This year, movers from our 2025 Moving Report named Facebook (not Google) their #1 lead source.
Surprising? Not really.
The world's largest social platform cracked record numbers this year with over 3 billion monthly active users. And yet: only 24% of movers are running ads on Facebook—which means the playing field is WIDE OPEN.
Ready to turn your social networking skills into savvy advertising and more booked jobs?
Let's go.
👉 Need more moving leads? Check out the 15 best lead sources for movers.
(Spoiler! Facebook ads is one of them.)
Facebook Ads vs. Google Ads: What’s the difference?
Google Ads answer a question. Facebook Ads spark a conversation.
Google Ads are intent-based. You bid on moving keywords like "best moving company in Greenville" or "apartment mover near me" and Google serves up your paid search results. These leads are hot—they're actively looking. That’s why Google Ads typically deliver faster conversions.
Facebook Ads are interest-based. You target people by zip code, homeowner status, whether they just got engaged... big life changes. Even if they're not searching for movers yet, your ad plants the seed. It’s a long game with powerful ROI when you get the creative and targeting dialed in.
TL;DR:
- Google = high-intent leads ready to book
- Facebook = brand-building and retargeting
For most movers, the smartest play is using Google Ads to catch the active buyers and Facebook Ads to build future demand.
👉Already know this stuff? Jump ahead to Facebook Ads: 201 guide.
How much should you spend on Facebook ads?
Average movers spend $6,300 a month on ads, according to our data.
How much should go to Facebook? Roughly 20-30%.
Here's how you might break down your total ad budget:
Channel | Budget | Strategy |
Google Ads | $4,000 | Capture high-intent leads |
Facebook Ads | $1,500 | Retarget, build awareness, fill funnel |
Angi's List / Yelp | $450 | Show up in trusted directories |
Direct mail | $350 | Target high income / new move-ins |
Start with $15-$50/day—enough to see results without lighting money on fire.
For 3-6 truck moving companies
- Start with $15–$25/day.
- Focus on retargeting website visitors.
- Use moving software to catch every lead and follow up fast.
For 6-10 truck moving companies
- Spend $30-$50/day.
- Add cold audiences targeting homeowners, new movers, etc.
‼️ Important: Don't just throw money at Facebook. What matters is your your message, your audience, and your follow-up system. Run lean, track results, and scale what works.
What Facebook ad formats should you use?
There are a lot to choose from. With a budget of $15-50/day, using them all would dilute spend and slow your results.
Start with these ads formats
✅ Single image ads
Easiest to create, fast to test.- Format: Static image + headline + CTA
- Best for: High-impact messages or retargeting
- Example: “Need help moving this weekend? Call now—we’ve got your back”
✅ Video ads
Builds trust and boosts click-through rates.
- Format: MP4 or MOV file shown in-feed or Stories
- Best for: Highlighting happy customers or clean trucks
- Example: “Why choose us” video, customer testimonial, or crew in action
✅ Lead ads
Low-cost lead gen for targeting or retargeting.
- Format: Form embedded in Facebook/Instagram
- Best for: Quote requests and seasonal promos
- Example: “Get a free moving estimate—no phone call needed”
✅ Stories ads
Optional, if your mobile traffic is 50%+.
- Format: Full-screen vertical image or video
- Best for: Fast, thumb-stopping engagement on mobile
- Example: “Moving soon? We’ve got a truck ready—swipe up to schedule”
Try theses when you're ready to scale
✅ Carousel ads
Works well with a higher budget ($100+/day).
- Format: Scrollable series of 2–10 images or videos
- Best for: Showcasing your service types or moving process
- Example: “Swipe to see how we make your move stress-free—from quote to delivery”
✅ Messenger ads
Only if you have bandwidth to manage real-time chats.
- Format: Opens Facebook or Instagram DM thread
- Best for: Quick answers, quote requests, and 1:1 engagement
- Use Case: “Questions about your move? Message us now for fast answers”
3 examples of Facebook moving ads that work
According to Google, up to 70% of a campaign’s success is determined by the creative. Let’s look at how some of the best moving brands use killer creative to scoop up customers.
1. Moving Ahead Services video ad
High-energy music. Drone footage. Behind-the-scenes action. This ad's a winner. With smart logo placements and up-close shots of the team, it builds trust in less than 20 seconds. 🎬
2. Piece of Cake single image ad
Positive customer reviews + pop of color = scroll-stopping content. Piece of Cake Moving & Storage proves just how effective a single photo ad can be—especially with the right branding.
3. College Hunks carousel ad
Carousels are all about maximizing engagement and ad space. College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving does it right, with swipeable slides showing franchise leads how to become owners in 6 steps.
Tips for improving your Facebook ads
Facebook ad targeting tips
Narrow targeting = less wasted budget. The more precise your audience, the lower your costs and the higher your chances of turning clicks into jobs.
- Core audiences/detailed targeting: Choose your target based on age, location, interests, and behaviors.
- Custom audiences: Reach people who've already interacted with your business, like website visitors.
- Lookalike audiences: Find new potential customers who are similar to your current customers.
Facebook ad creative tips
You're not just competing with other moving companies. You're competing with everything in the feed. You’ve got half a second to stop the scroll, so make it count.
- Lead with a problem: "Your last mover ghosted you. Let’s do it right this time."
- Use real photos: They don't look like ads—which is why they work.
- Big, clear text: Assume people are watching with the sound off.
- Movement matters: Even subtle animation makes your ad harder to ignore.
Facebook ad conversion tips
It's not enough to show up and look good. You have to inspire your audience to take action. Here's where you turn views and clicks into quotes.
- Use urgent CTAs: “Next-day moving slots available.”
- Reduce friction: Pre-fill name, email, phone in lead ads.
- Use landing pages: Bring leads to you (vs. converting on Facebook) for interstate, pack & move, corporate.
-
Retarget! Show “Book Now” ads to anyone who visits your site, clicks a quote button, or watches 50%+ of a video.
Tips for booking your Facebook leads
Only go after more Facebook leads when you're confident your sales team will catch and convert them. Without a solid sales process, more leads = more leaks.
- Make sure leads from your Facebook ads go straight into your moving CRM.
- Send an email or text reply immediately to keep leads warm while you get in touch.
- Reach out within 5-10 min to qualify leads and move toward booking.
SmartMoving helps movers respond to leads 2X faster and cut time to book by 30%.👇