Long-distance jobs aren’t just bigger versions of local moves.
They’re a different sport—longer sales cycles, more buyer research, and higher expectations.
But dial it in, and interstate work could be your most profitable revenue stream.
More margin. Bigger average tickets. Steadier demand in the off-season.
We pulled 8 proven plays from top-performing movers that consistently book long-distance jobs. Pick 3-5 plays. Run them by route. Measure ROI. Scale what hits. 🎯
TL;DR: How to get more long-distance moving leads
- Treat each route (origin → destination) like its own market
- Build SEO pages around keywords like “Austin to Chicago movers”
- Grow referral networks (realtors, relo consultants, van lines)
- Run route-based paid ads (Google Ads and Meta)
- Win trust with route-specific videos + testimonials
- Kill price anxiety with calculators + lead magnets
1. Run Google Ads by route
Stop burning money on broad keywords. Build paid campaigns around real buyer intent like “Los Angeles to Phoenix movers.” Treat each city pair like its own sales territory.
How to do it:
- Start with your most profitable routes.
- Use intent-heavy keywords: "state to state movers," "interstate movers near me," "moving from [city] to [city]."
- Build unique ad groups and landing pages per route.
- Add negative keywords to stop wasting budget (e.g., "free," "u-haul," "DIY").
✅ Check your set up: Free Google Ads launch template.
2. Rank for city-to-city SEO searches
70% of purchase journeys hit Google. Make sure you’re there for both the origin and destination.
How to do it:
- Create content hubs: “Moving from Denver to Dallas”
- Include tips, timelines, pricing factors, permits, access details, and valuation options.
- Optimize your Google Business Profiles for both ends. Keep NAP consistent.
- Use real photos, badges, and reviews to build trust.
- Interlink content for SEO authority.
Sample Moving Guide from Let's Get Moving:
🏆 Bonus: Also use these pages in PPC and Meta retargeting.
3. Build referral engines that feed you interstate jobs
Top movers generate 40%+ of business from referrals. Long-distance is no different.
How to do it:
- Partner with realtors, relocation consultants, and van lines.
- Offer incentives + easy digital submission (mobile forms, QR codes, landing pages).
- Build a dedicated partner portal to track leads and payouts.
- Report back monthly—reward your VIPs.
👉 Steal this: Wade Swikle’s referral playbook.
4. Buy leads—but with guardrails
Long-distance leads from third parties can work... if your sales game is strong.
How to do it:
- Test providers like MovingLeads.com or USA Home Listings by route.
- Prioritize fast lead response: hit the 5-10 min window.
- Qualify quickly: inventory method, access, valuation, dates, and budget.
- Require a deposit to lock in capacity.
❗Always build your own lead engine in parallel, so you're not stuck with expensive 3rd-parties.
5. Build review volume, build trust
Almost every mover has 4-5 stars. What wins? Volume, recency, and long-distance relevance.
How to do it:
- Automate review requests post-move.
- Aim for 1-2 new reviews per week.
- Ask customers to mention crews, routes, and outcomes.
- Add review photos to listings (35%+ more clicks).
- Embed testimonials on route-specific pages
💪 Pro move: Let your team manage responses. Set alerts, use canned replies, and jump on negative ones quickly.
6. Kill price anxiety with calculators + lead magnets
Interstate customers want clarity before they call.
How to do it:
- Launch a "Move Cost Calculator" with smart ranges.
- Offer downloads: city-to-city guides, out-of-state checklists (like this one).
- Auto-route to "Book a Virtual Survey" after download.
- Build short nurture emails: pricing factors, valuation tips, route-specific reviews.
💡 Smart tip: Keep download forms short. More conversions = more leads to close.
7. Target routes on Facebook/Instagram ads
Meta knows who’s moving. Meet them where they scroll.
How to do it:
- Target moving signals: job change, relocation, recently engaged, just listed.
- Build ad sets by city pair (e.g., Atlanta → Tampa).
- Run instant lead forms with phone/email/move month fields.
- Use UTMs and your CRM to track ROI per route.
📌 Start lean: $15/day for video views, $20/day for leads and conversions.
8. Win jobs with video proof
Interstate customers want proof you can deliver. Show them.
How to do it:
- Shoot video per route: packing, load-in, protection, delivery.
- Capture real jobs + real customers.
- Use clips across landing pages, Meta ads, emails, and YouTube.
- Add route-specific CTAs and end cards: “Get your quote from New York to Miami.”
💥 Max output: From one job, create a 90s overview, 3 short tips, a customer story, and a crew spotlight.
Long-distance is a different game
It’s not just "local but bigger."
You’ll need:
- Speed to lead under 10 minutes
- Coordinators trained on interstate compliance
- Route-level ROI tracking
- Clear cost-control systems
- Reviews that match your routes
📈 Top movers aim for 50%+ gross profit per job, even on long distance moves.
Want steady leads and an always-full calendar?
Grab the Moving Leads Playbook—packed with proven strategies, high-ROI lead sources, and benchmarks top movers use to keep quality leads flowing year-round.👇
FAQs: Interstate leads for moving companies
Can I refer interstate jobs without handling the move myself?
Yes, just don’t provide the estimate. You can send leads to interstate carriers for a flat fee or a 5-10% referral on booked jobs. Want to broker interstate work yourself? You’ll need a Household Goods Broker license and clear disclosures. Keep agreements simple and track revenue per partner.
Do long-distance lead providers actually work?
They can—if you test by route and set guardrails. Shared leads often lower conversion rates, so prefer exclusive ones when possible. Start small, track cost per lead and booked revenue, and only scale what hits your margin goals.
How are long-distance leads different from local ones?
Local leads close faster and care more about price. Long-distance leads take longer, research more, and want proof. Treat each route like its own market—with its own landing pages, testimonials, and fast follow-up.
How can I get high-quality long-distance leads without paying for them?
Use intent-driven marketing:
- City-to-city SEO pages
- Route-based Google + Meta ads
- Social proof (video + reviews)
- Direct mail timed to listings
- Downloadables like cost calculators and checklists
What should I put on my landing pages to attract better leads?
Make them route-specific and conversion-focused:
- Licensing, valuation, parking/access info
- Real crew photos and job reviews
- Clear CTAs and short forms
- Embedded video and testimonials
How quickly should I follow up with long-distance leads?
Within 5-10 minutes is ideal. Hit leads with 2 calls and 1 SMS fast—before they get 5 other quotes. If you miss them, schedule an auto follow-up the same day.
What KPIs actually matter for long-distance lead gen?
Track everything by route:
- Cost per lead
- Speed to lead
- First contact rate
- Profit per job
- Claim ratio
- UTM-tagged ROI by source
