Introduction
Running a moving company is no small task. Between managing crews, scheduling trucks, handling customers, and keeping up with operations, most owners feel like they are working around the clock. Add one more challenge: trying to appear on the first page of Google. For many movers, the dream of ranking online feels impossible.
The truth is, you don’t need to chase quick fixes or fall for scams promising “instant results.” What you need is a clear strategy that shows customers you are the mover they can trust. That strategy is called SEO for movers.
In this Movified Podcast episode, host Mark Hirschi speaks with Travis Weathers, founder of Rotate Digital, a marketing agency that focuses solely on the moving industry. Travis explains why SEO scams are everywhere, what keywords actually drive leads, and how moving companies can build visibility step by step.
This article turns that conversation into a practical guide for moving company owners, franchisees, and industry professionals ready to make smarter marketing decisions in 2025.
Key Takeaways
What You’ll Learn:
- Movers should target the five “money keywords”: movers, movers near me, moving companies, moving companies near me, best moving companies.
- Ranking online is about owning real estate on page one—ads, Google Guaranteed, Maps, and organic.
- Reviews on Google Business Profiles are more powerful than fancy websites or expensive offices.
- A converting website needs only three essentials: professional photos, an easy quote form, and reviews.
- Focus on value creation at your current stage—don’t skip ahead to perfection.
Table of Contents
- What Is SEO for Movers and Why It Matters
- The SEO Scams Moving Companies Must Avoid
- The Five Money Keywords Movers Need
- Organic SEO vs Paid Ads: Is It Worth It in 2025?
- Domain Names vs Building a Brand Online
- What Makes a Moving Company Website Rank
- Three Essentials for Every Moving Website
- How to Rank in Google Maps as a Mover
- Case Study: $1M Growth from a Simple Landing Page
- Why Movified Is the Trusted Resource for Movers
- Conclusion: Start Building Your Online Presence Today
What Is SEO for Movers and Why It Matters
SEO for movers refers to the strategies that help your company appear in Google searches when customers are looking for relocation services. Every day, thousands of people type “movers near me” or “moving companies in [city].” The companies that appear on the first page win the majority of calls.
Travis Weathers describes SEO as controlling “page one real estate.” It is not enough to show up once. You want your company to appear in ads, Maps, and organic results. Think of it like putting multiple billboards in a busy neighborhood. The more visibility you have, the more likely customers are to choose you.
The SEO Scams Moving Companies Must Avoid
Most moving companies have heard the sales pitch: “We’ll get you to number one on Google for $500 a month.”
According to Travis, this is one of the biggest scams in the industry. Here’s why:
- They often target meaningless long-tail keywords, like best moving companies Vancouver with red trucks.
- Technically, you rank number one, but no one is searching for that phrase.
- You pay each month but get little or no return.
“It’s the biggest scam out there,” Travis warns. “They hook you with promises of number one, but never deliver real value.”
The Five Money Keywords Movers Need
After years of research, Rotate Digital has identified five core keywords that consistently drive moving leads:
- movers
- movers near me
- moving companies
- moving companies near me
- best moving companies
These phrases work across the U.S. and Canada. They attract high-intent searchers who are ready to book.
Local variations also matter. If you operate in Dallas, Dallas movers and moving companies Dallas should be in your strategy. If you serve Toronto, Toronto movers is essential.
Organic SEO vs Paid Ads: Is It Worth It in 2025?
With pay-per-click costs reaching $80–$100 per click in some markets, many movers wonder if organic SEO is worth the investment. Travis says yes.
Why? Because customers behave differently:
- Some click on the first ad they see.
- Some trust Google Maps more.
- Others skip ads and head straight for organic results.
By ranking across multiple areas, you maximize your chance of being chosen.
“Think of page one like a city block,” Travis explains. “You don’t want one tiny shop. You want four storefronts so customers can’t miss you.”
Domain Names vs Building a Brand Online
In the early 2000s, movers could buy domains like VancouverMovers.com and rank quickly. That is no longer the case.
“Google doesn’t reward keyword domains anymore,” Travis says. “It rewards brands.”
Today, what matters is your brand authority—how trusted and established your company appears online. Domains can still be valuable for protection or marketing, but they no longer guarantee rankings.
What Makes a Moving Company Website Rank
Many movers spend thousands on a website but remain buried on page 12. That’s because SEO isn’t about design alone—it’s about fundamentals.
A website should:
- Act as a professional online business card.
- Convert visitors into leads.
For startups, a basic Wix or GoDaddy site is fine. As you grow, invest in professional development and SEO.
Tools to Test Your Site
- Google PageSpeed Insights – Free tool to measure speed and Core Web Vitals.
- SEMrush SEO Audit – Paid tool that identifies site issues.
Three Essentials for Every Moving Website
Every moving website should include:
- Professional Photography – Real images of your crews, trucks, and facilities build trust.
- Simple Quote Form – Place it high on the page. Keep it short and easy to complete.
- Customer Reviews – Showcase Google ratings and testimonials.
These three items hit the trust, simplicity, and social proof factors that influence customer decisions. Without them, even great SEO won’t convert.
How to Rank in Google Maps as a Mover
Appearing in the Google Maps 3-pack is critical. Customers often click one of the first three results without scrolling.
Steps to rank in Maps:
- Create a Google Business Profile – Use your home address if needed.
- Upload photos – Trucks, crews, storage, office.
- Fill out every field – Hours, services, service area.
- Collect reviews – Reviews are the single biggest factor.
“Massive reviews beat a pretty office any day,” Travis emphasizes.
Case Study: $1M Growth from a Simple Landing Page
When Rotate Digital started, Travis built what he calls “the ugliest landing page ever.” It had a short video, a wall of testimonials, and one button. That was it.
Despite its simplicity, the page generated enough calls to grow the business past $1 million in revenue.
The lesson? Movers don’t need perfection at the start. They need leads. By focusing on value creation at each stage, you can grow step by step without overcomplicating things.
Why Movified Is the Trusted Resource for Movers
Movified is more than a podcast—it’s the industry’s content hub. With over 100 years of moving experience through Salmon’s Transfer and direct insights from movers across North America, Movified delivers strategies movers can actually use.
Guests like Travis Weathers aren’t outsiders. They live in the moving industry daily. That’s why thousands of movers trust Movified for advice on marketing, operations, and growth.
Conclusion
SEO for movers is not about hacks or shortcuts. It’s about visibility, credibility, and consistency. From money keywords like movers near me to Google Business reviews, the strategies shared by Travis Weathers can help you take control of your digital presence.
“Focus on what matters for your stage of business,” Travis says. “Build momentum and grow step by step.”
Meet The Host
Mark Hirschi is the founder and host of Movified. With over a decade in the moving and storage industry, Mark combines real-world leadership experience with a passion for mentorship and elevating industry standards.
