Dangers of lead generation websites
Why should I care about lead generation websites?
If you have spent any time at all searching for moving companies on the internet you have most likely run across several lead generation websites. They typically rank among the top listings with most search engines when searching for moving companies and related keywords. They are the websites that claim you can “get moving quotes now” or “get free moving quotes”. Truth is you will never actually get moving quotes now from any website and that moving quotes are always free. The problem is that they are not a good way to find a moving company and can make the process of finding a quality moving company and having a stress free move more difficult than it needs to be.
How do they work?
Lead generation websites collect information about you and your move and sell it as a customer lead to moving companies that are enlisted in their services. You typically do not choose which moving companies receive your information and you do not have control over if or when they’ll contact you.
Why they are popular…
These websites have been successful because they are quick and easy. All you have to do is fill in a few fields and hit submit and wait for moving companies to contact you. Little or no searching is required to find these sites and no extra effort is required in that they’ll contact multiple moving companies. Then hopefully these moving companies will contact you within a reasonable amount of time and not while you’re eating dinner.
…And dangerous
The problem is that if you use these sites you expose yourself to spam, sales calls and questionable moving companies. First of all, because you have to submit contact information you also relinquish privacy and these moving companies can just email or call you at their convenience. Second, because you don't know what moving companies have been given your personal information, you don't know anything about the quality of the moving companies and can't research them until after they’ve called you. Unfortunately at this point you’ve already had to invest some time in speaking with them and they may turn out to be a company completely unworthy of your business. And finally the moving companies may not contact you at all and it may just have been a waste of time.
Another issue with classic lead generation websites is that occasionally illegally operating or "rogue" movers as well as movers of questionable quality purchase leads through these sites. and can cause absolute nightmare moves (see our page on moving scams).
One Simple Move is different
On the other hand, One Simple Move is not a typical lead generation website.
At One Simple Move once you create an account you receive access to a directory of qualified, licensed moving companies that can service your move. Your name and email are not shared with anyone. You then research and contact movers by reviewing the detailed company information available in your account. At your convenience you can then contact them anonymously through our site using our unique anonymous communication interface until you feel comfortable giving up your contact information.
One Simple Move empowers you as a consumer with a list of licensed and qualified movers who you can now research and contact on your own time, at your speed and without giving up your privacy. Plus, throughout our website and in your account we provide you with copious amounts of valuable information to educate you on the moving industry.
When your move is complete we encourage (as well as compensate) you to review your moving company to help future users decide which moving company is right for them.