Local SEO for local moving companies is an overlooked sub-area of ​​search engine optimization. We know from various studies that many Google users search specifically for providers in their area.

Effective local SEO methods help regional moving companies successfully market their products and services online. This enables potential movers and customers to find you faster and better. 

The focus is on optimizing local search results using specific on-page and off-page measures.

#1 GOOGLE MY BUSINESS

A verified and well-maintained Google My Business account is a prerequisite for being found in the local listings and Google Maps. In addition to link and on-page signals, a correctly set up GMB entry is significant factors for local SEO.

Google uses the content for ranking for local searches and shows content such as photos, reviews, or opening times on the search results’ right edge (see graphic).

If you do not yet have a “Google My Business” page, we will show you step by step how to set up a Google My Business entry successfully and how to maintain your data in the future.

Register your company on Google My Business

To create a new account or to log in, go to https://www.google.com/business/.

You can start the setup by clicking the START NOW button. (If you already have a Google account – e.g. Gmail, Analytics or AdWords – you can log in with this access data and then create a profile on Google My Business). After the successful registration, you will see a Google Maps map of your country and a form.

If you are unsure whether you have already created a location, this can be checked very quickly. To do this, click on the main menu at the top left and then on “All locations” – if you have already entered locations, these entries will be displayed here. Otherwise, a window appears with the option to import locations.

Alternatively, you can also fill out the form (see screenshot above). Google then checks whether your local moving company is already eligible entries (it may well be that Google has collected information from other business directories and created an entry). If this is the case, the entry only needs to be verified. If no suitable entry has yet been found, enter the company’s data.

#2 NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number)

Ensure that the so-called NAP data (name, address, telephone number) in Google My Business, on your website, and all other

business directories are uniform. The more uniform, the more trustworthy Google assesses the company. If you have several locations, you can easily manage them using the same account.

IMPORTANT:  Make sure you check the box next to “I offer my products at my customers’ location.” Then you can define a catchment area in which you offer your products or moving services.

Now that you have given all the relevant information, you have to confirm the accuracy of this data and agree to the Google My Business Terms of Use.

Before you add further information and photos to your

entry, you should have Google confirm this. Google offers the following options

for this:

• Confirmation by post (every company can choose from; a code is sent by postcard, which must then be entered)
• Confirmation via email
• Confirmation by phone

#3 Photos and Rating

Images are a significant factor for Google My Business. You make your entry more lively, and the customer can quickly get an impression of your company. Photos can be used in various categories at GMB:

• Profile photo, company logo, background image
• Indoor & outdoor shots
• Photos at work
• Photos of employees
• Business views & virtual tours (e.g. see picture)

(Important: Such a tour can only be created by photographers or agencies that are certified by Google)

Users can rate your business on your Google My Business page. From 6 ratings, these are also displayed in the form of stars – this can also increase the attention of potential customers. You must see these reviews as feedback from your customers. It is essential also to address any negative reviews you may have – ask what you could have done better? Those who deal with and deal with their reviews create trust and appear genuine on Google.