This is Your Crash Course on Advertising for Plumbers

Ready to roll up your sleeves and get more customers calling? This quick guide to advertising for plumbers gives you 13 practical ideas that’ll help you stand out in a sea of wrenches. No fancy marketing lingo here, just solid advice you can put to work today.

1. Get Your Business on Google (It’s Free and It Works!)

First up, let’s talk about your Google Business Profile. It’s free, it’s powerful, and it’s a must-have. Here’s how to make it work for you:

• Go to google.com/business and claim your listing. If you don’t have one, create it.
• Fill out every single field they give you. The more info, the better.
• Add your contact details, working hours, and services. Be specific – if you do emergency calls, say so!
• Upload at least 10 good photos. Show off your truck, your team (looking professional!), and some before-and-after shots of your work.
• Ask every happy customer to leave you a review, since that’s one of the best forms of advertising for plumbers. More on that later, but reviews here are gold.
• Keep it updated. Changed your hours? Update the listing. New service? Add it.

Remember, this is often the first thing people look at so it’s some of the best advertising for plumbers who want to be seen. Make it count!

2. Build a Simple, No-Frills Website That Actually Works

You don’t need all the bells and whistles, but you do need a website. Here’s what to include:

• A clear list of your services. Don’t make people guess what you do.
• Your service area. Be specific about which towns or neighborhoods you cover.
• Contact information on every page. Make it dead easy for people to call or email you.
• A gallery of your work. People love before-and-after photos.
• Customer testimonials. Let your happy customers sing your praises.
• An “About Us” section. Tell your story. Are you a family business? Been serving the area for decades? Let people know.
• A simple way to request a quote or book a job online. Not everyone likes picking up the phone.

Don’t forget to use words people actually search for throughout your site. Sprinkle in terms like “emergency plumber,” “24-hour plumber,” or “licensed plumber in [your city].” This helps you show up when people are searching. (That’s the same reason we use the phrase “advertising for plumbers” so often in this blog post!)

And please, make sure it looks good on a phone. Most folks will be looking you up while water’s spraying everywhere – make it easy for them on mobile.

3. Google Advertising for Plumbers (Without Breaking the Bank)

Google Ads can be a quick way to get in front of people who need you right now. Here’s how to dip your toes in:

• Start with Local Service Ads. These are the ones at the very top of Google, with the little “Google Guaranteed” badge. They’re usually cheaper and easier to manage.
• Set a small daily budget to start – maybe $20-30 a day. You can always increase it later.
• Focus on emergency services at first. People searching for “emergency plumber near me” are ready to call right now.
• Use your service area to target ads. No point paying for clicks from folks 100 miles away.
• Write clear, simple ad copy. “24/7 Emergency Plumber – Licensed & Insured – Free Estimates” gets the point across.
• Send people to a page on your website that matches what they searched for. If they clicked an ad for “water heater repair,” don’t send them to your homepage.
• Track your results. Are you getting calls? Are they turning into jobs? If not, tweak your ads

Remember, Google Ads can get expensive fast, and if you’re not careful, it can become one of the most expensive forms of advertising for plumbers. Start small, learn the ropes, and scale up when you’re seeing results.

4. Get on Facebook (It’s Where Your Customers Hang Out)

I know, Facebook might not be your thing, but trust me, it’s some of the best advertising for plumbers available. Here’s how to make it work for your business:

• Create a Facebook Business Page. It’s free and takes about 10 minutes.
• Fill out all the info – hours, services, contact details. The works.
• Post at least once a week. Share stuff like:
  • Quick plumbing tips (how to prevent frozen pipes, signs of a water leak, etc.)
  • Before and after photos of your work (ask customers if it’s okay first)
  • Introduce your team members
  • Share any community events you’re involved in
  • Post about any specials or promotions you’re running
  • Remember that organic content like this can be one of the most valuable forms of advertising for plumbers, because it gets in front of customers but doesn’t feel like an advertisement.
• Respond to comments and messages quickly. People expect fast responses on social media.
• Consider running a simple Facebook ad. You can target by location, age, and even homeownership status. Start with a small budget, like $50, and see how it goes.
• Join local Facebook groups. Many neighborhoods have their own groups where people ask for recommendations. Be helpful, not salesy.

Remember, Facebook is social. Be yourself, be helpful, and people will remember you when they need a plumber.

5. Show Off What You Know (Because You Know Your Stuff)

You’ve got years of experience under your belt. Share some of that knowledge:

• Start a blog on your website. Don’t worry about writing novels – short, helpful posts work great. Ideas:
  • “5 Signs Your Water Heater’s About to Quit”
  • “How to Unclog a Drain Without Harsh Chemicals”
  • “What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze”
• Make quick videos with your phone. No need for fancy equipment. Show stuff like:
  • How to shut off your main water valve
  • Signs of a hidden leak
  • How to read your water meter
• Share your content on your website, Facebook, and even email it to past customers.
• Offer to write a guest post for a local real estate agent’s blog. They’re always looking for content, and it gets you in front of potential customers.

The goal here is to show people you know your stuff. When they have a plumbing emergency, they’ll remember the helpful plumber who taught them how to shut off their water.

6. Get Those Reviews Rolling In (The Best Advertising for Plumbers)

Nothing beats a good review. Here’s how to get more:

• Ask every single customer for a review. Every. Single. One.
• Make it easy. Send them a direct link to your Google Business Profile or Facebook page.
• Follow up with an email a day or two after the job. Thank them again and include that review link.
• Respond to every review, good or bad. Thank people for good reviews. For bad ones (it happens), apologize and offer to make it right.
• Share great reviews on your website and social media. Let those happy customers sing your praises.
• Consider offering a small discount on the next service for customers who leave a review. Just be careful not to make it sound like you’re buying good reviews – that’s a no-no.

Remember, reviews aren’t just for new customers. They help with your Google ranking too.

7. Start a Referral Program (Turn Customers into Salespeople)

Word of mouth is powerful. Give your customers a reason to spread the word:

• Decide on a referral bonus. Maybe $50 off their next service, or a free drain cleaning.
• Let every customer know about the program. Leave behind a card explaining it after each job.
• When you get a new customer, always ask how they heard about you. If it was a referral, make sure to thank the person who sent them your way.
• Track your referrals. You might find some customers are sending you tons of business – consider giving them a bigger “thank you.”
• Don’t forget about other trades. Build relationships with electricians, HVAC techs, and handymen. Refer business to them, and they’ll return the favor.

A good referral program can bring in a steady stream of new customers without spending a dime on advertising.

8. Send Out Some Emails (But Don’t Be a Pain About It)

Email marketing can be a great way to stay in touch with past customers. Here’s how to do it right:

• Build your email list. Ask customers if they want to receive occasional emails with plumbing tips and special offers.
• Use an email service like Mailchimp or Constant Contact. They’re cheap and make sure you’re following spam laws.
• Send emails no more than once a month. Nobody wants daily emails from their plumber.
• Keep it useful. Include stuff like:
  • Seasonal maintenance reminders (like winterizing pipes in fall)
  • Quick plumbing tips
  • Special offers for repeat customers
  • New services you’re offering
• Keep it short and to the point. No one’s going to read a novel from their plumber.
• Always include a call-to-action, like “Book Your Fall Maintenance Check Now” with a link to do so.
• Test different subject lines to see what gets people to open your emails.

Email is a great way to stay top-of-mind with past customers. When they need a plumber again, you want them to think of you first.

9. Try Out Some Lead Gen Websites (But Watch Those Fees)

Lead generation websites can be a good way to get some extra work, especially when you’re starting out. Here’s how to use them:

• Check out sites like HomeAdvisor, Angi, or Thumbtack. See which ones are popular in your area.
• Read the fine print on fees. Some charge per lead, others take a percentage of the job.
• Start with just one platform. They can get expensive if you’re not careful.
• Fill out your profile completely. Add photos, licenses, and as much detail as possible.
• Respond to leads quickly – within an hour if you can. The first to respond often gets the job.
• Track which leads turn into jobs. If you’re spending more on fees than you’re making in profit, it might not be worth it.
• Ask customers from these platforms for reviews on the platform. It’ll help you show up more often.

Remember, these should supplement your other marketing efforts, not replace them. The goal is to eventually not need them as you build up your own customer base.

10. Don’t Forget Old-School Advertising for Plumbers (It Still Works)

Sometimes the old ways are still good ways. Here are some tried-and-true methods:

• Fridge magnets: Get some made with your logo, phone number, and “24/7 Emergency Service” if you offer it. Leave one with every customer.
• Vehicle wraps: Turn your work truck into a rolling billboard. Include your name, logo, phone number, and website. Keep it simple and easy to read.
• Yard signs: Ask customers if you can leave a small sign in their yard for a week after completing a big job.
• Community bulletin boards: Leave your business cards at local grocery stores, community centers, or hardware stores.
• Local sponsorships: Sponsor a little league team or a charity event. It gets your name out there and shows you support the community.
• Door hangers: If you’re doing a big job in a neighborhood, leave door hangers on nearby homes. Offer a “neighbor discount” to drum up more business in the area.

These methods won’t bring in floods of customers, but they keep your name out there and can lead to steady, local business.

11. Team Up with HOAs (Hello, Steady Work)

Homeowners Associations can be a goldmine for plumbers. Here’s how to get in with them:

• Make a list of all the HOAs in your service area. You can usually find this info on your city’s website.
• Prepare a professional packet with your services, rates, and some testimonials from happy customers.
• Reach out to the HOA management. Offer to be their “preferred plumber” – maybe with a special rate for association members.
• Offer to do a free plumbing workshop for homeowners in the association. Teaching them basics like how to spot leaks can position you as the expert.
• If you get in with an HOA, do a great job every time. Word spreads fast in these communities – good and bad.
• Consider offering a group rate or annual maintenance plan for the whole association.

Remember, landing one good HOA can mean steady work for years. It’s worth putting in the effort to build these relationships.

12. Partner with Local Builders (Big Jobs, Steady Work)

Builders always need reliable plumbers. Here’s how to get in with them:

• Research who’s building in your area. Look for both big developers and smaller custom home builders.
• Reach out and introduce yourself. Offer to bid on their next project.
• Be ready to show your licenses, insurance, and references. Builders need to know you’re reliable.
• If you land a job, go above and beyond. Show up on time, work clean, and be easy to work with.
• Build relationships with the other trades on site. They can put in a good word for you with the builder.
• Consider specializing in new construction plumbing if you enjoy it. Builders love working with plumbers who know the ins and outs of new builds.
• Stay in touch even when you’re not on a job. Send holiday cards, check in occasionally, and keep that relationship warm.

Working with builders can provide a steady stream of work, especially during slower seasons for residential calls.

13. Ask Your Customers What They Want (And Actually Listen)

Your customers are your best source of information and listening and responding to them can be powerful advertising for plumbers. Here’s how to learn from them:

• After each job, ask how they found you. Keep track of what’s working.
• Send out a quick survey to past customers. Ask what they liked about your service and what you could improve.
• Pay attention to the questions customers ask most often. Use these to create FAQ sections on your website or in your emails.
• If you keep hearing requests for a service you don’t offer, consider adding it.
• Ask for feedback on your pricing. If everyone’s saying you’re too expensive, you might need to adjust or do a better job explaining your value.
• Listen to complaints, even if they’re hard to hear. They’re often the best way to improve your service.
• Create a customer advisory board. Invite a few of your best customers to meet once a year to give you feedback and ideas.

Remember, your goal is to be the best plumber in town. Your customers can tell you exactly how to do that – if you listen.

These Are Some of the Best Options for Advertising for Plumbers

There you have it: 13 ways to get the word out about your plumbing business, all beefed up with the nitty-gritty details. The key is to start small, try a few things, and see what works best for you and your business. Keep track of where your calls are coming from, and do more of what’s working.

Remember, the best advertising for plumbers is simply doing good work and treating people right. Do that, and word will spread. Now get out there, get your hands dirty, and show ’em what you’ve got!