How To Build A Client Base For Your New Plumbing Company
Congrats on launching your plumbing business! Now that you have your licensing done, it’s time to let potential customers know you’re here to help. Growing a business can feel like a big job, but breaking it down into small steps will make it easier. This guide will help you grow a client base that trusts your work and spreads the word.
Here’s everything you need to get your name out there!
1. Build a Simple Website
Think of your website as your online storefront. It doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to let people know who you are, what you do, and how to reach you. Here’s what to do:
Choose a Platform: For a simple setup, try Wix, Squarespace, or GoDaddy. They make it easy to customize a site with your own info.
Include Key Pages: Add a Homepage (to introduce yourself), a Services page (to list and explain your services), an About Us page (to share your experience), and a Contact Page with your phone and email.
Add Real Photos and Testimonials: Photos of you, your equipment, and some happy clients help make your site trustworthy. As you grow, add client testimonials to show your great work.
Why This Matters: Your website is the one place people can go to learn about you anytime, day or night.
Need Help? Building a website can feel like a big project, but we’re here to help! If you’d rather focus on your business and leave the web design to us, reach out at [email protected]—we’ll make it easy and stress-free.
2. Claim Your Google My Business Profile
Google My Business (GMB) is a powerful, free tool to help you show up in local searches and Google Maps when customers need a plumber in your area.
Set Up: Go to Google My Business, create an account, and add your business details like name, address, phone number, and hours.
Post Updates: Share seasonal tips or any discounts (like winterizing tips in the fall). Google will see these as signs you’re an active business, which can boost your profile.
Get Reviews: After completing jobs, ask clients for reviews. Positive reviews help you stand out and build trust with future clients.
Why This Matters: Showing up in Google searches is one of the quickest ways to get found by customers looking for plumbing services right now.
Pro Tip: Ask clients to mention specific services (like “quick pipe repair”) to help boost your ranking for those services.
3. Set Up a Facebook Business Page
A Facebook Business Page makes it easy for people to find, tag, and recommend you. This is a great way to connect with your community and show up when people search for plumbing recommendations.
Fill Out All Info: Add your services, contact info, and hours so clients can easily find what they need.
Join Local Groups: Find neighborhood and community groups where locals ask for recommendations. Introduce yourself, offer plumbing tips, and respond to anyone looking for a plumber.
Enable Messenger: Messenger lets clients reach out directly. Quick responses build trust and often lead to bookings.
Why This Matters: Facebook is where people ask friends and neighbors for referrals, so being active here helps you stay top-of-mind.
Pro Tip: Share short, helpful videos (like “how to avoid frozen pipes”) to show your expertise. Simple videos shot on your phone work just fine!
4. Focus on Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Local SEO helps people in your area find you when they search for terms like “plumbers near me.” Here’s how to optimize for local SEO:
Add Location Keywords: Use location-based keywords like “plumbing services in [Your City]” or “water heater repair in [Your Neighborhood]” on your website.
Post to GMB Regularly: Regular updates to your Google My Business profile boost your local ranking.
List on Local Directories: Add your business to local directories like Yelp, Angi, and HomeAdvisor. These listings often rank well and help more people find you.
Why This Matters: When people search for plumbers in your area, SEO helps make sure they find you before competitors.
Checklist:
Add your city or neighborhood name on your website.
Post to your Google My Business profile weekly.
List your business on directories like Yelp and Angi.
5. Try Google and Facebook Ads
With a small budget, ads on Google and Facebook can help you reach local clients. This is a fast way to get the word out.
Google Ads: Target keywords like “emergency plumber in [Your City]” or “water heater repair near me.” Google Ads help you reach people searching for these specific services.
Facebook Ads: Use local targeting to show ads to people nearby. Discounts or seasonal offers often work well.
Why This Matters: Ads help you reach people who may not know about you yet and can help you get quick results.
Pro Tip: Start with a small budget and test which ads work best. Ads offering "$50 off your first service" can help attract attention.
6. Network Locally and Use In-Person Marketing
Some traditional marketing methods still work wonders. Use these to get your name out there in your local community.
Business Cards: Always keep a stack with you. Hand them out at stores, give them to friends, and make sure everyone you know can share them.
Real Estate Agents: Realtors often need plumbers for inspections or repairs. Let a few agents know you’re available for quick plumbing help.
Community Events: Sponsor or attend local events. Setting up a booth or sponsoring a community event can help you meet potential clients face-to-face.
Why This Matters: Personal connections are valuable. When people see you around the community, they’re more likely to remember you when they need help.
Pro Tip: Offer a small referral discount for clients who refer new customers to you.
7. Collect Reviews and Testimonials
Reviews and testimonials build credibility. Don’t hesitate to ask satisfied clients for reviews—they help build trust with new clients.
How to Ask: After a job, send a follow-up message politely asking for a review.
Show Appreciation: Thank each client who leaves a review. Consider a small discount on their next service to show your appreciation.
Why This Matters: Positive reviews help potential clients feel confident choosing you over competitors.
Pro Tip: Display the best testimonials on your website, GMB profile, and Facebook page.
8. Share Short Videos with Plumbing Tips
Short, helpful videos show your expertise and can make a big impact. These don’t have to be professional—just helpful!
Video Ideas: Share “how-to” tips like “how to avoid frozen pipes” or “what to do if you have a leak.”
Post Regularly: Share videos on Facebook, Google My Business, and your website.
Why This Matters: Videos make you approachable and show that you know your stuff.
Pro Tip: Don’t stress about production quality. People care more about what you share than how fancy it looks.
9. Create a Weekly Marketing Checklist
Consistency is key to building your business. Creating a simple weekly checklist can help you stay organized.
Sample Weekly Checklist:
Post to Google My Business (5 minutes)
Share a Facebook Update or Tip (10 minutes)
Follow Up with Clients who recently received services (5 minutes)
Check Ads and see which are performing best (10 minutes)
Why This Matters: Small, regular steps add up to big results over time.
Building Your Business Takes Time—Keep Going!
Growing a strong client base doesn’t happen overnight, but each step you take builds momentum. Start small, stay consistent, and remember: every little effort brings you closer to a thriving plumbing business. If any of this feels overwhelming, tackle one thing at a time, and remember you’re doing great!
