Starting a plumbing business is one thing. Getting people to actually call you? That’s where things get interesting.
The truth is, most people don’t think about plumbers until something goes wrong. Picture this: it’s 2 AM, water’s gushing from under the kitchen sink, and suddenly everyone’s frantically googling “emergency plumber near me.” That’s your moment.
But waiting for disasters isn’t exactly a sustainable business strategy. Smart plumbing businesses know they need to be visible before the crisis hits.
Getting Found When People Need You Most
Local search is pretty much everything for plumbers. When someone’s dealing with a burst pipe or blocked drain, they’re not browsing through Yellow Pages anymore. They’re on their phone, typing desperately into Google.
The thing is, being visible online isn’t just about having a website. It’s about showing up in the right places at the right time. Google My Business listings, local directories, and even social media all play a part. Ever noticed how the top results always seem to have loads of reviews? There’s a reason for that.
Local SEO might sound technical, but it’s really just about making sure Google knows where you are and what you do. For businesses offering plumbing in Essendon, Melbourne, being specific about location makes all the difference when someone’s searching in a panic at midnight.
Word of Mouth Still Rules
Here’s something that hasn’t changed: people trust recommendations from friends and family more than any advertisement. A satisfied customer telling their neighbor about great service is worth more than any paid ad campaign.
But here’s where it gets tricky. How do you get people talking? The answer’s simpler than you might think. Do excellent work, show up when you say you will, and don’t overcharge. Sounds basic, right? Yet you’d be surprised how many businesses struggle with these fundamentals.
Following up after a job is finished works wonders too. A quick text asking if everything’s working properly shows you care beyond just collecting payment.
Building Trust Before the Emergency
Nobody wants to hire a plumber they’ve never heard of during a crisis. That’s why smart businesses work on building recognition before people need them.
Community involvement goes a long way here. Sponsoring local sports teams, participating in home and garden shows, or even just being active on local Facebook groups helps people recognize your name. When disaster strikes, familiar feels safer.
Educational content works surprisingly well too. Writing about common plumbing issues, sharing maintenance tips, or posting before-and-after photos on social media positions you as the local expert. People remember the plumber who helped them understand why their water pressure dropped, not just the one who fixed it.
Making the Phone Ring
Traditional advertising isn’t dead, but it’s changed. Radio ads during morning commutes still work, especially when they mention specific local areas. Vehicle signage turns every job into a mobile advertisement.
Online reviews deserve special attention though. They’re basically digital word-of-mouth recommendations. Encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews sounds pushy, but most people are happy to help if you just ask nicely.
The key is making it easy. Send a follow-up message with direct links to your Google listing or preferred review platform. Timing matters too. Ask when the customer is happiest with your service, usually right after you’ve solved their problem.
Staying Top of Mind
Regular maintenance reminders keep you connected with past customers. Annual drain cleaning services or hot water system checks create ongoing relationships instead of one-off transactions.
Email newsletters might seem old-fashioned, but they work. Seasonal tips, special offers for existing customers, or even just friendly reminders about basic maintenance keep your business name in their inbox.
The reality is that most people forget about service providers once the immediate problem is solved. Staying visible between emergencies is what separates thriving plumbing businesses from those constantly scrambling for new customers.
Building a solid customer base takes time, but the businesses that focus on being helpful, reliable, and visible in their local community find that word spreads faster than they expected.
