing & automation
A Storeganise case-study with Louise Stokes, Head of Digital at Swift Storage Australia
Company Information
- Company Name: Swift Storage
- Head Office: Australia
- Website: [https://swiftstorage.com.au/)
Introduction
The self-storage industry is evolving, and Swift Storage is leading the way in Australia with a digital-first, fully automated approach. Since launching in April 2022, the company has rapidly expanded to 12 locations, prioritizing technology, automation, and strategic marketing to scale efficiently. This blog explores the key strategies that have driven their success, offering insights for self-storage operators looking to grow their brand and optimize online sales.
It’s been a swift growth period since we opened our first site in April 2022. We’re now up to 12 sites and we’ve built the sites from scratch. Digitally enabled them through an access system. Ensured that all bookings and everything is processed online. So, it’s a digital first for Australia in terms of a totally contactless operator.
– Louise Stokes, Head of Digital, Swift Storage
Digital-first: A new approach to self-storage
Unlike traditional self-storage operations, Swift Storage was built from the ground up as a contactless, digital-first business. Key innovations include: -Automated online bookings – Customers can book, pay, and move in without speaking to a representative. -Integrated access systems – A fully cloud-based, API-driven system allows seamless self-service for customers. -Remote facility management – A central team of six manages multiple sites efficiently, reducing overhead costs. This approach has eliminated manual processes, allowing for rapid scalability while keeping operations lean.
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The power of strategic digital marketing
Building a new brand in a competitive industry requires a strong digital marketing strategy. Swift Storage focuses on:
-Google Ads & SEO – Targeting local search intent ensures high visibility when customers are actively looking for storage.
-Landing pages optimized for conversions – Users are guided from search results to the website to the booking portal efficiently.
-Paid advertising for hyper-local targeting – Ensuring that marketing spend is directed at areas with high storage demand.
Automating customer interactions for seamless bookings
To enhance customer experience and maximize conversions, Swift Storage leverages automation:
-Real-time pricing & availability – Customers see the latest unit availability through an intuitive online portal.
-Automated follow-ups – If a user abandons their booking, systems like Podium send reminders via SMS.
-Self-service onboarding – 60% of customers book and move in without ever contacting support.
60% of sales are online, no calls, no chatbots, just pure contactless online bookings
– Louise Stokes, Head of Digital, Swift Storage
Data-driven decision making for pricing & expansion
Understanding customer behavior is key to optimizing pricing and site performance:
-Tracking website visits vs. bookings helps identify where potential customers drop off.
-Competitor analysis ensures pricing remains competitive.
-Conversion rates per location help determine market demand and inform expansion strategies.
Swift Storage is not slowing down. With two more sites under construction and a third-party managed facility in Perth, the brand is extending its footprint while maintaining its automated, customer-first approach.
Conclusion: Lessons for self-storage operators
The success of Swift Storage highlights key takeaways for self-storage businesses looking to scale:
-Adopt a digital-first mindset – Automate as many processes as possible to enhance efficiency.
-Invest in targeted marketing – Paid advertising and SEO drive brand awareness in local markets.
-Leverage data & automation – Understanding user behavior and automating follow-ups boost conversions.
-Choose scalable technology – A cloud-based, API-driven platform ensures future growth.
For self-storage operators aiming to scale efficiently while optimizing online sales, automation, strategic marketing, and data-driven decision-making are the pillars of success. By embracing these strategies, businesses can achieve rapid growth while maintaining a seamless customer experience.