Google reviews are one of the biggest drivers of growth for a moving business. More reviews and higher ratings improve your visibility on Google, build trust, and convert more leads.
And the beautiful thing is that there is not much to it. You just have to know when to ask, how to ask and make it super easy for people to give you a review.
- In this article, we tell you exactly what to do to build a steady stream of 5-star Google reviews for your moving business.
Why do Google reviews matter so much for movers?
Before discussing specific strategies, it’s worth understanding why reviews are such a critical asset for moving companies’s growth specifically.
Review visibility dominates search engine results
For searches like “movers near me” or “moving company [city],” Google often places its Local Pack and Maps results prominently above traditional organic listings.
If your business has few or no reviews, it’s much harder to compete for visibility.
Modern consumers make decisions quickly
People who are looking to hire a mover are usually already committed to a timeframe, often within 1-2 weeks of their move date.
They don't have the luxury of spending hours investigating your credentials. Your review count and rating have to do the job instantly.
Both quantity and quality drive conversions
While price is always a determining factor, a moving company with 100 x 4.8-star reviews will consistently outperform a competitor with 12 x 5-star reviews on similar pricing.
Fresh content is prioritized
Google's algorithm rewards businesses that maintain a steady stream of fresh reviews over time.
A profile that hasn't had a review since last year signals to both Google and customers that something might be off.
Best practices to get 5-star reviews on your profile
Getting more 5-star reviews should be a recurring step after every completed move. The best way to do it is to ask at the right time and in the right way to maximize the chances that it’ll happen.
Provide an easy process with automation and a QR code to consistently encourage people to rate their experience. And then, make sure to respond to every review left on your profile.
Set up your Google Business Profile properly first
To start collecting reviews, you need to have a properly set Google Business Profile. Before pushing for reviews, here are some things that must be done:
- Verify your address and service areas
- Add your categories (moving company, storage, long-distance move, local move, small move, commercial move, etc.)
- Upload photos of your logo, trucks, movers, and completed jobs
- Update your hours, phone number, and website link
- Claim your review link (this is found in your Business Profile)
That review link is the tool you'll use everywhere else in this process, so if you don’t have it yet, grab it now.
Ask for the review at the right moment
You must know that timing is everything. That said, the best moment to ask for a review is right after you finish the job when the customer is happy with how everything went. Wait a few days, and the moment, along with their motivation to write anything, will fade.
Here are a few ways to ask for a review without sounding so desperate:
- Have your workers say something like this in person when you finish: "If you were happy with how today went, we'd really appreciate a Google review."
- Send a text or an email with that link asking them to review within a few hours of completing the job (texts have much higher response rates than emails).
- Always include the review link on the final invoice or receipt.
Make it easy to leave a review
Every step you add between "I want to leave a review" and "actually leaving my review" is going to lose you that review. Think about things you could do to make it easier on them:
- QR codes on their shirt, business card, or on the truck itself which direct the customer to your review page
- A short link sent via text, email, or through a printed card
- Pop cards left with the customer with the QR code on it, and a thank you message
If you’re moving a couple or a family, it’s perfectly fine to ask each person individually, as that will create more reviews for one job.
Automate review requests where you can
Manually sending review requests to every customer becomes difficult when you handle a large number of moves each week.
Most moving company CRMs and job management software (SmartMoving, MoversTech, Podium, etc.) have functionality that allows you to:
- Send a text/email review request automatically after a job is completed
- Track who has responded and remind those who haven't
- Notify customers privately who are unhappy with your service so they don't leave a review publicly
Automating the review process is a huge lever to pull and has led to teams seeing their total reviews triple.
Respond to every review, good or bad
Responding to reviews isn’t optional if you want to manage your reputation and support your local SEO. A few guidelines will help you navigate this sometimes sticky situation:
- Respond to positive reviews with a thank you to the customer by name, and maybe a specific detail about their move if possible
- With negative reviews, thank the customer for their feedback and try to move the conversation to a private channel to solve their problem
- Avoid getting into a public argument, even if you feel the customer is being unreasonable. Future customers read your response as much as the review itself
Never pay for reviews
It may be tempting to offer a discount or gift card in exchange for a review, but Google's policies strictly forbid incentivized reviews . Doing so means risking having reviews removed and/or your Business Profile suspended if caught.
Instead, focus on making the ask easy and well-timed. That alone gets most of the results an incentive would.
Put your reviews to work
Once you begin to get reviews, do not let them languish on your Google page. Think about ways to use positive feedback and testimonials to promote your moving services.
- Feature your best reviews on your website's homepage and moving quote pages
- Use strong reviews to create social media content
- Pull recurring themes from your reviews, such as punctuality, efficiency, or gentle handling, and use them in your marketing
FAQ about Google reviews for moving companies
1
How many Google reviews does a moving company need to rank well?
There is no magic number, but most moving companies see a significant increase in trust and bookings after reaching 25-50 reviews, and 100+ reviews in competitive areas to rank on the first page of Google Map Pack. The most important factor is a steady stream of recent reviews.
2
When is the best time to ask a customer for a review?
The best time to ask a customer for a review is as soon as the move is done, while the customer is still relieved and satisfied. Any later, and the likelihood of a review drops considerably.
3
Can I offer a discount or gift for a Google review?
No, you cannot. Google explicitly forbids any such activities, and any reviews made under such conditions can be removed at any time, with your Google Business listing potentially suspended as well.
4
How do I get a direct link to my Google review page?
Go to your Google Business Profile page, click “Get more reviews” or “Share review form” (the exact wording may vary depending on your region and profile settings), and copy the link from there. You can then turn that link into a QR code using any QR code generator you like.
5
Should movers use QR codes to collect reviews?
Yes, absolutely. QR codes on uniforms, trucks, business cards, or invoices make it an easy one-scan process for the customer, which noticeably increases the number of people who follow through.
6
How do I respond to a negative review professionally?
Thank the customer for the feedback, apologize and acknowledge their experience without getting defensive, and offer to resolve the issue in private.
7
Can I delete a negative review on Google?
Not directly, since Google does not allow businesses to remove reviews. However, you can report the review to Google, and they will remove it if it violates their guidelines. The main reasons for removal are spam, fake reviews, hate speech, and conflicts of interest, so a genuinely negative but honest review will most likely not be taken down.
8
Do Google reviews really affect local search ranking?
Yes, they do. Review quantity, quality, and recency are significant factors in local search ranking and Map Pack placement.
9
What's the fastest way to automate review requests?
A moving company CRM or job management software with built-in automated review requests sent via text or email after the job is complete is the best option.
Ready to grow your business beyond Google reviews?
A strong foundation of 5-star Google reviews is one of the best ways to increase your moving jobs. However, good reviews only benefit your business if potential customers can find you in the first place.
Reviews play an important role in persuading a customer to book your service, but the initial discovery of your business is what will bring your job offers up. That’s where a steady flow of qualified leads helps you book more moves.
- If you’re curious about how Compare Movers can help you grow your moving business, fill out our form to connect with a team member.
Google reviews are incredible, but let’s make sure your phone rings too.
