Why Your GBP Matters
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is often the first impression potential renters have of your facility. It appears in:
- The Local Pack (top 3 map results)
- Google Maps searches
- Knowledge panels when someone searches your facility name
A complete, optimized GBP can mean the difference between appearing in the Local Pack and being invisible.
Here are the optimizations that have had the biggest impact across our 20+ facilities. GBP optimization is a key part of your broader SEO strategy for storage facilities.
1. Complete Every Single Field
This sounds obvious, but most profiles are incomplete. Fill out:
- Business name (exact legal name, no keyword stuffing)
- Address and service area
- Phone number
- Website URL
- Business hours (including special hours for holidays)
- Business description (750 characters max)
- Services offered
- Amenities (24-hour access, climate control, etc.)
Google rewards completeness. An 80% complete profile won't rank as well as a 100% complete one.
2. Choose the Right Categories
Your primary category should be "Self-storage facility." But don't stop there. Add relevant secondary categories:
- Storage facility
- Moving and storage service
- RV storage facility (if applicable)
- Boat storage facility (if applicable)
More relevant categories = more search visibility.
3. Upload Photos Weekly
Google tracks photo engagement. Profiles with fresh photos get more views and clicks.
What to upload:
- Exterior shots (different angles, different times of day)
- Interior hallways and units
- Security features (cameras, gates, keypads)
- Amenities (dollies, moving supplies for sale)
- Seasonal updates
Aim for at least one new photo per week. We've seen direct correlation between photo freshness and map ranking improvements.
4. Post Regularly with Google Posts
Google Posts appear in your profile and can influence rankings. Use them for:
- Current promotions (first month free, military discounts)
- Facility updates (new security features, expanded hours)
- Storage tips (seasonal content like "preparing items for storage")
Post weekly. Each post is active for 7 days, so consistent posting keeps your profile fresh.
While GBP drives organic visibility, paid advertising for storage facilities can complement these efforts for faster results.
5. Respond to Every Review
Review response rate matters. When you respond:
- Acknowledge positive reviews with genuine thanks
- Address negative reviews professionally and offer to resolve issues
- Include your facility name and location naturally in responses
Never argue with reviewers publicly. Take disputes offline with "Please call us at [number] so we can make this right."
6. Add Products/Services with Pricing
Use the Products section to list your unit sizes with pricing:
- 5x5 units - $XX/month
- 10x10 units - $XX/month
- Climate-controlled options
This gives searchers pricing information without leaving Google, and it makes your profile more comprehensive.
7. Monitor and Respond to Q&A
The Questions & Answers section appears on your profile. Monitor it:
- Answer questions promptly
- Seed common questions yourself (then answer them)
- Report spam or inappropriate questions
Common questions to seed:
- "What are your hours?"
- "Do you offer climate-controlled units?"
- "Is there 24-hour access?"
What Results to Expect
GBP optimizations can show results in 2-4 weeks. We typically see:
- Increased profile views
- More direction requests
- More calls directly from the listing
- Improved Local Pack rankings
The key is consistency. A one-time optimization helps, but ongoing activity is what maintains and improves rankings.
Need Help Managing Your GBP?
GBP management is one of our core services. Learn about our Google Business Profile management service, or contact us if you want someone to handle the weekly posts, photo updates, and review responses for you.