Local SEO for Moving and Packing

What is Local SEO and Why Does It Matter for Movers?

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You’re out there moving boxes, wrapping furniture in bubble wrap, and trying not to get crushed by that one giant couch everyone seems to own. The last thing you probably want to think about is SEO—or whatever that even stands for.

But here’s the deal: Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is like GPS for your business. You know how you plug in an address and your phone tells you exactly where to go? Local SEO does the same thing for customers looking for movers in their area. It helps them find you. And trust me, people are searching for movers, so why not make sure your name pops up when they do?

If you’re a mover, a moving company, or a freelance mover just getting started, this guide will walk you through the basics—step by step. No techie jargon, just straight talk. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Step 1: Claim Your Google Business Profile (GBP) – It’s Like Putting Your Business on the Map!

Think of your Google Business Profile (GBP) like your business’s online address. If you’re not there, it’s like opening a shop and forgetting to put up a sign. How are people going to find you? Here’s what you do:

1. Claim your profile: Go to Google Business Profile, and either claim your existing business or create a new listing. It’s free, and trust me, it’s worth it.
2. Fill in the details: Add your business name, address, phone number, and website. If you don’t have a website yet, you can make a super simple one on Google, but we’ll talk more about that later.
3. Photos are your friend: Snap some pics of your moving trucks, your team in action, or that one super organized storage room you’re so proud of. People love seeing the real deal, and it gives you a nice human touch.
4. Ask for reviews: Every time you finish a job and the customer’s happy (they will be), ask them to leave a review on Google. This helps you show up in more local searches, and it’s like getting a gold star from your clients. It’s not rocket science. Just having your GBP up and running makes it easier for local folks to find you. And the more they find you, the more boxes you’ll be hauling.

Step 2: Your Website – Keep It Simple, Keep It Local

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “I’m a mover, not a web designer!” Fair enough. But your website doesn’t have to be a complicated, fancy thing. In fact, the simpler, the better. Here’s the scoop:

• Make it local: Be sure your website has your location front and center. This means using phrases like “movers in [Your City]” on your homepage, services page, and anywhere else it makes sense. Google loves when businesses are clear about where they operate.
• Service area pages: If you serve multiple areas, create a page for each one. For example, you could have a “Movers in [Town A]” page and a “Packing Services in [City B]” page. It’s like having multiple signs pointing directly to you.
• Don’t hide your contact info: Slap that phone number everywhere. Seriously, people aren’t going to hunt for it. Put it at the top of every page, in the footer, and maybe even write it in big, bold letters. Remember, people want movers they can reach quickly. Keep your website clean, clear, and local, and you’ll be in good shape.

Step 3: NAP Consistency—No, Not That Kind of Nap

As much as we’d love to tell you to take a nap right now, this is about Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) consistency. Basically, make sure your business name, address, and phone number are the same everywhere.

• Why? Because Google is a stickler for consistency. If your address is a little different on your website than it is on your Google Business Profile or Facebook page, Google gets confused. And when Google’s confused, it doesn’t show your business in searches as much.
• What to do: Check your NAP info everywhere—on your website, your Google listing, your social media, and any directory listings you might have. If something’s off, fix it. This little detail may seem minor, but it’s like making sure all the boxes are packed tightly in the truck. If something’s loose, it messes up the whole move.

Step 4: Local Content—Talk About Your Town Like You Know It

Here’s where you get to have a little fun. Google loves fresh, local content. What’s local content? It’s anything that talks about the specific area you serve.

• Blogging doesn’t have to be fancy: Write a quick blog post about “The Best Tips for Moving in [Your City] During the Winter” or “How to Find the Right Movers in [Neighborhood] When You’re on a Budget.” Think about common questions people might have when they’re moving in your area. Then answer them!
• Local knowledge is gold: Does your town have narrow streets that are tough to navigate with a moving truck? Mention it. Are there certain parking rules people need to know about? Share your experience. This makes you the local expert, and people love that. The more you talk about your local area, the more Google and potential customers will notice you. It’s like putting up a giant billboard that says, “Hey, we’re the experts around here!”

Also interesting: 7 ways LinkedIn can help your business succeed in your niche

Step 5: Get Backlinks—It’s Like Having Friends Who Vouch for You

In the SEO world, backlinks are when other websites link to your site. It’s like getting a thumbs-up from a friend who says, “Yeah, these guys know what they’re doing.”

• Local partnerships: Reach out to local real estate agents, storage facilities, or even apartment complexes. Offer to give them a shout-out on your site if they do the same for you. A little “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” goes a long way.
• Local directories: Make sure your business is listed on local directories like Yelp, Angi, or any moving-specific directories. These links help boost your credibility with Google. Each backlink is like another vote of confidence, helping Google see you as a reliable local business. And the more trust you build, the more Google shows you off.

Step 6: Reviews—Your Secret Weapon

You’ve probably heard it a million times: “Reviews are important.” Well, they are. They’re like online word-of-mouth, and people trust reviews more than anything.

• Ask every customer: Don’t be shy. After every job, ask your happy customers to leave you a review on Google. You can send them a simple link in a text or email. The easier you make it, the more likely they are to do it.
• Respond to all reviews: Whether they’re glowing or a little grumpy, respond to every review. Thank your happy customers and politely address any complaints. People like businesses that care and are responsive. Plus, Google likes it too. Reviews build trust and show potential customers that you’re not just good—you’re great. They’re a fast way to stand out from the competition.

Step 7: Use Social Media to Stay Top of Mind

Here’s the thing: Social media isn’t just for posting cat videos. It’s a great way to stay connected with your local community and show off what makes your moving business special.

• Keep it local: Post about local events, share tips for packing, and showcase customer testimonials. Tag your posts with your location and use local hashtags to get in front of the right people.
• Have a little fun: Share behind-the-scenes photos of your team or post a time-lapse video of a move. It doesn’t have to be super polished. People love seeing the human side of a business. Being active on social media helps people remember you when they need movers. And hey, it’s a chance to show off your personality!

Learn more about 8 Instagram hacks to gain more followers

Step 8: Keep Track of What’s Working

So, how do you know if all this local SEO stuff is working? You gotta check the data, my friend.

• Google Analytics: This free tool shows you how much traffic is coming to your website and where it’s coming from. You’ll be able to see if more people are finding you through local searches.
• Google Search Console: Another free tool that shows you which search terms people are using to find you. This helps you fine-tune your website and content. Tracking your progress helps you see what’s working and what needs a little tweaking. It’s like checking the map to make sure you’re heading in the right direction.

Wrap Up: Local SEO Is Your Secret Sauce for Your Moving Company

If you’ve made it this far, congrats—you’re on your way to mastering local SEO for your moving business. It’s not rocket science, but it does take some effort. The good news is, once you’ve set everything up, it’s mostly maintenance.

By claiming your Google Business Profile, keeping your website simple and local, and encouraging those all-important reviews, you’ll start to see your business show up more in local searches. More visibility means more clients.

Local SEO, while simplified in this article, can be quite tricky. Here, Obenan comes into the picture as we can help you with all the local SEO-related tasks! May it be with our local SEO tools that enable you to automate essential tasks, or in person with the help of our local SEO experts, we are here to save you time and resources while putting you on the map.