As a plumber, you can mend leaking faucets, replace pipes, and troubleshoot complex drainage issues. However, in today’s competitive market, plumbing expertise alone won’t cut it. You need to market your business effectively to reach your potential clients.
So, how exactly do you go about marketing as a plumber? We’ve got your back. Here are eight proven and effective plumbing marketing ideas to help your business thrive in the plumbing industry.
- Build a website that works
- Leverage SEO to rank higher on Google
- Engage customers with email marketing
- Embrace social media advertising
- Utilise online reviews
- Take advantage of video marketing
- Build partnerships with other local businesses
- Focus on excellent customer service
- Bonus tip!
1. Build a website that works
In the digital age, a business without a website is equivalent to a shop with a closed sign. It's not just about having a digital presence, but about establishing a robust, welcoming, and informative space where customers can understand who you are, what you do, and how you can help them.
Did you know Tradify can build an Instant Website for you? Our plumbing job management software can pull all your company info into a quick and easy one-page website!
Please note: This feature is currently available for all Tradify customers and is an additional (and optional) cost to your Tradify subscription. You can build & view your Instant Website during your free trial, but you’ll need a paid Tradify subscription to go live.
Create a user-friendly interface
Imagine your website as your customers’ first point of contact with your business. A complicated, messy website can be as frustrating as a faulty pipe, driving potential clients away. It's crucial to craft a clean, intuitive layout that's as comfortable to navigate as your living room. Your website should provide the necessary information at a glance, with clear info about your services, coverage, contact information, and FAQ.
Highlight your services and geographic coverage
Transparency is the key to winning over potential customers. Ensure your website clearly outlines all the plumbing services you offer, whether it's repairing leaky faucets, installing new appliances, or emergency 24/7 services. Additionally, make sure to indicate the areas you serve. This information will help local customers know they've found the right plumber for their needs. Any indication of pricing or affordability will be super helpful for potential customers.
Provide clear contact information
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many businesses make it difficult for customers to reach out. Your name, address, phone number and email should be visible on every page if possible—either in the header or footer. Consider adding a contact form for enquiries and a feature for online booking if possible. The easier you make it for people to reach out, the more likely they are to choose your services.
Establish a blog
Plumbing may be second nature to you, but for many homeowners, it’s a mystery. Establishing a blog on your website that provides simple, helpful tips for common plumbing issues can position you as a trusted authority in your field. Moreover, it can drive more traffic to your site as people search for solutions to their plumbing woes. This not only helps customers but also improves your website's SEO rankings.
Make it responsive
Finally, your website must be responsive. Today, people use a variety of devices, from smartphones to tablets, to surf the web. A responsive website adapts to the screen size of the device it's viewed on, ensuring a great user experience, irrespective of the device used. If your website doesn't display correctly on a mobile device, it can be as off-putting as the hot water not working in your shower.
2. Leverage SEO to rank higher on Google
Simply having a website is not enough. It needs to be found by potential clients searching for the services you offer. Search engine optimisation (SEO) is a crucial plumbing marketing strategy that can help your business rank higher in search results.
Optimise your website with relevant keywords, quality content, and local SEO tactics to appear in the top results when customers search for a plumber in their vicinity. Remember, most people don't scroll past the first page of search results, so strive to land in the top 3.
3. Engage customers with email marketing
Believe it or not, email is still one of the most effective ways to connect with customers. It's the digital equivalent of a friendly knock on the door, reminding your clients that you're there for all their plumbing needs.
Start by crafting regular newsletters. Fill them with helpful plumbing tips, the latest updates about your business, and any special service promotions you might be running. Remember, the key is to provide value—not just sell services. A homeowner who just learned how to maintain their pipes from your email will remember your name next time they're in need of a professional.
4. Embrace social media advertising
An active presence on social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok allows you to reach a broad audience. These platforms offer cost-effective advertising options that target specific demographics, providing an excellent opportunity for marketing for plumbers.
You can use these channels to showcase your work, offer tips, share customer testimonials, and engage with your audience through comments and messages. Remember, social media thrives on authenticity and connection. Make it more human-sounding by showcasing your team, your values, and the people behind your services.
Read more social media ideas for plumbers.
5. Utilise online reviews
According to a survey by BrightLocal, 98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses. Positive reviews significantly influence customer decisions and improve your business's online reputation. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google Business or your Facebook page. Displaying these reviews on your website further boosts credibility.
6. Take advantage of video marketing
Video marketing isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changing tool in your plumbing marketing arsenal. It’s all about visually showcasing your plumbing mastery, letting your satisfied customers do the talking, and inviting your audience behind the scenes of your operations. Here's a quick step-by-step guide to doing it right:
Start by creating high-quality videos to showcase your services in action. You might consider using a video editor to ensure your content looks sleek and professional even if you have no prior experience with video editing. These videos should be more than just a sales pitch—they should demonstrate your problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and dedication to your craft.
Next, use the power of customer testimonials. There's no marketing more powerful than word of mouth, and in the digital world, video testimonials are the next best thing. Make it even better by seamlessly blending multiple customer testimonials using an audio joiner, which will ensure a smooth listening experience.
For a relatable touch, don't shy away from showing the human side of your business. Behind-the-scenes videos that highlight your team's spirit and commitment can add that much-needed human element and build trust among your audience.
When dealing with audio files in your videos, you may run into some compatibility issues, especially with formats like M4A. To avoid any playback problems across different platforms, you may consider converting these files, for example from M4A to MP3.
Once you have your videos, share them. Upload to platforms like YouTube, embed them on your website, and post them across your social media channels. The more you share, the more you expose your business to potential customers.
Remember, video marketing isn't just about selling services; it's about telling stories, building trust, and forming connections. It's time to turn the camera on and let your plumbing business shine.
7. Build partnerships with other local businesses
Building partnerships with other local businesses can create a powerful network that benefits all involved. Start by looking for businesses that complement your plumbing services. Think along the lines of local contractors, real estate agents, or hardware stores. These industries often intersect with plumbing and can be excellent sources of referrals.
Approach these businesses with collaboration in mind. Could you offer their clients a discount on your services? In return, they might refer their customers to you when they need plumbing services. This win-win situation helps both your businesses grow while also supporting your local community.
8. Focus on excellent customer service
Lastly, and most importantly, none of these strategies can take the place of delivering top-quality service. Remember, your work speaks for itself and satisfied customers are your best ambassadors. Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing strategies.
When a customer has a good experience with your business, from that initial phone call to the final resolution of their plumbing issue, they'll remember. And they'll likely recommend your service to their circle—friends, family, or neighbours. This is a powerful marketing tool that not only brings in new customers but also solidifies your reputation in the market.
9. Bonus Tip!
Consider using plumbing business software like Tradify. This app will help streamline your operations, manage client relationships, and even set up a website for you. Tradify keeps you organised, efficient and focused on delivering top-notch service—while freeing up more of your time.
Want to save time & make more money? No credit card required. No contracts. Sign up for a 14-day free trial with Tradify.
Or join one of our live walkthrough webinars to see Tradify in action.
This article was a guest post from Rachelle at VEED.IO.
