People hiring a removals firm are about to hand over everything they own to strangers, so your marketing must make them feel safe and make it easy to ask for a quote. Most of your customers live within a short drive of your depot, so local search, your reviews and a quick reply do more than broad advertising. This guide covers the basics in the order to do them.
Start with the words customers use
People type things like "house removals" or "man and van" followed by their town. Write about your services in those words, not in trade language. Decide which jobs you want: house moves, office moves, man and van, packing, storage, student moves, single items or long distance. You do not need to offer everything, and it is better to be clear about what you do well.
List the towns and areas you really cover, and be honest about where you do not go.
Claim and complete your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is the box that appears when someone searches for a local firm. It is free. If you travel to customers rather than serve them from a shop, you can set it up as a service area business and keep your address hidden.
- Use your real business name, exactly as it appears on your van and invoices.
- Choose the category that matches your main service, and add your other services.
- Add your phone number, opening hours and the areas you cover.
- Add photographs of your vans, your crew and furniture wrapped and ready to go. Do not show a customer's home or number plate without their permission.
- Keep the details the same on your website and your social pages.
Make your website do one job
The job of your website is to get the enquiry. Put your phone number at the top, and make sure it works when tapped on a phone. Most people will look on their mobile, often while standing in a half packed room.
Write one page for each main service and one for each main town you cover. Say what you move, how you price (by the hour, by volume or by fixed quote), what is included and how to book. Keep the quote form short.
- Where from and where to.
- The date they would like.
- The size of the home or the list of items.
- Stairs, lifts and parking at each end.
- A phone number or email so you can reply.
Show the things that calm worries
Moving is stressful, so reassure people with facts they can check. Only say what is true of your business.
- Your insurance cover for goods in transit, if you hold it, explained in plain words.
- Membership of a trade body, such as the British Association of Removers, only if you really belong.
- Who will turn up: your own staff or agency staff, and how many people.
- How you protect floors, doorways and furniture.
- What happens if the move takes longer than expected.
- A written quote that says what is and is not included.
Reviews are your strongest sales tool
A stranger deciding who to trust with their belongings reads what other customers wrote. Ask for a Google review at the end of every move, while the customer is relieved and happy. Reply to every review, good or bad, in a calm and polite way. Our guide on getting more Google reviews has the exact steps.
Reply quickly and clearly
Someone planning a move may ask several firms for a quote, so a clear reply the same day makes you easier to choose. Ask only the questions you need to quote. Send the price in writing and say what it covers. If you hear nothing, follow up once after a few days, politely.
Meet the people who know about moves first
Estate agents, letting agents, solicitors and storage firms often hear about a move before anyone else. Introduce yourself, explain what you offer and ask whether they keep a list of recommended firms. Be reliable with the first job, because that is how a recommendation starts.
On social media, post what real work looks like: a day on the road, packing tips, a photo of the van, the areas you cover and when you have space. Leave out customers' names and addresses.
Where GrowthDept fits
GrowthDept is an AI marketing department for small business owners. It can write posts such as the ones above for you to check, and they can go out on the Facebook Pages you manage and on LinkedIn. Posts wait for your yes until you say otherwise. It does not change your own website and it does not manage your Google Business Profile or reviews, so those stay with you.
There is a 7-day free trial, and you do not need a card to start.
Common questions
Do I need a website as a removals firm?
It helps, because customers want to see what you do, where you work and how to ask for a quote. A single clear page with your phone number, areas and a short quote form is a good start.
Should I list my home address online?
Not if you work from home and travel to customers. A Google Business Profile can be set up as a service area business so the address stays hidden.
How do I get my first reviews?
Ask each customer at the end of the move and send them the link the same day. Never pay for reviews or write them yourself.
Is social media worth the time?
It can help you stay visible, especially for local recommendations. Start with one page you can keep up, and look at your own enquiries to see whether it earns its place.