Plumbing Business : Marketing Guide
To get more calls & grow your business.
if these are your current pains...
Poor Google Visibility
Your business exists, but you're fighting with the search platforms for visibility. People need to know you're out there and active; I can make that happen for you.
Inconvenient Phone Calls
As the owner, you're probably answering every incoming call. And when you're mid-job and can't pick up, potential clients get frustrated fast. Some might even leave a bad review just because of that. A website can fix this by giving people multiple ways to get in touch.
Inconsistent Lead Flow
Confusion makes people bounce to the next plumber on the list instead of calling you. A clear, simple service section on a website answers those questions before they even have to ask.
bad problems to have, but good news is... we can fix that!
Step 1. A website
Make it work for you. An asset, a flat fee investment to field incoming clients.
1. Emergency service banner
Reduces unnecessary calls. Let people know upfront if you offer emergency service, what your hours are, and what to expect if they call after hours.
2. Service Area Map
Takes the guesswork out of whether you even service someone’s area. Again, reduce the unnecessary calls. This also helps your search visibility & will rank you higher for searches like “plumber in [your town].”
3. About you
A photo of you makes a real difference. You’re coming into someone’s home & that can be nerve-wracking for a lot of folks. Putting a face to the business, and sharing how long you’ve been doing this, helps answer the unspoken question: can I trust this guy?
4. Pricing/process
Maybe it’s a renter/landlord situation, will you invoice over text? Do you give a price estimate? Do you service same day? These things may feel obvious to you, but a lot of people genuinely don’t know and stress over it. Answering it upfront builds trust – prior to even talking to a client.
5. Services
If you spell out exactly what you do, Google will love you and rank your business higher. Water heaters, leak repair, filtration systems, sewer scoping, drain clearing, backflow testing, repiping, toilet and fixture installation, emergency service – all of it, we will make sure your website has everything.
6. FAQ
How long do jobs typically take? My basement’s flooding, how fast can you get here? What are your hours? You might get a ton of calls, but there are a ton of people who don’t want to call unless they know you are the guy for the job.
7. Websites built for mobile phones
Most people are searching for a plumber from their phone, standing in a puddle. Your site needs to be built mobile-first, not just “mobile-friendly” as an afterthought.
8. Logistics
Don’t forget: you’ll also need your business domain (like drainguy.com), hosting to actually keep the site live, and to link it up with your social channels, Google Business Profile, and Yelp. This comes standard with all my website builds.
Why outsource it?
a) It’s a pain in the a**:
I’m not just saying that. It’s tedious, it’s hours of hyper analyzing the spacing or color shade. I can also do it efficiently and get your site live within 2 weeks.
b) Should I do my own plumbing:
Youtube and chat gpt might get me through it, sure. But, thinking long term… it’s not a great solution. I know the technical logistics and can get you set up for long term success. You’ll be able to edit photos, hours, etc & have a strong foundation (and actual asset) for your business.
Step 2. Social Media
But, not in an influencer way.
How to use it to your advantage?
Plumbing is a high-trust, low-frequency purchase. New clients contact you based on reviews, referrals, and “someone in my neighborhood used them.” So, Facebook groups and organic advertising is huge here.
Google Biz Profile
Someone googles “Plumbing companies near me,” then you come up here. While, it doesn’t feel like a social media channel, it is. Post job photos weekly and respond to reviews timely!
Yelp
Keep your profile filled out completely (hours, services, service area) and respond to inquires here. It shows you’re engaged and builds trust with people who are comparison-shopping.
Why Should You Even Care About Social Media?
Establishes credibility.
Other homeowners & businesses are trusting you as a plumber. This builds confidence in you and your business.
Shows you're active.
You'd be surprised how many plumbing businesses out are fully closed and will never answer the phone. Even posting once a month tells your community, you are in fact ready to work!
Build Trust
What seals the deal is showing you're a normal, trustworthy person they're comfortable letting into their home. And you have tangible experience - a few years as a plumber satisfies.
How to use it to your advantage?
Paid Ads ($$$)
Facebook knows a lot about its users, definitely too much so. But we can utilize this, you can target very specific groups (ie homeowners, interested in new water heaters, your exact geographic service area). A marketing agency (or Media Madeline, specifically) can put together ad graphics for you… these are eye catching flyers with info such as “Jack’s Plumbing based in Durango, CO. Water Filtration, Heaters, New Pipes. Your go-to local plumber.” Plus your phone number and email.
Organic Ads (free)
Get involved in local Facebook groups, follow other local businesses, engage with their posts, and build a genuine presence in your community. Use Stories for the casual, in-the-moment stuff (a quick job photo, a “we’re booked out a week, call ahead” heads up) to build a more personal reputation over time. Slowly build your profile by posting a few times a week.
Why outsource it?
Graphics & Creative:
We can build out a set of ad graphics and templates for you to reuse with consistent branding, logo, contact info… so they are ready to post whenever you need them.
Meta Ads:
Instead of throwing $200 at a random audience and hoping something sticks, we can help your ads reach your exact, desired target audience – maximizing your ad spend budget.
Consistency:
We sync your Facebook and Instagram to maximize engagement. I cook up fresh ideas and ways to spin your photos/videos/content creatively. This keeps your business looking legit and will organically increase leads.
Google Ads:
When done right, it’s one of the highest-intent channels available to a local service business. It can be pricey, so it is important to make sure your money is well spent on a thoughtful campaign.
81% of shoppers search online before reaching out. You too- if you made it this far 😉
Chat with Madeline, owner of Media Madeline!