Digital marketing for plumbers: what brings the calls

By · 2 min read · Updated

The short answer

Digital marketing for plumbers is mostly about the emergency search: someone with water on the floor picks from the Google map and the ads above it. Keep your Google Business Profile current with real hours and photos, consider Local Services Ads, have a page for each emergency you handle, and answer the phone every time.

Where plumbing calls come from

  • The Google map pack for "plumber near me" and "emergency plumber".
  • Local Services Ads, paid per lead, above everything else.
  • Repeat customers and referrals, if you keep in touch.

Pages that match emergencies

Burst pipe, water heater leaking, sewer backup, clogged main line. One page each, saying what to do before you arrive and how fast you can get there. A shut-off valve tip on a burst pipe page is the kind of line that gets quoted in AI answers.

If you hire a plumber marketing company

  • Make sure the ad accounts, website and phone numbers are in your name.
  • Ask for recorded calls, not just clicks.
  • Ask what happens to your site and number if you leave.

Questions

Are Local Services Ads worth it for plumbers?

Often, for emergency work. Dispute leads that weren't real jobs.

Do plumbers need social media?

Less than Google. A Facebook page with reviews and photos is enough for most.

Should I answer calls after hours?

If you do emergency work, yes, or use an answering service.

About the author

, Founder

Jason has spent two decades building sites, search programs, and digital products for businesses. At Lehvel, he leads product and strategy.

Jason Murphy on LinkedIn

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