Today’s smartphones are used for much more than making calls and sending messages. We use smartphones and mobile apps to do just about everything, from online banking and shopping to controlling thermostats and accessing hotel rooms. Mobile apps have become a staple in our everyday lives because they make a variety of functions faster, easier, and more convenient. With more than 7.2 billion smartphones world-wide, and smartphone users increasing year after year, it’s important to meet our customers and employees where they’re at by offering mobile-first solutions. 

What Are Mobile-First Solutions?

When we talk about mobile-first solutions in the context of self-storage, we're referring to the ability for both operators and tenants to perform a wide range of essential functions and interactions online through their smart devices. This goes beyond basic online transactions to encompass comprehensive management capabilities for operators and a fully self-service experience for tenants.

Mobile Solutions for the Operator

For a self-storage operator, mobile-first solutions include functions like remote entry, automated lock checks, authenticating access, and monitoring activity. Mobile-first solutions empower self-storage managers with unparalleled flexibility, allowing them to move beyond the confines of their desk and dedicate their time to strategic initiatives, proactive facility management, and even oversight of multiple locations.

Mobile Solutions for the Tenant

For self-storage tenants, mobile-first solutions deliver unparalleled convenience and control over their storage experience. This includes the ability to complete online rentals from anywhere; set up auto-payments for hassle-free billing; utilize a mobile app for facility and unit access, eliminating the need for physical keys; and easily engage in digital key sharing with trusted individuals. Tenants can complete the entire self-storage process, from initial rental to accessing their unit, all through their smart devices.

Examples of Mobile-First Solutions for Self-Storage Management:

1. Remote Entry: Offering Enhanced Control and Tenant Convenience

Implementing electronic locks and digital keys allows operators to manage facility access online, providing a significant upgrade from traditional methods. Imagine a tenant arriving after hours – with a mobile app, they can seamlessly open the gate and their unit door. This same technology empowers operators with remote control. If a tenant encounters an issue with access, you can troubleshoot and grant entry from anywhere, improving customer service. Beyond immediate assistance, remote entry provides operators with the flexibility to manage access for vendors or maintenance personnel without needing to be on-site. Furthermore, every access event is digitally logged, enhancing the security of your facility. For tenants, the convenience of keyless entry is a major draw, eliminating the hassle of physical keys. Sharing access with family or friends becomes a secure and straightforward process through the mobile app.

Key Benefits:

• For Operators: Increased flexibility, improved customer service through remote assistance, enhanced security with digital logs, streamlined access management for vendors.
• For Tenants: Keyless entry convenience, secure access, easy digital key sharing.

2. Activity Monitoring: Gaining Deeper Insights for Better Security and Operations

Mobile-first solutions provide operators with an automatic, detailed record of facility access. This activity log tracks when tenants and authorized users enter and exit, and crucially, it identifies the specific entry point – be it the gate, elevator, or individual unit door. This level of detail offers valuable insights into facility usage patterns, helping operators understand peak times and tenant flow. Moreover, it significantly enhances security by providing a clear audit trail that can help identify any unusual or unauthorized activity. Operators can also set up custom notifications and alerts on their smartphones to stay informed about important access events in real-time. Integration with smart security systems allows for the seamless viewing of camera footage, providing visual confirmation of access and bolstering overall security measures.

Key Benefits for Operators:

• Gain insights into facility usage patterns.
• Enhance security through detailed access logs.
• Receive real-time notifications for important access events.
• Integrate with camera systems for visual verification.

3. Facility Management: Streamlining Tasks and Elevating the Tenant Experience

Mobile apps are revolutionizing day-to-day facility management. When tenants can handle essential tasks like viewing unit availability, completing ID verification, signing lease agreements, and making payments all through their smartphones, it drastically reduces the administrative burden on operators. This automation frees up valuable time for staff to focus on other critical aspects of the business, such as tenant relations and facility maintenance. Functions like automated lock checks ensure unit security, while remote management of overlocks and unit releases simplifies operational processes. For tenants, this digital approach offers unparalleled convenience. They can manage their entire storage experience from anywhere, at any time, making the process seamless and efficient. This 24/7 self-service option significantly improves tenant satisfaction and can lead to higher occupancy rates due to the ease of renting and managing their storage unit.

Key Benefits:

• For Operators: Reduced administrative burden, streamlined operations through automation, improved efficiency in unit turnover.
• For Tenants: Convenient 24/7 self-service, easy online rental process, simplified account and payment management.

4. Implementing a Mobile-Optimized Website: The Cornerstone of Your Mobile-First Strategy

While the mobile app is a crucial component of mobile-first solutions, your self-storage facility's website serves as the foundational hub for attracting new tenants and providing essential information to both prospective and current customers. Property management software is indeed the engine that powers this online experience, enabling you to create a seamless and effective mobile presence. It's not just about having a website; it's about crafting an experience that caters specifically to mobile users, given that a significant portion of online interactions now occur on smartphones and tablets.

When designing or optimizing your website for a mobile-first approach, consider these key elements and their impact:

• Responsive Design: Ensuring Accessibility on Any Device: A responsive design automatically adjusts your website's layout and content to fit the screen size of any device, whether it's a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. This is critical for providing a consistent and user-friendly experience for everyone, regardless of how they access your site. For potential tenants, a responsive website means they can easily browse unit availability, view photos, and get all the information they need on the go. For existing tenants, it ensures they can access their account, make payments, and find contact information effortlessly from their mobile devices.
  
  
• Touch-Friendly Interfaces: Simplifying Navigation and Interaction: Mobile devices rely on touchscreens, so your website's navigation, buttons, and forms must be designed with this in mind. Large, easily tappable elements and intuitive navigation are essential for a smooth user experience. Tenants will appreciate being able to easily navigate through the rental process, access their account details, or find support information without frustration. For operators, if your staff uses tablets for on-site management, a touch-friendly interface will enhance their efficiency and ease of use.
  
  
• Fast Loading Speeds: Keeping Users Engaged and Reducing Bounce Rates: In the fast-paced mobile world, users expect websites to load quickly. Slow loading times can lead to frustration and a high bounce rate, meaning potential tenants might leave your site before even exploring your offerings. Optimizing images, minimizing code, and leveraging caching techniques are crucial for ensuring fast loading speeds. This benefits both prospective and current tenants by providing a seamless and efficient online experience.

By prioritizing mobile-first principles, powered by your property management software, you create an online environment that not only attracts more mobile users but also provides a superior experience that enhances tenant satisfaction and streamlines operations for your staff. This robust online presence is a key differentiator in today's competitive self-storage industry.

Ready to go mobile-first to increase occupancy and elevate the tenant experience at your facility?

Learn how our mobile-first platform helped The Claremont Companies achieve a 10% increase in online rentals by reading the case study below: