Updated: May 2024.
People will always need plumbers. But whether they choose your business or your competitors comes down to two things: the quality of your work and how well you promote it. You’ve got the first part handled, now it’s time to focus on marketing.
These 15 plumber marketing strategies are practical, proven, and designed to plumbing businesses like yours grow.
1. Build a Brand That Sticks
Your brand is more than a logo; it’s how people recognize and remember you. It includes your colors, your logo, your tone of voice, and even the way you talk to customers.
Think about what sets your business apart. Are you fast and friendly? Experienced and reliable? Make sure your website, uniforms, trucks, and marketing materials all reflect that personality. The more consistent your brand is, the more likely people are to remember—and trust—you.
2. Claim Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile shows up when someone searches for plumbers in your area. It’s a free listing with your hours, contact info, photos, and customer reviews.
To claim yours, just search, “Google Business Profile” and follow the steps. Add as much detail as possible, especially pictures and customer reviews. It’s one of the easiest ways to boost visibility fast.
3. Try Google Local Services Ads
Google Local Services Ads show your business at the very top of search results. They’re built for businesses like yours that serve local customers.
You only pay if someone contacts you directly through the ad. You can even apply for the Google Guarantee badge, which tells potential customers Google has verified your business. This helps foster trust with your audience.
4. Run Search Ads (Pay-Per-Click)
Want to get your name in front of people searching for “emergency plumber near me”? Google Search Ads—also called pay-per-click or PPC ads—let you do just that.
How it works: You set a budget, choose which search terms you want to show up for, and only pay when someone clicks. It’s a great way to get fast visibility while your website’s search rankings improve.
5. Ask Customers for Reviews
Good reviews can be the difference between a customer calling you or someone else. In fact, most people won’t even consider a business with less than a 4-star rating.
According to our team’s research, 64% of consumers only consider providers with at least a 4 out of 5-star rating. The same study showed that 89% of people are more willing to use a business if it responds to reviews. Almost 60% won't use one that doesn't.
After a job, ask your customers to leave a review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Make it easy with a direct link. Then, respond to every review, good or bad. This shows people you care.
6. Give Your Website a Check-Up
Your website should help customers understand who you are, what you do, and how to contact you.
At minimum, make sure you have:
- A clean, mobile-friendly design
- A clear call to action (like “Call Now” or “Request a Quote”)
- Contact info on every page
- Service pages for each type of plumbing work you do
- An “About Us” page that tells your story
- A page with real customer reviews
If your site is outdated or hard to navigate, now’s a great time to update it.
7. Improve Your Local SEO
If you want to show up when someone searches “plumber in [your city],” local search engine optimization (SEO) is key.
Start by linking your Google Business Profile to your website. Then:
- Use local keywords, like “24/7 plumber in Dallas.”
- Make sure your business is listed consistently on map apps and directories.
- Build internal links between your web pages.
- Earn backlinks by getting featured on local sites or blogs.
Search engine optimization takes time and effort, but the long-term payoff is worth it.
8. Start Blogging
Blogging is a smart way to improve your website’s SEO and answer common plumbing questions people search for online, like “Why is my toilet constantly running?” or “What’s causing low water pressure?”
Each blog post is a chance to show your expertise and build trust. Be helpful, not salesy, and always link to your services when relevant.
9. Create Simple Videos
You don’t need a big budget to use video marketing. Grab your phone and record quick clips answering customer questions, showing behind-the-scenes work, or sharing tips.
Upload them to YouTube and link to your channel from your website. You can also post clips on social media or embed them in blog posts. Video builds trust fast and helps you stand out.
10. Send Helpful Emails
Email marketing is one of the most cost-effective plumber marketing ideas out there.
With your email marketing strategy, you can send:
- Seasonal tips (like how to prevent frozen pipes)
- Service reminders
- Discounts or promotions
- Links to your newest blog posts
Just make sure to send content that’s helpful, not spammy, and keep a consistent schedule. Sending emails once or twice a month can be enough to keep your business top of mind with your customers.
11. Add Email Sign-Up Forms
Want more people on your email list? Add a simple sign-up form to your website.
Encourage people to sign up by offering something in return, like:
- A discount on their first service
- A checklist for seasonal plumbing maintenance
- Early access to promotions
Even a short “Sign up to stay in touch” message can be enough to get more contacts.
12. Use Lead Generation Services
Lead generation services connect you with homeowners who are actively looking for plumbing help. Sites like HomeAdvisor, Angi, and Thumbtack let you bid on jobs or receive customer leads directly.
Start small to test what works, then scale up if you see results.
13. Create a Facebook Business Page
Facebook is still one of the best platforms for small business marketing. Create a free page, fill out all your info, and start posting a few times per week.
Share photos of recent jobs, quick tips, customer testimonials, and promotions. You can also run ads to reach people in your area and encourage reviews right on your page.
14. Start a Referral Program
Word of mouth is powerful. Give customers a reason to refer you by offering a small reward, like:
- A discount on their next service
- A local gift card
- A thank-you email or handwritten note
Referrals don’t have to cost much; they just have to feel appreciated.
15. Partner with Local Businesses
Think about who your customers already trust. Contractors, real estate agents, and even mortgage brokers often know people who need plumbing services.
Build relationships and offer to send referrals their way, too. You can even co-market—tag each other on social media, feature each other in blog posts, or hand out each other’s business cards.
Bonus: Stay Consistent
Whether you pick two plumber marketing strategies or try all 15, consistency is key. Marketing builds momentum over time, and the steadier you are, the better your results.
If you’re not sure where to start or need a hand putting a plan together, we’re here to help.
Let’s Build Your Marketing Strategy Together
Growing a plumbing business takes more than great service. It also takes a clear, steady marketing plan.
These plumber marketing ideas are designed to help you connect with new customers, stay top of mind, and grow at your own pace. Start with a few, track your results, and adjust as you go.
Need help putting it all into action? Scorpion has helped thousands of home service businesses just like yours—and we’d love to help you, too.
Let’s get started. Contact us for a consultation.
