If you’re looking to generate leads for your plumbing business, you probably need to take a different approach than regular businesses. People usually search and request for your services on a short notice, unlike wedding planning, property purchase, or scheduled AC maintenance which are usually planned or scheduled ahead. Plumbing is (mostly) an on-demand business, meaning whoever gets to the client fast gets to make a transaction. In other words, there’s a huge urgency premium.
So what’s the best way to generate leads for plumbers?
In this article, we’ll discuss 5 tips and tricks that help improve lead generation for plumbers and how you can make the most out of each one.
Table of Contents:
1. Run Google Ads
2. Use local online directories or listing platforms
3. Maintain good reviews on the Internet
4. Ensure referrals from satisfied customers
5. Use social media
Lead generation for plumbers: Some final considerations
1. Run Google Ads
Google Ads is a powerful advertising platform that can help you target customers in your service area based on their search queries. You can use Google Ads to bid on relevant keywords, such as “emergency plumbing services”, “bathroom shower repairs”, or “best plumber near me”. This will show your ads to people near you who are searching for emergency plumbing services.
Google allows you to run lead generation ads called Google Ads Lead Form Extension. Read this article to know How to create a high-converting Google Ads Lead Form Extension.
Google Ads also provides several targeting options, such as location, device, and time of day, to help you reach your customers at the right time and place. By running Google Ads, you can increase the online visibility of your services and generate more leads.
That being said, since your target customers are people in your local community, there are some important points you should consider. Here are some tips for making the most out of Google Ads:
- Use local services ads. It allows you to target your local audience so you can ensure that your ads are only shown to people within your service area.
- Use keywords related to plumbing services that your customers are likely to search on Google. Some examples include “plumbers near me” or “emergency plumbing services”. You can also include location-based keywords, such as “plumbers in East Coast”.
- Write ad copy for local customers using location-based messaging such as “trusted plumbers in West village, Manhattan”. Also, since most people searching for plumbing services need them urgently, highlighting your availability in your ad copy can make a huge difference. You can do this by including relevant keywords, such as “24/7 plumbing services in Richmond”.
- If you have a website, create landing pages specifically for your Google Ads campaigns. And make sure these pages are optimised for the keywords you are targeting and also include clear calls-to-action.
- Use call extensions to allow customers to call your business directly from your ads. A call extension is an ad extension that displays your phone number alongside the ad text, allowing leads to call you directly from the ad. This will make it easier for customers to get in touch with you instantly. Remember, your business has a huge emergency premium.
2. Use local online directories or listing platforms
People usually visit local platforms to find local businesses, including plumbers. Online directories, such as Yelp, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor, can be great platforms to generate leads for your plumbing business.
Create a profile on local platforms and optimise your listing with accurate information, photos, and reviews to make it easier for customers to find you. Some local platforms also offer paid advertising options, such as sponsored listings and targeted ads. It can help your clients find you more easily.
3. Maintain good reviews on the Internet
As you may already know, most people turn to the Internet to find services like yours. Since they will come across many options, reviews are a critical aspect of their decision-making process. Good reviews will encourage your leads to trust you and choose your services over your competitors.
Sometimes people directly search for a service provider’s name on the internet. They’ll definitely look at the reviews. When they find that the stars are less than 3.5, they will start looking for alternatives immediately. Here are a few important tips to help you build a strong online reputation:
- Encourage your satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on various platforms, such as your business website, social media, and local directories.
- Claim and optimise your business’s Google My Business listing. It can improve your online visibility and make it easier for customers to find you and leave reviews.
- Respond promptly and professionally to any negative reviews. By addressing any concerns or complaints, you show your commitment to customer service and willingness to make things right. This can provide an opportunity to turn a negative experience into a positive one, potentially turning an unhappy customer into a loyal one.
Maintaining good reviews on the Internet can increase your trustworthiness, attract more leads, and retain existing customers. It will also help you differentiate your services from competitors and position you as the go-to choice for customers during emergencies.
4. Ensure referrals from satisfied customers
Referrals can be a powerful source of leads, as they come from satisfied customers who are willing to recommend your services to others. Encourage your customers to refer your service to their friends, family, and colleagues by offering incentives, such as discounts on the next visit or free services.
Plumbing is one of those services where you get to deal with the customers directly. Therefore, you need to make the most out of your visit by making sure you’re not there just to fix pipes and fittings. You have a chance to promote your business by exchanging your contact details with new customers, retaining them, and even generating leads through them.
Follow up with your customers promptly to show you’re serious about providing quality service. This can also help you with referrals. While you’re following up, mention your services and the reason you’re reaching out. Let’s say you’ve repaired a new client’s kitchen sink a week ago. In that case, you can follow them up by asking if the kitchen sink you repaired last week is working fine. Following up and addressing the client’s issues swiftly not only helps you retain your existing customers, but also increases your chances of being referred.
5. Use social media
Social media allows you to engage with your audience, share valuable content, and showcase your services. You can use social media platforms, such as Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, to share photos and videos of your work, offer tips and advice, and promote your services. Additionally, social media also provides a platform for you to interact with your customers directly. You can answer their questions, respond to their feedback, and build a loyal customer base.
There are several social media platforms that you can use to promote your plumbing business. Each Platform has its own unique features. For instance, Facebook is an excellent platform for promoting your services. TikTok is ideal for sharing short video clips and growing your audience, while Instagram can be used to showcase your work visually.
Here’s what you should know to make the most out of social media:
- Regular and relevant posts keep your audience engaged and interested in your business. Therefore, post content that resonates with your audience regularly. Aim to post at least once a week, if not more often.
- Most social media platforms allow you to run lead generation ads. However, it’s important to ensure that you’re available to respond to your leads immediately. Therefore, monitor your social media accounts regularly and respond promptly to any inquiries or messages. Alternatively, use sales productivity tools, such as Privyr to get instant alerts about your leads on your smartphone from social media platforms.
Considering running Facebook Lead Ads? Here’s how to optimise your Facebook Lead Ads and generate more leads.
Lead generation for plumbers: Some final considerations
Due to the nature of your business, lead generation for plumbers can be a unique challenge. People mostly look for you when they are in an emergency situation. Therefore, the most important thing is your speed and availability to respond to urgent queries. You can collect leads through online platforms by running ads and posting organic content. However, approaching local customers in person with flyers and business cards can also be equally effective. You’re even free to be a bit creative when distributing physical items as people can lose them easily. For instance, offering flyers with fridge magnets will allow your leads to place your leaflets on their fridge door and find your contact easily during plumbing emergencies.
If you’re generating leads online for your plumbing business, try Privyr to get real-time lead alerts. Privyr instantly alerts you of new leads on your smartphone so you can contact them within seconds. Moreover, the tool also helps you manage your sales process easily, helping you contact more leads in a shorter period of time, and improve your lead conversion rate. The best part is that receiving leads is free on Privyr.
Try Privyr for free today!
