One of the first things we do when working with clients at Moving Marketing Results is give them a bit of homework. “Take photos and videos of your team in action,” we say. “Get shots of your trucks, your crew loading up a house, and maybe even a happy customer waving goodbye.”
The reaction is almost always the same: a mix of curiosity and hesitation. Some clients worry their photos won’t look professional enough, while others aren’t sure what to capture. But here’s the truth: these real, unpolished moments are exactly what people want to see. They tell a story about your company that stock photos never could.
Real photos and videos build trust, show your personality, and make your business stand out. Let’s dive into why they’re so effective, what to capture, and how you can use them to grow your moving company.
1. Why Real Photos and Videos Matter
Think about the last time you looked for a service online. Did you trust the company with real photos of its team and work, or the one with stock photos of smiling strangers?
Real photos and videos build confidence. They show potential customers exactly who they’re hiring and what they can expect. When someone sees your actual crew in branded shirts or your trucks parked outside a home, it feels real and trustworthy.
And it’s not just about trust—it’s about engagement, too. On social media, posts with authentic visuals tend to get way more likes, comments, and shares than stock images. People can tell when a company is genuine, and they’re drawn to it.
2. What to Capture: Real Photo and Video Ideas for Moving Companies
If you’re unsure what to photograph or record, don’t overthink it. The best content comes from your everyday work.
Here are a few ideas:
Photos
- Action shots of your crew packing, loading, or unloading a truck.
- Before-and-after photos of moves show how you transform a cluttered space into an organized one.
- Your branded trucks are parked outside homes or businesses.
- Your team in front of trucks.
- Your back office staff
Videos
- A quick introduction to your services featuring your team, your trucks, and even a customer testimonial.
- Time-lapse videos of a moving day—from loading to unloading.
- Behind-the-scenes clips of your crew prepping for a job or wrapping fragile items.
3. Where to find professional photos
If you’re not ready to take your own photos or just need a few high-quality images to round out your collection, there are plenty of options out there. Here are some ways to find professional-looking photos, along with tips to make sure they fit your brand:
a. Stock Photos (Use with Caution)
Stock photo websites like Shutterstock, Unsplash, or Adobe Stock are great places to find polished, professional images. However, it’s important to choose photos that accurately reflect your business. Look for images that align with your services, such as movers, trucks, or packing materials, and avoid overly staged or generic-looking shots. Personally, unique photos are tough to find and tend to be used over and over on thousands of websites. Also, they are usually from Europe so they wear uniforms which, as we all know, in the US, we do not.
b. AI-Generated Photos (Use Carefully)
AI tools can create realistic-looking photos tailored to your needs, but you’ll need to be cautious. While AI-generated images can look great, they sometimes have odd flaws, like wonky hands, strange facial features, or unrealistic proportions. If you use AI photos, review them carefully to ensure they look natural and won’t raise any red flags with potential customers.
c. Hire a Photographer
If you want real photos of your team, trucks, or jobs but want them professionally done, platforms like Snappr can connect you with photographers in your area. Hiring a photographer for a session ensures you’ll get high-quality, branded images unique to your company. These photos can be used across your website, social media, and Google Business Profile to showcase your professionalism.
With any of these options, the goal is to find visuals that accurately represent your business and build trust with your audience. Whether you’re using stock images, AI tools, or hiring a photographer, make sure the end result aligns with your brand’s personality and values.
4. How to Make Photos and Videos Look Professional (Without Hiring a Pro)
You don’t need a fancy camera to create great visuals. Most smartphones these days have all the tools you need. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your photos and videos:
- Lighting is Key: Natural light works best, so try to take photos and videos during the earliest or latest part of the day. Avoid harsh shadows by keeping the sun behind you.
- Hold the Phone Steady: Use a tripod if you have one, or rest your elbows on a solid surface to avoid shaky footage.
- Keep it Horizontal: Always hold your phone sideways (landscape mode) for a cleaner look. We need these photos for websites.
- Vary it with Vertical: You’ll need these for social media
- Step Away: Try not to get so close to your subject. Leave some room if you need to crop or add text later.
Editing is also easier than you think. Free tools like Canva and CapCut let you brighten photos, trim videos, and even add your logo.
4. Where to Use Your Photos and Videos
Once you’ve got a collection of real photos and videos, it’s time to put them to work:
- Website: Use these visuals on your homepage, service pages, and team bio sections to make your site feel more personal.
- Social Media: Share photos and videos regularly to keep your audience engaged. Post behind-the-scenes moments, moving tips, and customer shoutouts.
- Google Business Profile: Add photos and videos to your profile to improve your local search visibility and make your listing more appealing.
5. The Impact on Conversions and Leads
Real visuals aren’t just nice to have—they can directly impact your bottom line. Seeing your actual team in action builds trust, which is key for converting website visitors into customers.
They’re also a form of social proof. A photo of your crew carefully packing a family’s belongings or a video testimonial from a happy client shows people the quality of your work. It’s not just you saying you’re great—it’s visual evidence that speaks for itself.
6. Tips for Staying Consistent with Visual Content
The key to making real photos and videos work for you is consistency. Don’t just take a few photos and call it a day—keep adding to your collection.
- Capture Daily Moments: Encourage your team to snap photos during moves and share them with you.
- Schedule Content Time: Set aside a couple of hours each month to take new photos and videos.
- Keep it Fresh: Update your visuals regularly to reflect your current team, trucks, and branding.
Conclusion
At Moving Marketing Results, we’ve seen firsthand how real photos and videos can transform a moving company’s marketing efforts. They’re not just about looking good—building trust, engaging your audience, and driving more business.
Start small. Take a few photos of your next move or record a short video introducing your team. The more authentic and relatable your visuals, the bigger the impact they’ll have on your business.
It’s time to put your company in the spotlight—one photo or video at a time.
