In today’s digital age, ranking high on Google for “moving company near me” searches can make a significant difference in gaining visibility and attracting customers.
While Google prioritizes paid ads and Google Business Profile (GBP) listings for this search type, you can still rank organically through strategic local SEO efforts. This article focuses on optimizing your GBP listing and local landing pages and leveraging NAP citations to help your moving company rank within the top three organic positions.
- Understanding the “Near Me” Keyword
The “near me” keyword is transactional, meaning users searching with this term are usually ready to book a service. Google often prioritizes search ads and GBP listings for these keywords, but ranking organically is still possible if you focus on local SEO strategies. We’ll zero in on optimizing your GBP and location-specific landing pages to rank higher, especially in the local pack (the top three GBP results).
- Optimizing Your Google Business Profile (GBP) URL
Many moving companies make the mistake of linking their GBP to their homepage. If you operate in multiple cities, such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Winnipeg, it’s far better to use specific landing pages for each city. For example, if targeting Vancouver, the URL might be: https://example.com/movers-in-vancouver/.
This structure indicates to Google what your service is (movers) and where it’s offered (Vancouver). Avoid using vague URLs with terms like “mover-near-me,” as Google interprets “me” based on the user’s physical location.
- Why “Near Me” Pages Don’t Work
Creating pages targeting “mover near me” keywords often backfires because Google translates “near me” based on a user’s location. When a user searches for “moving company near me,” Google relies on the browser’s location data to determine the nearby results. Therefore, creating content around “near me” doesn’t align with how Google ranks localized businesses. Instead, you should focus on making strong connections between your business and specific cities.
- Strengthen Local Signals with City-Specific Content
To rank locally, include city-related images and content on your landing page.
For example, if your business is in downtown Toronto, feature an image of a local landmark like the CN Tower, and add a paragraph that ties your business to the location.
An example might be: “If you’re looking for local movers who are “nearby” and ready to assist with your next move, our team is here to help. Located close by to downtown Toronto, we offer expert moving services throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Whether you’re searching for movers near your location or simply want a reliable local company to handle your move, we have the experience and dedication to make it a stress-free process. Let our local movers take care of all your moving needs, providing personalized service in your neighborhood.”
Look how I used keywords – local movers, close by etc. This helps Google associate your business with a specific city.
- Add Alt Attributes
Ensure the alt text of your images includes your business category, city name, and if possible, your business name. For example, if your business is in Toronto, the alt text for a relevant image could be: “Moving company in Toronto – XYZ Movers Toronto.”
- On-Page SEO
Additionally, use SEO best practices by naturally adding your business category and location in the meta title, description, headings, and content. Don’t force keywords into your content; instead, create meaningful text that incorporates both the service and the location.
For example, a heading like “Reliable Moving Company in Toronto: Expert Movers for All Your Needs” works well for both SEO and user experience.
- Optimize for Local Search by Tracking “Near Me” Keywords
Regularly reviewing your Google My Business (GMB) Insights and Search Console queries is essential for uncovering new “near me” keyword variations that potential customers are using to find your services. By analyzing these data sources, you can identify trends and specific phrases like “movers near me,” “local movers nearby,” or “movers close to me” that people are typing into Google.
This information allows you to optimize your content and target the right keywords, ensuring your business ranks higher for local searches and reaches a broader audience in your area.
- Linking to City Wikipedia Pages
In your location-specific landing pages, mention your city’s name and link it to the relevant Wikipedia page.
This external link helps Google establish the connection between your business and the city, reinforcing your local relevance. For example, you could mention Toronto in your content and link to its Wikipedia page, creating a strong association with your business’s location.
- Leverage Local Reviews
Adding local reviews is an essential strategy to boost your organic rankings. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews that mention your service and the location.
For example: “XYZ Movers in Vancouver made our move effortless. I highly recommend their services for anyone in the Vancouver area!” This improves your credibility and signals to Google that your business is well-established in the local community.
- Importance of NAP Citations
NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) citations are another crucial component of local SEO, especially when you operate in multiple locations. A NAP citation refers to any online reference to your business’s name, address, and phone number. Consistency is key here; you want to ensure that your NAP information is accurate and the same across all platforms, including your website, GBP, directories, and social media.
Make sure your NAP information is displayed clearly for each city-specific landing page. For example:
XYZ Movers
123 Main St, Vancouver, BC
Phone: (123) 456-7890
Keeping your NAP consistent across the web builds trust with Google and improves your local rankings. Google uses NAP data to confirm the legitimacy of your business in a specific location. Even a minor discrepancy—such as listing “Ave” instead of “Avenue”—can hurt your SEO efforts.
To further solidify your local presence, submit your NAP information to local directories such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, and other region-specific business listings. The more consistent your NAP citations are across the web, the more trust you’ll build with search engines. Don’t forget to update your NAP in these directories if your business moves or changes phone numbers.
11. Add Local Business Schema
Adding Local Business schema (structured data) to your webpage is a powerful way to optimize for local and “nearby” keyword searches. By implementing Local Schema markup, search engines like Google can better understand key information about your moving company, such as your address, phone number, business hours, and service areas.
This helps your business appear in local search results when potential customers search for terms like “local movers nearby” or “movers close to me.” Enhanced visibility in search results and rich snippets increase your chances of attracting local customers and improve your overall search ranking for “near me” queries.
Conclusion
Ranking organically for “near me” searches requires a thoughtful approach to local SEO. By focusing on your Google Business Profile, location-specific landing pages, and consistent NAP citations, you can signal to Google that your moving company is a trusted local business. Avoid over-optimizing for “near me” keywords and build a strong connection between your business and the cities you serve. Optimized content, proper NAP citations, and positive reviews can improve your chances of ranking in the top positions for your targeted locations.
FAQs
Are “near me keywords” worth using in SEO?
Yes, “near me” keywords have significant search volume according to keyword research tools, and Google auto-suggest frequently includes these terms. These keywords reflect the growing trend of local searches, where users are looking for services nearby. However, rather than using “near me” directly in your content, it’s important to signal to Google that your webpage is tied to a specific city or location. This can be done through optimizing local SEO elements such as your Google Business Profile, adding structured data (Local Schema), and creating content that references local landmarks or events. By doing so, your page is more likely to rank for local intent searches, including “near me” queries.
How does “near me” work in a Google Ad campaign?
Google Ads also offers options to target individuals either physically in the location or showing interest in that location. Utilizing “near me” keywords in your Google Ads campaign helps drive more local traffic, and it’s essential to monitor the performance of different areas to optimize results.
Does “near me” domain benefit SEO?
No, using a “near me” domain does not benefit SEO. While it may seem like a clever tactic, Google is well aware of attempts to manipulate rankings with such strategies. Rather than improving SEO, using a “near me” domain could harm your site’s reputation, as Google prioritizes relevance, authority, and quality over gimmicky domain names. Focusing on optimizing content, local signals, and user experience is a far more effective strategy for improving local search rankings.