Hibu Client Case Study: Northeast Storage

Overview

Northeast Storage is a locally and family-owned self-storage facility serving the Merrimack Valley in North Andover, Massachusetts. In a market dominated by large national chains, Northeast Storage sets itself apart with stable pricing, personalized service, and a free pickup offer for new renters. What they had built in reputation and reliability, however, didn’t show up where it mattered—online. Their digital presence was thin, their lead volume was inconsistent, and a wave of new competitors was on the horizon. Something had to change.

The Challenge

Mike Florance, owner of Northeast Storage, knew the facility needed an online presence, he just did not know where to start. "The knowledge and time it takes for us to do it ourself was overwhelming," he said. "We knew we had to be online, but we didn't know the first thing about how to do it." Leads were inconsistent, visibility was low, and doing nothing was not an option in a market where new storage facilities were actively building in the area. The challenge was not just about getting found. It was about getting found by the right people, building enough credibility online that when a potential renter landed on the website, the phone call or form fill actually followed. 

The Hibu Solution

Northeast Storage partnered with Hibu because from the very first conversation, they experienced local reps who actually listened. "They have local reps and really listen to our concerns to put together a better strategy to generate the leads we're looking for," Mike said. Their Hibu representative Allan Segal became a consistent presence, staying responsive to questions and updates as the program developed. What stood out beyond responsiveness was the forward-thinking approach. Allan sat down with the Northeast Storage team and walked them through how emerging technologies, including AI, would shape search visibility and lead generation going forward. "I also like the fact that Hibu is up to speed with the latest technology," Mike said. "Our rep sat down with us and explained the changes like AI and how that will improve our visibility to generate more clients." For a small family business navigating a fast-moving digital landscape, that kind of guidance was exactly what they needed.

The Results

Revenue at Northeast Storage has increased 25%, and the facility now runs at 90% occupancy. "We now have a consistent set of leads coming through which keeps our facility 90% full most of the time," Mike said. Customers tell him the new website is clean and professional, and the Hibu dashboard shows familiar names from people who found the facility online.

Just as important: Hibu helped Northeast Storage build its digital footprint before new competitors opened nearby. "Competition in this industry is crazy and Hibu has helped us stand out in our local area," Mike said. "I'm glad I'm working with Hibu. They created a great digital footprint for us before other new storage facilities built their buildings in our general vicinity."

Asked what he'd tell an owner who thinks word of mouth is enough, Mike said, "Are the jobs you're doing really what you want to be doing? Hibu puts us in front of the customers I'm looking for to fill my units. When they look at the website and reviews, that's what helps get the phone call or website form." His take: "My results are great, the rep is very responsive, and they give me peace of mind. I don't have to do anything except answer the phone or respond to the emails."

In 90 days, Hibu drove actionable leads to Northeast Storage:

• 80 Leads
• 721 Ad Clicks
• 1,279 Website Visits

Hibu is a leading provider of digital marketing solutions to local businesses across the US. With Hibu, your business has a truly integrated marketing program designed to increase your visibility online, drive visitors to your website and generate leads. Visit Hibu.com or call us at 855-409-6569 today to get more from your digital marketing.