All Things Moving: 14 Resources for Movers
As a local moving company business owner, it’s important to stay up to date and gain access to the resources, community network, news and events that will help keep your business ahead of the curve and understand industry trends. As a leading provider of marketing services for local moving companies, we are committed to helping moving companies grow and expand. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the moving industry so you can stay in-the-know and continue to grow your business.
Risely has worked with many moving companies over the years. You could say it’s our bread and butter. Consequently, we’re in a strong position to advise local moving companies of the most effective online marketing strategies that benefit this industry in particular.
Vital Elements of Your Online Presence
Your online marketing strategy needs to include a well-rounded combination of web design, paid advertising, SEO and social media. Why? It all has to do with exposure, branding, trust and credibility. Let’s take a look:
Web design
Having a professional web design will build trust with potential customers because they will see that you are serious about your business. A well-designed site gives your users a solid first impression that will go a long way toward making them comfortable with your business.
Paid advertising
PPC, or pay-per-click, gives you faster results than SEO, elevates your brand with specific targeting and helps you obtain more qualified leads. We achieve this through Google Ads.
SEO
This is a slower, more organic approach that builds over time and improves the user experience. It’s also more cost effective than PPC, helping you rank higher in results pages, and generating more clicks and traffic to your site.
Social media
Having a strong presence on a variety of social media platforms will help you build trust with your audience, boost brand credibility in the marketplace, and grow your social following in support of your local business. Through regular posts, comments and interactions with followers, you stay visible to the community and expand your reach on a more organic level. Social media exposure also helps you connect with other business owners, gain access to member-only industry events and news platforms, sustain growth and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
Helpful Associations: Making the Connection
As a moving company, you know how important networking is when it comes to expanding your reach, meeting new people in your line of work, and forging long-lasting beneficial business relationships. Associations like the AMSA, International Association of Movers, and PAIMA are good to have under your wing. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association)
Whether you’re a licensed, independent interstate mover, van line agent, local/intrastate mover, or international mover based outside the U.S., AMSA membership gives you access to essential business tools and resources that help fuel your business, expand your professional network, and ensure you remain in compliance with local, state and national laws.
IAM (International Association of Movers)
The IAM, the forwarding and moving industry’s biggest global trade association, has more than 2,000 members. It’s made up of companies that provide moving, shipping, forwarding, logistics, and related services within 170 countries. It promotes the growth and success of its members by offering programs, membership protections, resources and networking opportunities to enhance their businesses and brands.
The IAM sponsors many member events all around the world, such as the IPATA International Conference in Frankfurt Germany, ERC Global Workforce Symposium in Washington DC, the Annual Canadian Association of Movers Conference in Alberta Canada, and the SHRM Annual Conference and Exposition in San Diego.
PAIMA (Pan American International Movers Association)
The Pan American International Movers Association, a network of international moving companies, prides itself on going above and beyond for its members and the customers it serves. It has members in all areas of the world, embracing a commitment to the core values of personal service and high-quality door-to-door service. This association has a responsibility and commitment to members to represent, increase and protect their businesses.
PAIMA holds many member events throughout the year, including its 36th Annual Convention scheduled for October of this year in San Diego.
CMSA (California Moving and Storage Association)
The California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA) is a non-profit trade association that represents licensed and insured movers operating throughout California. The CMSA also includes associate member companies, with a goal of providing California movers with top-notch goods and services to offer quality service to the California moving public. They provide many member events throughout the year.
State Associations
In addition to the above, there are many state-specific associations you can check out, such as the Houston Movers Association and Southwest Movers Association. The FMCSA also has a listing of state resources to avail yourself of.
Software
The software you use as a mover can make or break your productivity. Powerful moving software can not only streamline your operations, it can ensure a greater customer experience and a higher return on investment (ROI).
There are many benefits of moving company software, such as:
- Greater Productivity
- Better Lead Capture
- On-Site Estimate Capability
- Cost Savings
- Electronic Billing
- Eco-Friendly Paperless Option
Here we’ll review some of the moving company software resources that have worked best for our clients.
Capterra
Not sure which software is best? Capterra provides a ranked list of moving software you can peruse, as you weigh the pros and cons of each kind. It features star ratings, customer reviews, website links and price comparisons.
Smart Moving
SmartMoving is a powerful software tool for all shapes and sizes of moving companies, whether you’re a two-person operation or have franchises all across the country. This allows you to maximize your sales, operations, marketing and profits – all with just one software tool.
Oncue
For end to end moving company management, Oncue helps you manage anything from customer contacts to estimating to invoicing. This software solution enables moving companies of all sizes to easily manage and control their entire business at the touch of a button.
MoveHQ
From booking to CEM to inventory, use MoveHQ to run your entire moving company, from sales to drivers to the warehouse – all on one platform.
Move It Pro
MoveitPro, a comprehensive and easy-to-use web-based management software, eliminates the need for pen-and-paper logistics. This platform puts control in your hands to manage all your tasks in one place, utilizing an industry-leading up-to-date interface that handles it all: booking, texts, analytics, billing and more.
Vonigo
This software is designed to help service companies increase revenue, improve efficiency and better serve their clients. This all in one software handles scheduling, invoicing, payments, quotes, reporting, online booking and inventory. Vonigo is mobile, so you can manage your service business from your truck, the office or your customer’s front door.
Elromco
This is a 100% cloud-based moving software that grows your business with easy to use platforms. Elromco allows customers to interact with their quote as well as book their move online. Services include online booking, auto payroll, auto text messages, client account pages, dispatch and more.
Blogs and News
Staying on top of your niche industry is imperative as a mover. What better way to do that than through reading blogs, news articles and updates? Here are a few helpful sites that you can bookmark and check in on regularly.
AMSA Newsroom
The AMSA Newsroom is where members, consumers and the media can gather to view IAM announcements, industry news and events, and updates from clients and stakeholders.
MoveHQ
Regular blogs give readers insight into tips, industry news, marketing trends, moving guides and more.
My Moving Reviews
Get all the latest moving industry news, from moving technologies and business news on moving companies to publications and moving regulations. Here, you’ll learn what’s new in the moving and storage field.
Moving Company Forum
Dubbed The Meeting Place for Moving Industry Professionals, the Moving Company Forum is chock full of resources for movers that range from marketing and operation to technology and sales. Sign up for the mailing list, check out the blogs, get the most recent news, and learn how to market your business for growth.
We hope this guide has been helpful as you look for new and innovative ways to connect, thrive and grow. Want to learn more about how to market yourself successfully online? Contact Risely for a free quote on your moving company website.
