Let’s be honest. Most people don’t think about plumbers until they’re ankle-deep in water and regretting that one time they tried to fix the sink themselves with a coat hanger. But for you, the actual plumber, waiting around for disaster to strike isn’t exactly a growth strategy. So, how do you get more customers when most folks only think of you in a panic? That’s what we’re covering today.
You need to be visible, credible, and easy to choose; that’s it. But of course, the devil’s in the details.
Start with your local turf.
Here’s a number that should make you sit up: 97% of people learn more about a local business online than anywhere else. That means if someone Googles “plumber near me” and you’re not showing up, you’re not even in the game. Source
First, claim your Google Business Profile. Fill it out like your next job depends on it, because it might. Add your services, hours, photos, and service areas. Keep it fresh. Then get yourself listed on the usual suspects: Yelp, Angi, HomeAdvisor, and Thumbtack. These aren’t glamorous platforms, but they’re where people go when the toilet won’t stop running.
On your website, use local keywords that real people would type in a panic. Think “emergency plumber in Springfield” or “drain repair in Midtown.” Sprinkle those naturally across your pages. And don’t just ask for reviews—earn them, then ask anyway. More reviews mean more trust, and more trust means more calls.
Your website should work harder than you do.
Imagine hiring a salesperson who forgets their pitch half the time, takes forever to answer questions, and looks terrible on mobile. That’s what a bad website is doing to your business.
Make sure yours loads in under 3 seconds; that’s not a suggestion. 53% of users bail if it takes longer. Source
Add a clear call to action: “Call Now,” “Schedule Service,” or even “Get Help Fast.” Don’t make people think. Include trust signals like certifications, insurance info, before-and-after photos, and real customer reviews. And make it mobile-first. Over 60% of Google searches happen on phones. Source
If your site looks like it was built in 2009 and loads like it’s on dial-up, you’re losing business.
Google Ads: fast, direct, and brutally honest.
If you want leads fast, Google Ads is your friend—but only if you use it right.
Target local, high-intent keywords. “Clogged drain fix now” beats “plumbing services” every time. Set geo-targeting so your ads only show in areas you actually serve. And for mobile users, who are often in need and in a rush, use call-only ads. They tap, they call, you win.
Track everything. Tools like CallRail let you see which ads actually lead to phone calls.
And here’s a tip that’ll save you money: use negative keywords. Add terms like “DIY,” “free,” or “how to,” so your ads don’t show up for people just looking for YouTube tutorials.
Social media isn’t just for influencers.
You might think Facebook and Instagram are just for memes and baby photos, but they’re also great for retargeting.
Install the Meta Pixel on your site. That lets you follow up with people who visited but didn’t call. Then run
retargeting ads. Offer a discount, show off a glowing review, or post a video explaining why that weird noise in the pipes probably isn’t harmless.
Facebook Ads Manager lets you aim those ads at homeowners in your area. It’s not flashy, but it works.
Real-world partnerships are still gold.
Want more leads without spending more on ads? Partner up. Real estate agents, landlords, and property managers all need reliable plumbers. So do local hardware stores.
Offer referral incentives; maybe a small kickback, maybe co-branded flyers. Just make it easy and worthwhile for them to send people your way.
Stay in touch, even after the job’s done.
Most plumbers disappear after the invoice is paid. Don’t be most plumbers.
Use email and SMS to stay top-of-mind. Send seasonal reminders like “Time to flush your water heater?” or “Winter’s coming—check those pipes.” Offer promotions during slow months. Ask for reviews and referrals.
Mailchimp and Podium make this easy to
automate.
People are more likely to hire someone they remember. Be the one they remember.
Reputation is everything.
84% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal
recommendation. Let that sink in. Source
So ask for reviews after every job. Make it part of your process. Respond to all of them, even the bad ones—especially the bad ones. A calm, professional reply to a cranky customer can actually win you more trust than a dozen 5-stars.
Tools like NiceJob can automate the ask, so you don’t have to remember.
Make it easier to say yes.
Plumbing repairs aren’t always cheap. If someone’s staring at a $2,000 estimate, they might hesitate. Offering financing can tip the scales.
Services like Wisetack and GreenSky let customers break payments into chunks. You get paid. They get peace of mind.
Also, if you offer 24/7 emergency service, make sure that’s loud and clear. Put it on your homepage, your ads, your
truck—everywhere.
Know what’s working. Then do more of that.
This part’s not glamorous, but it’s critical. Use tools like Google Analytics, Google Search
Console, and call tracking to figure out what’s actually bringing in leads.
Which keywords convert? Which pages people leave too fast? What ads lead to real calls, not just clicks?
Adjust. Repeat. Improve. That’s the game.
Getting more customers isn’t magic.
There’s no secret formula. Just a series of smart, repeatable steps. Show up in local searches. Run better ads. Build trust. Make it easy to hire you. And once someone does, give them a reason to come back or send a friend.
That’s how you grow. Not with gimmicks. With good work, seen by the right people, at the right time.
That’s the view from the ground.
We’ll be back soon with more real-world insights.
Until then, keep building.
– Perfect Sites Blog