Local SEO for moving companies
When someone types "movers near me" into Google, you want to appear at the top. Here's how to make that happen.
Why local SEO matters for movers
Consider how customers find movers:
- 76% of people search online first
- "Movers near me" searches have high intent
- Top 3 Google results get 75% of clicks
- Mobile searches often lead to same-day calls
If you're not visible in local search, you're invisible.
Google Business Profile mastery
Your Google Business Profile is your most important asset.
Complete profile checklist:- Business name (exact legal name)
- Address (physical or service area)
- Phone number (local number preferred)
- Website URL
- Business hours
- Service categories (Moving Company, Movers)
- Logo and cover photo
- Trucks (clean, branded)
- Crew in uniform
- Completed moves (with permission)
- Office or warehouse
- List all suburbs/cities you serve
- Be specific (don't overclaim)
- Update as service area expands
Review strategy
Reviews are crucial for local rankings and conversions.
Getting more reviews:- Ask at job completion
- Send follow-up email with direct link
- Include review request on invoices
- Train crews to mention reviews
- Respond to every review
- Thank positive reviewers by name
- Address negative reviews professionally
- Never argue publicly
- Consistent new reviews signal active business
- Aim for 2-4 new reviews per month
- Recent reviews matter more than old ones
Website optimization
Your website supports your local presence.
Local SEO on-page elements:- City/suburb in title tags
- Service pages for each area
- Local phone number prominently displayed
- Address in footer (if physical location)
- Embedded Google Map
- Create pages for each service area
- Write about local moving considerations
- Include local landmarks and references
- Publish moving tips for your city
- Mobile-friendly design
- Fast loading speed (under 3 seconds)
- HTTPS security
- Clean, crawlable structure
Local citations and directories
Consistent listings across the web boost rankings.
Key directories for movers:- Yelp
- Yellow Pages
- Local business directories
- Industry-specific directories
- Chamber of Commerce
- Name, Address, Phone must match exactly
- Audit existing listings for errors
- Update when information changes
- Remove duplicate listings
Tracking local SEO success
Measure what matters.
Key metrics:- Google Business Profile views
- Search queries driving traffic
- Click-to-call from search
- Direction requests
- Website traffic from local searches
- Ranking for target keywords
- Google Business Profile insights
- Google Analytics
- Google Search Console
- Rank tracking tools
Common local SEO mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls.
Mistakes to avoid:- Inconsistent business information
- Ignoring negative reviews
- Keyword stuffing
- Fake reviews (Google penalizes this)
- Neglecting mobile experience
- Not updating outdated information
Advanced local tactics
Once basics are covered, level up.
Advanced strategies:- Structured data markup for local business
- Local link building (community involvement)
- Google Posts for promotions
- Q&A optimization on Google profile
- Video content on profile
Monthly SEO checklist
Weekly:- Respond to new reviews
- Post updates on Google profile
- Check citation accuracy
- Review analytics and insights
- Update photos
- Audit keyword rankings
- Comprehensive profile audit
- Competitor analysis
- Strategy adjustment
Key takeaways
- Google Business Profile is your foundation
- Reviews drive rankings and conversions
- Website must support local signals
- Consistent citations matter
- Track and measure progress
- Avoid common mistakes that hurt rankings