Case Study
Uplift Self Storage
Uplift Self Storage partnered with KC Media Team to capture high-resolution drone flyovers, ground photos, and a custom promo video with callouts. Our strategy helped them showcase their ideal location and updated branding, leading to stronger online presence and more engaged prospects.
Details
Compay Name: Uplift Self Storage
Date: July 2025
Website: www.upliftselfstorage.com
Uplift Self Storage, formerly known as Blue Sky Storage, recently underwent a rebrand to better align with their modern, customer-focused mission. As part of that transformation, they needed updated visual assets that reflected their upgraded identity and prime location in Overland Park, Kansas.
Project Background:
From Blue Sky to Uplift
Their top priorities:
- Highlight proximity to Costco and major traffic corridors
- Showcase the facility’s size, access points, and cleanliness
- Create a video with callouts to help online visitors visualize the surroundings
- Capture twilight signage shots for professional branding
They turned to KC Media Team for a complete suite of visual content: aerial video, drone photos, a branded promo video, and commercial-grade ground photography.
Our Approach:
Multi-Tier Visual Strategy
We proposed a hybrid strategy blending:
- Drone flyover videos
- Daytime and twilight drone photography
- Ground-level photography
- A callout-style promo video
“We chose to shoot flyovers from both high and low altitudes to help potential renters quickly understand where the property sits relative to major traffic corridors and shopping areas—a crucial trust-builder in self-storage marketing.”
Flyover Videos:
Location Speaks for Itself
To maximize visibility of Uplift’s high-traffic location near Blue Valley Parkway, our drone pilot captured flyover videos at multiple altitudes and directions:
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Northbound and southbound angles with clear highway visibility
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Eastward views highlighting nearby Costco
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Lower-elevation shots to frame the facility’s signage and entrances
Using our DJI 4K drones, we filmed in both midday and early twilight to capture optimal lighting conditions. Flyovers are particularly effective for self-storage facilities because they instantly communicate:
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Ease of access
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Security and upkeep
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Proximity to landmarks
We comply with all FAA guidelines (faa.gov/uas) and preplanned the flight path to stay within airspace limi
Drone Photography:
Daylight + Twilight
Still images from above gave Uplift strong visual assets for their Google Business Profile, website banners, and leasing collateral. We provided both:
Daytime Drone Shots
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Clean, crisp overheads of building layout
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Vehicle traffic near entrance to show scale
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Bright directional lighting that highlighted architectural lines
Twilight Drone Shots
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Signage beautifully lit against the golden hour sky
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A cozy, welcoming feel for prospective tenants searching in the evening
This twilight drone shoot required coordination with the client to ensure that lights were turned on a bit earlier than usual. The payoff? Striking brand visuals that stand out in a crowded search result.
Ground Photography:
Building Trust From Eye Level
While drone content captures scope and placement, ground photography connects with viewers emotionally. It shows cleanliness, organization, and security—
essential to storage customers.
These images are ideal for website use, brochures, and display ads. Because of their consistent angles and lighting, they also support future retargeting visuals.
Callout Video:
Branded, Strategic, Scroll-Stopping
Our final deliverable was a one-minute video that combined:
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Aerial clips from the flyover session
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On-screen callouts showing Costco, St. Luke’s South, and key streets
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Light music and a clean intro/outro for brand polish
Zach McCoy, Director of Animation, added motion-tracked elements to highlight:
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Travel routes
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Traffic volume
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Nearby landmarks
This video is now a centerpiece for Uplift’s local ads and online directory listings. When uploaded to their Google Business Profile, it significantly enhances map visibility and viewer engagement.
What Other Storage Companies Can Learn
This case study shows that for storage companies, visibility is your brand. A solid mix of drone flyovers, stills, and short-form video can:
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Increase click-throughs from map listings
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Build trust with new customers
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Reduce bounce rates on your site
When you operate in a competitive market—especially near major retail and residential corridors—investing in visuals that show your value pays off.
Looking For Commercial Photography, But Have Questions?
What makes drone flyovers effective for commercial properties?
They give potential customers a quick overview of your building’s accessibility, signage, parking, and surrounding landmarks—instantly answering the question “Where is this?”
Do you offer twilight or sunset drone sessions?
Yes. We schedule golden hour shoots to get that warm, inviting feel for signage or exterior shots.
How long does a callout video take to produce?
Typically 1–4 days from shoot to final edit, depending on rounds of revision and motion graphics involved.
What kind of drone do you use?
We fly DJI drones capable of 4K and slow-motion footage. All flights are FAA-compliant and insured.
Do I need drone + ground photos, or can I choose one?
You can choose either, but together they give a more complete visual story—especially for SEO and GMB listings.