Local SEO for Plumbers
When someone’s pipes burst or they need urgent plumbing help, what’s the first thing they do? They grab their phone and search for “plumber near me” or “plumbing services” in their area. If your plumbing business doesn’t show up in these search results, you’re missing out on valuable customers.
This guide will show you simple ways to help your plumbing business appear when local customers search for plumbing services online. We’ll skip the technical jargon and focus on practical steps you can take to attract more customers through local search.
Why Local Search Matters for Plumbers
Think about it — when was the last time you went to page 2 of Google search results? Most people find what they need on the first page. In fact, studies show that 87% of people looking for local services use search engines like Google to find businesses. This means if your plumbing company appears at the top of search results, you’ll get more calls and more jobs.
1. Getting Started: Your Google Business Profile
The first and most important step is setting up your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). This is like your digital business card that shows up on Google Maps and search results.
Steps to Set It Up:
- Go to google.com/business.
- Enter your plumbing business information.
- Add your:
- Business name (exactly as it appears on other platforms).
- Address (ensure it’s accurate).
- Phone number (so customers can call you directly).
- Working hours (update them regularly).
- Service areas (list all neighborhoods or cities you cover).
- Types of plumbing services you offer (e.g., drain cleaning, water heater repair).
- Photos of your work (before and after images work great).
- Business description (explain what makes your plumbing service unique).
2. Making Your Plumbing Website Work Harder
Your website is like your online storefront. Here’s how to make it more attractive to both customers and Google:
Create Pages for Each Service
Instead of listing all your services on one page, create separate pages for each service you offer, like:
- Water heater repair
- Drain cleaning
- Leak detection
- Emergency plumbing
This helps customers quickly find exactly what they need and helps Google understand all the services you provide.
Add Your Service Areas
Create a clear list of all the neighborhoods, cities, and areas you serve. This helps Google show your business to people in those areas when they search for plumbing services.
Show Off Your Work
Add before-and-after photos of your plumbing jobs. This builds trust with potential customers and shows Google that you’re an active, legitimate business.
Optimize Website Speed and Mobile-Friendliness
- Make sure your website loads quickly. If it’s slow, visitors might leave before even seeing your services.
- Ensure your website looks great and works smoothly on mobile phones. Most people search for services on their phones, so this is crucial.
3. Get More Customer Reviews
Reviews are like gold for plumbing businesses. They help you:
- Show up higher in Google search results.
- Build trust with potential customers.
- Stand out from other plumbing companies.
How to Get More Reviews:
- After completing a job, ask satisfied customers if they’d mind leaving a quick review on Google. You can say something like: “If you’re happy with our service, would you mind leaving us a review on Google? It really helps us out.”
- Provide a direct link to your Google review page to make it easy.
4. Local Business Directories
Get your plumbing business listed in online directories like:
- Yelp
- Yellow Pages
- Better Business Bureau
- Local Chamber of Commerce
- Home improvement websites
Why It’s Important: These directories act like extra advertisements for your business. They also make your business more visible online and help Google trust your information. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are exactly the same across all listings.
5. Creating Helpful Content for Your Customers
Write simple, helpful articles about common plumbing problems and solutions. This shows your expertise and helps your website appear in searches.
Ideas for Blog Posts:
- How to prevent frozen pipes
- Signs you need a new water heater
- What to do about a clogged drain
- When to call an emergency plumber
Bonus Tip: Use photos and videos in your articles. For example, create a short video showing how to turn off the water supply in an emergency.
6. Building Backlinks
Backlinks are links from other websites to your website. They’re like online recommendations and help Google see your site as trustworthy.
How to Get Backlinks:
- Partner with local businesses and ask them to link to your site.
- Write guest posts for community blogs.
- Sponsor local events or charities and ask for a mention on their website.
7. Social Media for Plumbers
Being active on social media can help you connect with your community and drive more traffic to your website.
What to Share:
- Before-and-after photos of plumbing jobs.
- Quick tips for homeowners (e.g., how to fix a leaky faucet).
- Updates about your business, like special offers or new services.
Platforms to Use:
- Facebook (great for local communities).
- Instagram (share photos of your work).
- LinkedIn (connect with other local businesses).
8. Measuring Your Success
You can track how well your efforts are working by:
- Checking your position in Google search results.
- Monitoring how many calls you get from Google searches.
- Tracking website visitors (using free Google Analytics).
- Counting new customer reviews.
Tip: Regularly review this data to see what’s working and what needs improvement.
Final Tips
Improving your local search visibility takes time. Focus on:
- Providing excellent service to get genuine positive reviews.
- Keeping your business information up-to-date.
- Adding new photos and content regularly.
- Responding to customer reviews and questions promptly.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to attracting more local customers through online searches. The key is to be consistent and patient — the results will come!
Need help getting started? Contact us today to learn how our local SEO services can help your plumbing business thrive. We can handle the technical details while you focus on what you do best — providing great plumbing services to your customers.
Let’s Grow Your Local Presence Today
Ready to make your business the go-to choice in your area? Partner with While Digital for proven Local SEO strategies that drive results. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation and start dominating your local market!