Is your storage business struggling to generate more leads? Whilst homemover and property data is what we are known for, we can now supply you with planning application data.
A lucrative revenue stream for storage companies
Focusing on those applying for planning alteration may open up an additional revenue stream for you, allowing you to capture a new customer base. This is a niche approach, so concentrating on this specific target audience can set you apart in the crowded storage sector. With 500,000 planning applications submitted per year, this is a strong target audience for storage companies to go after.
Our data can drill right down to the nature of the extension and the size of it. You can suggest the optimal storage size that matches their requirements, along with assessing whether a storage unit with temperature control might be necessary. You can customise your advice as well as your storage solution for the homeowner. Advice you can offer includes how to pack and protect their items during transit and storage, which may differ depending on the room they’re renovating. It also gives you insight into how long the extension may take to complete, so you can recommend storage durations. It may give you an idea of whether to suggest add-on services including packing, loading and unloading assistance. The size and scope of the extension can also give you an insight into the homeowners likely budget.
How to market your storage services to those seeking house alterations
Homeowners undergoing an extension or applying for house alterations often find themselves in need of additional storage space. There are some significant benefits for the homeowner to hire out a storage unit during such a big upheaval. This is something that may not have initially crossed the homeowner’s mind when embarking on an extension project. By explaining the benefits, you can introduce the concept to help them recognise the potential convenience of storage space and how it can contribute to the seamless progression of their extension project.
The benefits are:
- To protect belongings:
With construction work comes dust and debris – and a lot of it! Homeowners may opt for storage space to protect their valuables, especially if they lack space elsewhere in their homes.
- To free up space and speed up the project:
Undergoing any home construction temporarily reduces the available living space. With belongings stored off-site, construction work can progress without interruption. Workers can focus on tasks without constantly moving, protecting items or navigating around obstacles. If you can sell your customers the benefits of storage space speeding up the construction phase, this will be music to their ears! Items may also pose a safety risk. Clearing out the space allows the tradesmen to carry out their work efficiently, effectively and, above all, safely.
- To keep valuable items secure:
Homeowners may have valuable or highly sentimental belongings. Some people are not comfortable having builders and other trades coming into their homes or having keys to their property. For peace of mind, they may prefer to store these items in a secure location. Some homemovers will opt to move out altogether during an extension, especially if it involves significant construction. These homeowners may feel more comfortable having their prized possessions safely stored away offsite while they’re living elsewhere.
- To prevent any accidental damage:
Accidents and collisions can easily occur on construction sites and items can become damaged as a result. What’s more, construction work can expose the interior to outdoor elements such as rain and humidity. This could cause warping or mould on furniture; something homeowners may not have considered. Self-storage units will prevent belongings from being damaged and keep everything in pristine condition.
- To help to declutter:
Homemovers can move their current furnishings to a storage unit and then take time to consider what fits well into their new interior. This could potentially lead to long-term storage if they decide to buy new items and continue storing their old furniture and furnishings. A big win for your storage business! If their permission to extend is denied altogether, there is also the potential that they will require storage long-term due to a lack of living space.
Why is timing crucial?
Similar to our moving company marketing strategies for home movers, precise timing is crucial when using planning permission data. By strategically targeting customers at the optimal stage of their project, you can enhance your sales efforts. We are here to assist you in customising your marketing campaigns and delivering them at the opportune moment. This approach allows you to connect with these consumers precisely when they are making critical decisions about their projects. It is also wise to get your brand name out there when the homeowner is in the initial planning phase. You can then secure them as a customer when they’re ready to hire from you later down the line. Follow-up marketing will reinforce your brand and potentially lead to them converting into a customer.
We can fine-tune the data selection based on the specific type of application, with a primary focus on property extensions and their current status. Our analysis allows us to determine whether the extension is single or multiple-story, the purpose of the application, and its approval status. Adding another layer of data expertise, we refine our targeting to specifically reach consumers who exhibit the highest likelihood of engaging with your brand.
Final thoughts
Targeting those with planning permission can be a great strategy for storage businesses. This demographic is undergoing significant life changes and so your service becomes particularly relevant. Property alterations, renovations and extensions often require temporary relocation of furniture and belongings to allow construction work to go ahead. Those denied an extension may also require your services so they can declutter their homes and free up space that way. With circa 500K planning applications per year, homeowners with planning applications are a decent-sized audience to market to in order to generate new self-storage leads.
MoverAlerts marketing can provide data and tools to reach and convert this audience. To find out more, contact us today.
