5 Things You Can Do in Plumber Marketing Before Signing Up With Footbridge Media

Footbridge Media June 28, 2023

Let's face it, no matter how adept you are at unclogging drains or installing new pipes, your success as a local plumber is not just about the quality of your work; it's also about your ability to market your plumbing services effectively.

In the increasingly competitive local plumber industry, it's not enough to simply be a great plumber - you also need to be a great marketer. It's your contractor marketing prowess that will elevate your business from a mere service provider to a go-to solution for plumbing issues in your local area. And for that, a well-devised, strategic marketing plan is crucial.

Establishing Your USP

In a crowded marketplace filled with plumbers vying for attention, what is it that makes your plumbing services unique? That's the million-dollar question! Establishing your uniqueness, or your Unique Selling Proposition (USP), is fundamental to differentiating your business from the competition. Your USP communicates the distinct benefit or advantage that only you can offer to your clients, making you their top choice in a sea of options.

Are you the quickest emergency plumber in town, ready to respond at any hour? Do you specialize in Eco-friendly plumbing solutions, catering to environmentally conscious consumers? Or perhaps you offer exceptional warranties, giving peace of mind to your customers that their investment is well-protected? Whatever it may be, defining what sets your plumbing business apart will guide your marketing strategies and help attract your ideal clientele.

Reflect on what differentiates your plumbing services from your competitors. Consider factors like speed, quality, pricing, service, specialization, or even your personal approach to the job. Don't hesitate to ask your existing customers about why they chose you over others - that can provide valuable insights!

In a previous post, we discussed how to create a compelling USP in detail. If you're finding it hard to pinpoint your uniqueness, you might find it beneficial to check that out. Remember, understanding your unique edge is the first step toward making your marketing strategy truly effective. So take your time, brainstorm, and once you've identified it, let it shine in every aspect of your marketing.

It's Really About Customer Service

Customer service. It's a term we've all heard countless times, but in the world of plumbing, it's more than just a buzzword - it's a critical differentiator that can set your plumbing business apart from the rest. Good customer service involves not just resolving a plumbing issue, but also providing a holistic, positive experience to your clients from start to finish.

For instance, you could stand out by providing prompt responses to inquiries or requests for service, showing that you value your customers' time. Maintaining open, clear, and regular communication during a project can reassure clients and keep them informed.

It's also important to address any customer concerns promptly and courteously, reinforcing your commitment to their satisfaction.

Let's ask ourselves a few questions here:

How quickly do you respond to a customer inquiry or request for service?
Do you keep your clients informed about the progress of their plumbing job?
How do you handle customer complaints or issues that arise during a project?

The answers to these questions can provide useful insights into your current customer service practices. If there are areas for improvement, it's worth investing time and resources to enhance your customer service. The goal is to exceed client expectations, leaving them impressed and more likely to recommend your services to others - a powerful form of marketing in and of itself!

In the end, it's not just about the quality of your plumbing work. It's also about how you treat your customers, how effectively you communicate, and how well you manage your relationships. All of these aspects combine to form an exceptional customer service experience that can turn one-time clients into loyal, lifelong customers.

Everyone Loves a Freebie

Who doesn't love to receive something for free? 'Freebies' or complementary offerings can leave a lasting positive impression on your customers, and often, they can serve as a powerful marketing tool for your plumbing business. This strategy is based on the psychological principle of reciprocity - when you give something away for free, customers often feel a natural inclination to give something back, such as their loyalty, a referral, or a positive review.

Consider these ideas:

A Free Plumbing Inspection: Offering a free initial plumbing inspection can make a potential customer more likely to hire you for a job. This not only gives you an opportunity to showcase your expertise but also to build trust with the client.
A Small Token of Appreciation: This could be as simple as handing out branded refrigerator magnets or small tool kits. Every time a customer uses it, they'll remember your business.
Informative Resources: Write a handy guide on 'Top Tips to Maintain Your Plumbing System' or 'How to Detect a Water Leak' and give it to your customers. This positions you as a knowledgeable professional and is likely to be shared, extending your reach.
Discounts on Future Services: Offer a voucher for a discount on a future service. This encourages repeat business and increases customer retention.

Remember, a freebie doesn't have to cost you a lot. Even a small gesture can make a big difference in how your customers perceive and remember your business.

Education as a Marketing Tool

Never underestimate the power of knowledge. As a professional in the plumbing industry, you have a wealth of information that your clients and prospective customers can benefit from. Sharing your expertise not only positions you as an authority in your field but also builds trust and rapport with your audience.

One effective way to educate your customers is through content creation. Here are a few ideas on how you can leverage education in your marketing strategy:

Blog Posts: Regularly publish informative blog posts on your website. Topics could range from 'How to Prevent Common Plumbing Issues' to 'The Importance of Regular Pipe Maintenance.' Not only is this beneficial for your customers, but it also helps improve your website's search engine ranking, making it easier for potential customers to find you online.
Social Media Tips: Use your social media platforms to share quick tips, and video tutorials, or to answer common customer queries. These social media marketing posts can engage your audience and can be easily shared, increasing your visibility.
Newsletters: If you maintain a customer email list, sending out a regular contractor newsletter is a great way to keep your audience engaged. You can include industry news, maintenance tips, and even special offers.
Handouts or Brochures: For more traditional, offline efforts, consider creating handouts or brochures that educate your customers on different aspects of plumbing. These can be especially helpful during service calls. You can learn more about Footbridge Media's direct mail pieces here.

By sharing your knowledge, you're providing added value to your customers, which can lead to higher customer loyalty and more word-of-mouth referrals. Remember, an educated customer can also be a better customer - they'll understand the value of preventative maintenance, quality parts, and professional services.

The Importance of Respect and Courtesy

Respect and courtesy might seem like basic concepts, but in the world of business, especially in a service-oriented industry like plumbing, they can be the difference between a one-time customer and a loyal, long-term client. Treating everyone you encounter in your business - from clients to suppliers, from employees to competitors - with respect and courtesy is essential to your reputation and success.

Consider these key aspects:

Respect for Clients: From the moment you answer a phone call to the final handshake after a job well done, treat each client with the utmost respect. Show up on time, listen to their concerns, explain your processes clearly, and always ensure you leave their home cleaner than when you arrived.
Respect for Employees: Your employees are the backbone of your business. Treat them well and they will treat your customers well. Maintain a positive work environment, provide necessary training, and encourage feedback and ideas.
Respect for Suppliers and Vendors: Establishing good relationships with your suppliers and vendors can bring about beneficial partnerships, better deals, and timely delivery. Always deal with them professionally and courteously.
Respect for Competitors: It's a small world, and the plumbing industry is no different. Maintain a professional and respectful attitude toward your competitors. There's plenty of work to go around, and you never know when you might need to collaborate or refer a job to another plumber.
The Golden Rule - treat others as you would like to be treated - holds true in the world of business. This simple, yet often overlooked aspect of interaction can leave a lasting impression and can go a long way in promoting your business through the most trusted form of marketing - word of mouth.

Remember that success in your plumbing business is not solely about the craft itself. Rather, it's a combination of your plumbing skills, your unique offerings, and the strategies you employ to reach and engage your customers.

We have discussed the importance of establishing your uniqueness, delivering top-notch customer service, utilizing various marketing techniques, giving value-added freebies, educating your customers, and treating everyone with respect and courtesy. Now, it's time to put these strategies into action.

Develop a plumber marketing plan that reflects your business's unique attributes and values. Start small, focus on one or two strategies initially, and then expand as you begin to see results. Measure your success, adjust your tactics as needed, and remember - consistent efforts yield the best results.

Plumber marketing may feel like a daunting task, especially when you're juggling it with the demands of running your plumbing services. However, remember that you're not alone. Footbridge Media's core plumber marketing plan can help you start the process to handle your marketing regardless of what type of marketing you want to succeed in.

In the end, the goal is to make your plumbing business the first one that comes to mind when a local customer has a plumbing issue. And with a solid contractor marketing plan in place, this goal is well within your reach.