As a plumbing business owner, you’re always looking for smart ways to expand your customer base and revenue streams. But growth doesn’t just happen by chance; it takes calculated strategies and consistent effort.
Prioritize Excellent Service
Word-of-mouth is everything for tradesman like plumbers. Providing outstanding service that wows customers should be your top priority always. When people are impressed, they’ll happily refer friends and leave glowing online reviews, which brings you more business. Train your technicians thoroughly in both technical skills and delivering a stellar customer experience.
Develop a Marketing Plan
Instead of haphazard marketing efforts, adopt a systematic approach by crafting a comprehensive plan. Clearly outline your objectives, identify your ideal target audience, define your key messages, and determine the best marketing channels to reach potential customers. Devote a sensible and consistent budget while regularly assessing the outcomes to refine your approach over time.
Claim Online Listings
These days, when someone needs a plumber, one of the first things they do is search online, whether Google Maps, review sites like Yelp, or directory listings. Make sure your company is properly listed with complete, up-to-date information on all relevant sites. Consistent NAP (name, address, phone) details help with local SEO too.
Invest in Your Website
Your website is one of the most important marketing assets you have for attracting new business. Keep it modern, mobile-friendly, and full of rich content that educates visitors on your services. Integrate contact forms, live chat, and clear calls-to-action that make reaching out easy.
Claim Niches and Specialties
General plumbing services are highly competitive in most markets these days. To stand out, consider carving out specific niches or specialties that your company can master and own. Promote expertise in things like tankless water heaters, radiant floor heating, sewer/drain issues and water treatment systems.
Offer 24/7 Emergency Service
When a major plumbing emergency hits, like a burst pipe or sewer backup, customers need help fast, even if it’s 3am on a holiday weekend. Offering premium 24/7 emergency response allows you to be the hero who saves the day. Consider having a plumbing answering service like Apello manage off-hours call routing for maximum availability.
Use Vehicle Marketing
Your service vehicles act as mobile billboards. Make yours as eye-catching as possible with bold branding, contact details, and maybe even service specials promoted on the sides. Make sure vehicles are kept clean and organized too, as you never know who might notice and become a potential new customer.
Start a Loyalty Program
Acquiring new customers costs far more than retaining existing ones. Implement a loyalty program that rewards repeat clients and provides ongoing value to keep them coming back to your plumbing company. Simple things like service discounts, priority scheduling, or annual tune-ups often work well.
Form Strategic Partnerships
Look for opportunities to form mutually beneficial partnerships with other companies in complementary industries like HVAC, electricians, real estate, and home builders. Cross-promote each other’s services and get a steady stream of referrals from companies that already have an established customer base.
Treat Employees Well
Your team of plumbers and office staff are the backbone of your business. Smart business owners know that happy, engaged employees directly translate into a better overall customer experience that drives growth. Pay competitive wages, provide great benefits, invest in training, create a positive culture, and recognize exceptional performance.
Conclusion
While every plumbing company has its own unique circumstances, many of the same fundamental principles apply when it comes to sustainable growth. Focus on delivering consistently excellent service, developing a strong brand reputation, leveraging modern marketing strategies across multiple channels, and finding ways to continually add value for customers. With hard work and perseverance, you can steadily build your book of business.
