When potential customers search for a moving company, what’s the first thing they notice? It’s not your logo or even your pricing, it’s your reviews.
A recent study found that 93% of consumers read online reviews before choosing a local business, and moving companies are no exception.
Whether someone is moving across town or across the country, they want reassurance that your team is reliable, professional, and trustworthy.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most effective and ethical ways to get more reviews for your moving business, improve your online reputation, and attract more high-quality leads.
Why Reviews Matter for Moving Companies
1. Social Proof Builds Trust Instantly
Trust is everything in the moving business. Customers are handing over their most personal belongings to a team of strangers, and that’s not a decision they make lightly.
One negative review can cost you dozens of potential leads, while a dozen five-star reviews can make you the clear front-runner in your service area.
82% of consumers say the content of a review has convinced them to make a purchase, even if they were initially unsure.
2. Reviews Directly Impact Local SEO Rankings
Reviews aren’t just about reputation; they’re an important Google local ranking factor. Google uses three main signals to determine local rankings: relevance, distance, and prominence. The quantity and quality of reviews contribute significantly to “prominence.”
The more positive and recent your reviews are, the more likely your business will show up in the Google Map Pack for searches like “movers near me” or “local moving company.”
3. More Reviews = Higher Conversion Rates
Think about it: If a customer sees your business has 7 reviews and your competitor has 200, which one looks more established?
Businesses with a high volume of good reviews consistently convert more leads from Google, Yelp, and Facebook. It’s not just about being seen, it’s about being chosen.
How to Get More Reviews for Your Moving Business
1. Ask at the Right Time and in the Right Way
1.1 Right After the Move Is Complete
Timing matters when it comes to asking for reviews. The best moment to request one is right after the job is done, and when your customer is relieved that the move went well and is still feeling the emotional reward.
Train your team to say something like, “If you were happy with our service today, we’d really appreciate it if you left us a quick Google review.” Keep it casual and friendly.
1.2 Use Friendly Email or SMS Follow-Ups
Not everyone leaves a review on the spot. That’s where automated follow-ups come in handy. Send a thank-you email or SMS the same day the job is completed. Include a direct link to your review page, and keep the message short and personal.
Platforms like Podium, NiceJob, or BirdEye allow you to schedule follow-ups, automate reminders, and personalize messages for better response rates.
3. QR Codes on Business Cards or Flyers
Create a small “Leave Us a Review” card with a scannable QR code linking directly to your Google Business profile. Leave it with every customer as a gentle nudge.
This method is low-cost and highly effective, especially when combined with a friendly in-person request.
2. Make It Easy for Customers to Leave Reviews
2.1 Directly to Your Google Review Page
Most customers won’t go out of their way to leave a review unless it’s incredibly easy. Set up a direct link using Google’s Place ID tool, and insert it into your:
- Emails
- Text messages
- Website footer
- Thank-you cards
You can generate this link using Google’s official instructions here.
2.2 Keep Instructions Simple and Clear
Don’t confuse customers by asking them to review you on five different platforms.
Focus on one or two key channels, like Google and Yelp. Tell them exactly what to do, e.g., “Click the link, select a star rating, and share a sentence or two about your experience.”
2.3 Use One-Click Review Tools
Tools like Grade.us, ReputationStacker, and Trustpilot allow you to create branded review landing pages that link customers directly to your chosen platforms. The less effort required, the higher your review conversion rate will be.
3. Offer a Memorable Experience That Encourages Reviews
3.1 Friendly, Professional Moving Crews
Great reviews start with great service. Ensure your crew is punctual, respectful, and communicates clearly. Customers are more likely to mention the names of friendly movers who went the extra mile—those personal shout-outs make your reviews stand out.
3.2 Small Surprises That Make a Big Impact
Simple gestures like providing free wardrobe boxes, offering moving tips, or giving out bottled water during summer jobs can turn a good experience into a great one.
These extras aren’t expensive, but they make people feel cared for—and that’s review-worthy.
3.3 Follow-Up with a Thank-You
A personal thank-you call or message after the move doesn’t just show appreciation, it also acts as a soft reminder for the customer to leave a review. Gratitude goes a long way in encouraging feedback.
4. Incentivize Ethically Without Violating Guidelines
4.1 What Google Allows and Forbids
Google has strict rules around incentivized reviews. You can’t offer discounts, money, or rewards in exchange for positive reviews. You also can’t “gate” reviews by only asking satisfied customers to leave one.
But you can politely ask every customer to leave a review and follow up to remind them.
4.2 Run Monthly Giveaways (No Review Required)
Instead of tying incentives directly to reviews, consider running monthly giveaways for all customers, regardless of whether they review you.
For example, “Every customer who moved with us in July is entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card.” Mention this when you ask for reviews to add a fun element without crossing any ethical lines.
5. Monitor, Manage, and Respond to Reviews
5.1 Always Respond to Both Positive and Negative Feedback
Responding to reviews, especially the negative ones, shows professionalism and care. A Harvard Business Review study found that businesses that respond to reviews see better ratings over time.
Even a simple “Thank you for your kind words!” or “Sorry you had a frustrating experience, please call us so we can make it right” can go a long way.
5.2 Track Review Growth and Ratings Over Time
Use tools like Google Business Profile Insights, BirdEye, or ReviewTrackers to monitor:
- Number of new reviews
- Average rating
- Most mentioned keywords
Set goals such as “Get 10 new reviews per month” or “Maintain at least a 4.7-star rating.”
Use Reviews as Marketing Content
Don’t let those 5-star reviews sit unused. While it’s great to have a high star rating on Google, the real power of reviews comes when you actively use them to influence future customers at every stage of their decision-making process.
Here’s how to turn your best customer feedback into high-performing marketing content:
✔ Your Homepage
Your website’s homepage is often the first stop for potential customers who found you through search or ads. Adding a few glowing reviews right on the homepage, especially near your contact form or quote request button, can create immediate trust.
Use dynamic widgets or scrolling testimonials that showcase real customer names, photos (with permission), and even the specific locations you’ve served. This helps new visitors see what working with your company is like and builds instant credibility.
✔ Social Media Graphics
Social proof content performs exceptionally well on social platforms. Take your top reviews and design simple visuals using tools like Canva or Adobe Express.
Overlay the review text on an image of your moving truck, a smiling crew, or a photo from a recent successful move.
You can turn this into a weekly series, such as “Customer Spotlight Friday,” to consistently build trust while staying active online. Tag the customer if appropriate and encourage them to share it. This increases your organic reach and opens the door to new referral opportunities.
✔ Landing Pages
If you’re running Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or local SEO campaigns, every landing page should include relevant, local reviews to build confidence. For example, a page targeting “local movers in Dallas” should feature reviews from Dallas-based clients.
This local trust signal makes your message more believable and increases the chances of turning a visitor into a lead. Place reviews close to call-to-action buttons like “Get a Quote” or “Schedule Your Move” to help nudge visitors toward conversion.
✔ Google Ads Extensions
Google allows you to add review extensions to your PPC campaigns. This means your positive review content can appear right below your ad copy, making your ad look more credible and trustworthy.
These extensions can improve click-through rates (CTR) significantly, with WordStream reporting an increase of up to 10%.
You can also apply for Google Seller Ratings, which display your average review score directly in the ad. These star ratings grab attention and help your business stand out from competitors in search results.
By using your reviews creatively across multiple channels, you’re not just maintaining a good reputation. You’re actively turning satisfied customers into marketing assets that bring in new leads and grow your moving business.
Use Review Generation Tools for Consistency
Podium
Podium specializes in text-based customer communication. It allows you to collect reviews through automated SMS and chat. Their dashboard helps you manage replies and review growth across platforms.
NiceJob
NiceJob integrates with your CRM or booking tool and sends review requests automatically after a move. It also creates custom review widgets to display on your site, adding social proof to every page.
Google Business Profile Automation
Google now allows review request links to be shared directly through your dashboard. You can even set up automation using Zapier to trigger review requests after completed moves are logged in your CRM.
Where to Get Reviews Besides Google
1. Yelp, Facebook, and Angi
While Google is the priority, don’t neglect other platforms. Yelp is popular in urban areas. Facebook reviews often appear in search results and are easily shared. Angi (formerly Angie’s List) is trusted for home services.
For specialty or B2B jobs, also explore Thumbtack and Nextdoor—platforms where local trust is key.
2. Create a Dedicated Testimonials Page on Your Website
Gather your best reviews from all platforms and display them on a testimonials page. Add photos or short videos of real moves (with permission) to increase trust and authenticity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Asking for Reviews
1. Asking Too Late or Not at All
Many moving companies forget to ask. If you wait a week, the positive emotions have faded. Build review requests into your post-move workflow.
2. Making the Process Too Complicated
Requiring customers to log in, scroll through multiple steps, or pick from five platforms is a guaranteed drop-off. Keep it simple with one direct link.
3. Ignoring Negative Reviews
No business is perfect. But ignoring or deleting negative reviews sends the wrong message. Instead, respond with empathy, explain how you’ll fix the issue, and invite them to contact you directly.
Conclusion
Getting more reviews doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a strategy. By delivering outstanding service, asking at the right time, simplifying the review process, and using tools to stay consistent, you’ll start to see your online reputation grow.
Remember: you don’t need hundreds of reviews overnight. Even a steady stream of a few 5-star reviews each month can dramatically improve your visibility and conversions.
If you’re serious about growing your moving business, make review generation part of your core marketing plan.
