Marketing for a moving company needs to be digital in today’s era of customer search. You need to have a local SEO campaign to get your moving company to the top of Google Maps or Google listings. Moving company SEO aims to inform the search engines of your search. The Map Pack, or the listing of three companies on Google Maps, helps you target those people within your area who are most likely to need your services. Let’s break down Google Map Pack for movers and how your business will benefit from optimizing for it.
What Is Google Map Pack for Movers?
Google Map Pack is a feature in Google search that positions three businesses closest to the searcher’s location at the top of a search results page. The 3 Pack provides the searcher with companies that meet their needs close to where they are.
The Google Map Pack listings display:
- Your company’s name
- Location
- Phone number is often linked to allow them to click on it to call you
- A link to your website
- Your Google Reviews and profile
It provides the searcher with everything they need to know to decide whether to contact you or your competitor. There are several key factors to remember about the Google Map Pack for movers:
- Optimizing your Google Map Pack listing helps you stand out from your competition.
- If you are not in the Google Map Pack, even if you rank well in organic search engine results, your business is less likely to attract customers over competitors in the 3 Pack.
The bottom line: You need to be in the Google Map Pack as movers, optimize your use of it, and refine your use over time to continue to rank. The good news is that it does not have to be hard to do.
Take a moment now to Google “movers in YOUR CITY.” If your company isn’t in that listing of three, the following tips will help you get ranked in Google Local Search to get into the Map Pack.
How to Get Into the Map Pack as a Mover
To get into the Google Map Pack as a moving company, start with claiming your Google Business Profile. Doing that is also a free service and takes minutes to do. You’re just letting Google know about your company.
However, what you put into your Google profile matters. You need to optimize it, meaning you need to provide valuable information that people searching for movers need to decide to call you, AND enough information to show Google your importance and value to those searchers. Let’s break down the core components of a Google Business Profile that will ultimately influence your position in the search engines and in the Google Map Pack for movers.
Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Follow these steps to build a comprehensive profile that shares valuable information about your business.
Fill Out Every Section
Fill out all of the business details listed. Ensure your business name, address, and phone number are exactly the same as it is on your website, social media accounts, and other online listings of your business. Be sure that all of your contact information is accurate and complete. Even if you operate your business from a location that customers do not visit in person, include your address.
Create a Complete Moving Company Description
Write a comprehensive but concise description of your business that includes the services you offer. Include all components of your services that you want customers to contact you for, such as:
- Residential and commercial moving
- Packing services
- Cross-country moving
- Storage services
- Relocation services
Include what you sell, such as packing materials as well. If you rent out your trucks, include that. These details help you tell Google when to position your business in front of searchers.
Include Geo-Specific Terms
Your business’s location isn’t always an accurate description of the area you serve as a mover. That is why adding geographic details to your business profile is essential. Consider all of the cities you operate in. Make a list of these. Where do most of your customers come from? Most people searching for a mover are looking for companies located close to them that can provide services moving from that city to other cities. For that reason, you want to be optimized for your local community as a starting point.
Include all cities you service in your profile. Avoid keyword stuffing. Just a list of the cities will help. However, incorporate full keywords for your main service points, such as “Moving company in Detroit” or “movers in Philadelphia.” That’s helpful, especially when you serve a large metro area.
Choose the Right Categories
There’s no value in listing your business in any category you do not truly serve, as that will simply confuse the search engine. Instead, select the right categories based on the services you offer.
Add Photos
Your business needs to be personal. By providing photos, you’re more likely to get clicks on your profile than if you didn’t have them. You don’t need to violate the privacy of your clients here. Instead, include photos of your team members smiling. Offer a photo of your clean and tidy trucks. Use real photos of your team when possible and not stock photos. It makes a difference in building trust with your customers.
The Importance of Reviews Cannot Be Understated
One of the components of successfully ranking your Google Business Profile in the Google Map Pack for movers is the use of reviews. Most people today know to look at stars as a clear indication of the service that a customer can expect. If you see three listings with a company that has 4.9 stars and one that has 3.6 stars, you’re likely to instantly pick the higher-ranked service.
But, how does a moving company get reviews for the Google Map Pack and their Google Business Profile? Here are the steps to take now:
- Reach out to your existing, recent customers and ask for a review. Simply send a message with a link to your Google listing and ask them to leave a review if you did a great job for them.
- As your team is leaving your next moving service, meet with the client. Ask them how you did. Address concerns. Then, ask if you can send them an email or text message with a link to Google Reviews. Inform the customer of how vital it is.
- Set up and use an email service that lets you keep in touch with your customers over time. They may not be moving often, but they can recommend you to friends. In that way, you can also build reviews by asking subscribers.
- Use your social media accounts to help you build your Google Reviews. Encourage people within local Facebook groups that have used your services to provide some feedback.
No matter which methods you use – or if you use all of them – what is most important is to be consistent and authentic. You don’t need long, detailed reviews to make a difference.
Pro tip: Comment back on the reviews you get in a positive way. Thank those who provided a positive review and included a short keyword: “Thanks so much for your review. We enjoyed helping you move to Detroit. Good luck to you!”
For negative reviews, comment as well. State that you are sorry they had a bad experience and ask them to reach out to you for more insight and help.
Additional Strategies for Getting Your Moving Business into the Google Map Pack
Your profile is the heart of success in this process, but there are other steps you can take to improve your ability to get into the Google Three Pack. Here are some recommendations:
- Incorporate Google Maps into your website. This will help give Google a signal about when to present your service to local customers.
- Target local keywords. Always research keywords to include in the process and learn more about what people are truly putting into the search engines as a core component of your moving company marketing.
- Get local citations. Find ways to get mentioned on local websites, blogs, and other locations. Use local directories such as your city’s Chamber of Commerce website or the city’s website.
Get the Help You Need to Build Your Google Map Pack Listing as a Moving Company
As a moving company, digital connection and communication is key. Surefire Local can help you along the way. Set up a free, no obligation demo with Surefire Local now to see how we help moving companies get into the Google 3 Pack.