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Tony Gee • August 25, 2022

20 Expert Tips to Take Your Plumbing Business to the Next Level

 20 Expert Tips to Take Your Plumbing Business to the Next Level

As a plumbing business owner, it is not unusual to feel stuck at times. Sales are leveling off, your profits are under siege, or you just feel like you’re in a rut. When this happens, it is advisable to have a new set of eyes to help you find ways to re-energize and grow your business. You may already know a few areas of weakness you have and a few areas of strengths. Plumbing Business Consulting and Coaching can help you discover what you don’t know or haven’t considered about running your plumbing business.



Plumbing business consulting is a useful tool for plumbers needing advice on specific areas of business or needing a general auditing of their systems and practices. Tony Gee provides professional plumbing business consulting to plumbing and HVAC companies.


Tony was a Plumber for 15 Years prior to studying marketing and cracking the code on Plumbing Lead Generation. During the 15 years of working as a Plumber, he was an employee for ARS/Rescue Rooter San Diego and Bill Howe Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning. This has allowed him to build the #1 marketing agency for plumbers in the USA.  Tony knows what works for your plumbing/ HVAC Company.  He has helped over 350 plumbing business owners in the United States and Canada take their business to the next level. Save yourself the time and money! Schedule an appointment with Tony and start growing your plumbing business today.


Here are 20 expert tips for any plumbing business owner looking to re-energize and grow their business:


Tip 1: Reach Customers in More Ways Than One


If you’re a plumbing business owner with no online presence, consider setting up a website to capture more sales.  In the age of internet dominance, a plumber website is a must-have. A well-crafted plumbing website not only serves as an advertising platform, but also helps to grow your business. Your website is the digital face of your plumbing business. This is where you make a connection with many potential customers for the first time. Click here to learn more about the must-haves of a successful plumbing website.


And don’t forget about social media. Social media is an absolute goldmine for any plumbing business. Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to figure out how to win and get more qualified leads from social media. Social media marketing for plumbing businesses can get more calls and subsequently more profit. However, you must choose the best social platforms to make the most out of your social media marketing.


In addition to web design and social media marketing, there are other marketing techniques you can’t miss if you really want to grow your plumbing business. These include:


Google Pay Per Click (PPC)


Google PPC Ads is the quickest and most profitable way to get new customers.  PPC is a popular method for generating plumbing leads because it allows you to target very specific keyword phrases so you can get specific plumbing leads from specific areas. This can help you get more plumbing leads in less than 14 days. Not sure how PPC works for the Plumbing Industry? Contact the PPC experts at Strictly Plumbers.


 Search Engine Optimization (SEO)


SEO is what enables your plumbing company to be found online by the people who are looking for your services. SEO is the art of optimizing your plumber website for specific keywords that your customers are searching on search engines.


Unlike other forms of marketing, such as PPC or Facebook advertising, search optimization will not yield immediate results. Plumbers must earn the trust of Google over time by establishing a well-rounded web presence. That’s where we come in. We make all the complicated SEO stuff easy to understand and keep it simple for you. Hire us and we make it happen, no need to stress!


Google Maps (GBP)


As a plumbing company, your local markets are crucial. Part of optimizing your local SEO, includes updating your Google My Business profile so that customers find you in search engines and maps. With over 86% of mobile searches being driven by local intent, Google has also made local search results a top priority than before. Get the phone ringing! Start increasing your plumbing leads today with the Strictly Plumbers Google Maps Optimization Plan


Review Management


Train your plumbers to get your company more online reviews during their service calls. Make sure you incentivize your plumbers in order to create a friendly competition in the shop. Whoever gets more reviews at the end of the month will get a prize, it can be a gift card, a power tool, anything you know the guys will like! Make sure you have the right tool to generate more positive reviews for your plumbing company with our Software


TV  Advertising


Watching TV continues to be a popular pastime for many Americans. Nearly 96% of all U.S. households have at one television, making TV advertising the best option for plumbers looking to reach large amounts of people in a short amount of time. TV advertising helps consumers become aware of your plumbing company’s name, logo and your message.


Like other forms of YouTube Advertising, television advertising can send highly targeted traffic to your website where potential customers can check your services and contact you from the comfort of their living rooms


Tip 2: Find Employees Eager to Work Hard


If you want to grow your plumbing company, you need to hire the best plumbing technicians. Recruiting the right plumber is not easy and should be thought of as another sales channel in your growing business. Qualified plumbers are in short supply, and you’re not the only business trying to track them down. That is why it is essential to employ a recruitment strategy that spans multiple digital channels to reach the right job seekers and not just any job seekers.


With a Smart Plumbing Recruitment Strategy you can bring more attention to your open positions and attract ideal candidates. Whether you are hiring an apprentice or journeyman, ensure you ask the right questions to find out if they are committed enough to the field to see a long-term future in plumbing and your company.


Check out of our official Plumber Hiring Test to learn more about the questions you should ask during your hiring process. The test has more than 40 questions and is designed to test a plumber’s qualifications, with questions ranging from Water Heater knowledge to sales experience.


Tip 3: Proper Time Management is Crucial


A strategic approach to time management is essential if you’re looking to run a successful plumbing business.  Plan your day or week and schedule your meetings or projects in advance. Strategizing your time will help you improve your business performance, your customer experience or your profit model.


Tip 4: Invest in a Plumbing Software 


As an established plumbing business, you should be using plumbing software. Plumbing software helps you build your plumbing business smarter and faster. It helps you take care of the financial health of your small business so you can focus on ensuring customers’ pipes are flowing as they should. Investing in the best plumbing software will not only help you automate tasks, but also save time, allow faster business growth and boost revenue.


Instead of spending time on tedious tasks, such as scheduling and invoicing, you can now concentrate on important aspects of growing your business. However, you need to ensure that you choose the best software for your plumbing company. Here are the top three plumbing software you consider investing in:


SkyBoss


SkyBoss is a cloud-based field service ideal for plumbing businesses of any size. Key features include models for invoicing, scheduling and dispatch, task management, client tracking, plumber tracking and routing, estimating and reporting, mobile support, inventory management, service agreements, customizable price book and more. SkyBoss also features a drag and drop calendar where users can choose the technicians they need and book them for jobs. 


Service Titan


Service Titan is a mobile, cloud-based field management solution designed specifically for plumbing and HVAC business. The software comes with many features including scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, call recording, custom reporting and more.  Service Titan also allows its users to track capabilities to help them monitor their marketing ROI and conversion.


These capabilities enable them to link each call they receive and follow its process to see if it becomes a completed sale or a missed opportunity. Service Titan also works as a mobile solution for plumbers, enabling them to provide clients with visual sales presentations in the field and facilitate the processing of credit cards and invoices without the use of paper. 


Housecall Pro


Housecall Pro is top-rated plumbing software that is easy to learn for both owners and operators.  It can be used by both small and large plumbing companies. Unlike other plumbing software in the market, Housecall Pro comes with an affordable price and a comprehensive list of features. Housecall Pro allows plumbing business owners to forego paperwork in favor of digital automation. It offers a wide range of features including job scheduling, dispatching, estimates, invoicing and payments, employee.


Tip 5: Build and Harden Strong Cyber Security


As a plumbing business owner, you need to build and harden your cyber infrastructure to not only avoid threats, but also take advantage of the opportunities provided by a strong information security posture.  A strong information security infrastructure also helps to position and strengthen your business to be ready for the requirements expected from larger corporate and government entities. Consider information security not so much a protection against a threat, but as an investment to grow in a digital economy.


Tip 6: Create Your Plumbing Companies Toolbox


Every plumbing company should have a tool box. Your plumbing business toolbox should include:


A: Business Plan


Every successful business starts with a plan. A clear plan will help you map out the specifics of your plumbing business and discover the unknowns. Ideally, the plan should list out the following:


a)  Business Name


Choosing the right business is essential and challenging. If you are stuck, you can just stick to your name (if it is easy to look up), or choose an adjective that sets you apart from the competition, for example, Amazing Plumbing & Heating, Modern Plumbing and Rooter etc. If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to choose a business name other than your own name.


b)  Your startup and ongoing cost


The costs involved in setting up a plumbing business are minimal.  Some of the initial costs expenses include:


  • A service truck, you can go for a used vehicle or purchase a brand new one.
  • Around $2000 on a website
  • Around $1000 on the uniforms and business cards
  • Around $2000 to $5000 on equipment like office equipment and plumbing equipment like assorted pipes and fittings,  pipe wrenches, extension cords, cast iron pipe cutter, propane torch, circular saw, cordless screw gun, whole hog right angle drill, a large bucket to store fittings etc.

The ongoing expenses in your plumbing business may include office expenses, insurance, vehicle maintenance and the replacement/ maintenance of tools.


c) Target Market


Decide the areas you will serve and do a quick analysis to ensure there is a need for plumbers. Find out what types of plumbing are needed and who your competitors are. Don’t forget to assess the demographics (lifestyle, age, building type and average income) of your area. You may uncover some good business insights.


d) How Much You’ll Charge Customers


You can choose to charge an hourly rate or a flat rate. However, the average price for plumbing services tends to range between $160 and $430 for a typical job. This works out to an average hourly rate of between $45 and $150.


e)  What Are Your Business Goals?


If you want your plumbing business to last, you need to have a goal. Do you want to specialize in higher-grossing specialties, such as new construction projects or sewer relining?  Do you want to hire a team and expand your operations to new regions? Do you want to remain independent and have more freedom to take a vacation when you want? Take to come up with achievable goals, write them down and hold yourself accountable.


B. Marketing Plan


The best way to get customers is by promoting your new plumbing business. There are many ways you can market your service to reach your target audience.  Here are some of the proven marketing techniques for a new plumbing company:


Referral Marketing


Trust is everything, when it comes to any service-based business. Referral marketing is one the best ways you can build trust. If you have a lot of experience in the plumbing field then you should have contacts in the industry. Build a reputation if you have worked under master plumbers and market your experience. 


Local SEO / Google Maps


SEO is what enables your plumbing company to be found online by the people who are looking for your services. SEO is the art of optimizing your website for specific keywords that your customers are searching on search engines. Unlike other forms of digital marketing, SEO will not yield immediate results. Plumbers must earn the trust of Google over time by establishing a well-rounded web presence. That’s where Strictly Plumbers Inc. comes. We make all the complicated SEO stuff easy to understand and keep it simple for you. For guaranteed plumber SEO results, click here and we’ll make it happen, no need to stress.


Plumber Website


As a plumbing business owner, having an effective website is essential to standing out of your potential customers. Your plumber website is often the first impression of your company. What’s more is that 94% of the factors that impact that first impression are related to your website’s design. If someone likes the design and functionality of your website, they are more likely to stick around longer and potentially become a customer. Your website’s design could also determine how many leads and customers you get from your plumber website. Click here to learn more about our Plumber Website Design plans.


Google Ads


Google AdWords, commonly known as Google Ads can be highly effective when it comes to getting new leads for your plumbing business. Creating a successful Google Ads campaign starts with following Google’s criteria for advertisement, as well as, targeting the right keywords and demographics. If the campaign is conducted without an effective strategy and proper oversight, your plumbing company can be exposed to major losses, at worst, a weak ROI at best. That’s why it is advisable to hire a professional Google Ads specialist, such as Strictly Plumbers. Click here to learn more about Google Ads for Plumbers.

In addition to having a good business plan and marketing plan, you will need:


·         A plumbing software

·         An employee manual

·         Computers and computers networks

·         An IT infrastructure


Tip 7: Stop Using Social Media The Wrong Way


Social media is an absolute goldmine for any plumbing business. Whether you’re starting from scratch or want to figure out how to win, get more qualified leads from social media. As a plumber, you’re crazy busy! But you still need to prioritize your time and focus on the social media marketing platforms that make sense. Plumbers that don’t have to post on their Facebook or don’t know how to create successful social media ads come to us and hire Strictly Plumbers for the best results. We become an extension of your plumbing company and help you supercharge your social media marketing so you can dominate your local area.


Click Here To Learn More.


The top 3 social media channels you should market your plumbing business are Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. Facebook is a no-brainer and remains the leading social media marketing channel for plumbers. This is because Facebook’s user demographics represent the target audience for any given plumbing business age and income wise. With Facebook Ads, you can easily target demographics and users who have shown specific interest in hiring a plumber in your area.


Tip 8: Leverage Google


Google My Business pages are an amazing and free tool for plumbing businesses. Claim your free Google My Business page today. Getting started is easy, but managing it so it generates leads for your plumbing business is complicated and time-consuming. That's where Strictly Plumbers comes in. We make sure your plumbing business is set up right for Google. We'll take care of everything for you, from helping you claim your GMB listing, to optimizing your business info, to managing your photos, posts, reviews, and Q&A on a weekly and monthly basis. We'll even track how many phone calls your GMB listing produces each month. If you are ready to start winning more plumbing leads and customers, give us a call today!


Tip 9: Attract The Next Generation of Workers


Many plumbing businesses are not adequately prepared for hiring today’s younger workforce. You need to plan ahead and learn about the potential strengths and weaknesses of the age group, then rework your interview questions to best highlight the talent you are looking to hire. Whether you are hiring an apprentice or journeyman, ensure you ask the right questions to find out if they are committed enough to the field to see a long-term future in plumbing and your company.


Download a free copy of our official plumber’s test to learn more about the questions you should ask during your hiring process. The test has more than 40 questions and is designed to test a plumber’s qualifications, with questions ranging from Water Heater knowledge to sales experience.


Remember the best plumbers are in short supply, so make sure your job post stands out from the competition by offering attractive packages to your plumbers, such as insurance coverage for on-site accidents, overtime payments for late-night calls etc.


Tip 10: Build in Downtime

 

In farming, Mother Nature gives us some downtime; in plumbing businesses, you need to create your own downtime.  Downtime is NOT vacation or “off” time.  It is simply the time you invest to work on the business: to review data, streamline systems, plan for the next day, week, quarter, year—whatever timeline makes sense for your business.


Tip 12: Know Your Numbers


Make sure you fully know the numbers, so you know where your plumbing business is financially at all times. Some primary numbers every plumbing business owner should know include:


·         Net profit

·         Gross margin

·         Credit card scores

·         Days cash on hand and so on


More importantly, know your customers:


·         Who they are

·         Where they are

·         What pleases them

·         What to do to attract them and retain them


Tip 13: Form an Advisory Board


One of the best steps you can take to improve your plumber business performance is by forming an advisory board. An advisory board is a powerful management tool that helps you run your plumbing business better, offer fresh ideas and provide access to experts at low or no cost. Get a small team to meet with you quarterly to address issues, assess your progress and formulate a strategic plan.


Tip 15: Don’t Fall into a Common Tax Trap


Don’t make important business decisions by trying to lower your taxable income. Your business purpose should not be to win a game against the government, but instead to make a profit.


Tip 16: Plan To Sell Your Plumbing Business


Succession planning is very important for your plumbing business. Buyers are still actively looking for acquisition opportunities, especially in the service industry. Attractive features like expansion opportunities and high dollar jobs make plumbing one of the most sought after sectors within the service realm. Selling a plumbing business for top dollar is a complex venture that requires professional financial and legal input from seasoned professionals who understand the unique nature of a business transaction.

 Selling a plumbing business on your own risks exposing your plans to your competitors. Leveraging the expertise of a professional business broker helps to maintain confidentiality and protects your information from buyers without first signing a disclosure agreement. A broker saves a significant amount of time and helps you sell for profit. Click here for more information on How to Sell Your Plumbing Business. 


Tip 17: Numbers Don’t Lie


Create proper systems and processes to help find anomalies in revenues and cost and to refine profitability.  Some ways you can do this is by investing in:


Point of Sale systems

Inventory management

Proper bookkeeping practices

Clear processes and procedures


All this will help ensure you can find out what’s wrong faster. For example, you may think that a particular plumbing service is the most profitable, but after looking at the numbers, realize that's not the case.


Tip 18: Cash Flow is Crucial to Your Success


Lack of cash is one of the biggest reasons small businesses fail. Running out of money will shut you down your plumbing business faster than anything else.  Without enough cash reserves, you can’t pay your bills nor can you can’t make payroll. If you run out of cash, you’re out of business.


Tip 19: Do Not Ignore Opportunity Cost


As a plumbing business owner, it is important to identify and quantify opportunity cost on your business. Opportunity cost shows up in various ways.  A good example is a plumber who spends time on tasks or areas of the business that are not the best use of their time or talent. Although they may be saving on the cost of hiring for or outsourcing that work, they are actually costing themselves more by tying up their time, and often doing the job poorly.


Tip 20: Avoid Going It Alone


As a plumbing business owner, you may tend to create a lonely world, where you make decisions on your own and worry all by yourself. This may limit your growth and you might only find a few successes. Consider building a team of advisers, guides, counselors and good friends who can offer input, join your celebrations and help you find light at the end of the dark tunnel. 


We Can Help You!


Hire a professional plumbing business consultant, such as Tony Gee to help you achieve your goals. Tony provides professional plumbing business consulting to plumbing and HVAC companies.Tony knows what works for your plumbing/ HVAC Company.  He has helped over 350 plumbing business owners in the United States and Canada take their business to the next level. Save yourself the time and money! Schedule an appointment with Tony and start growing your plumbing business today.


 

 

 

PlumbLine: Revolutionizing Plumbing Businesses One Call At A Time

By Tony Gee • March 6, 2024
In the competitive world of plumbing services, standing out and offering unparalleled customer service can make all the difference. That's where PlumbLine comes in, a game-changing answering service designed specifically for plumbing companies. What sets PlumbLine apart is its innovative pricing model: charging exclusively per booked call. This approach not only ensures cost-effectiveness but also aligns directly with the success of your plumbing business. Tailored for Your Success Understanding the unique challenges plumbing companies face, PlumbLine offers a bespoke solution that caters specifically to the needs of this industry. Our service ensures that every call is answered with professionalism and expertise, acting as an extension of your own business. The per booked call model means you only pay for results, making it a risk-free investment in your company's growth and customer satisfaction. One of the standout features of our service is the ability to book appointments directly into your company's scheduling software. This seamless integration ensures that the booking process is as efficient and error-free as possible, further enhancing the customer experience and streamlining your operations. How PlumbLine Works PlumbLine employs a team of highly trained professionals 24/7/265, who understand the nuances of the plumbing industry. When a potential client calls, our representatives handle the call with the same care and knowledge as if they were your own employees. They are trained to not only answer general inquiries but also to effectively book appointments, ensuring that potential leads turn into actual business. This efficiency boosts your conversion rate and, ultimately, your bottom line. Cost-Effective and Efficient By charging only for booked calls, PlumbLine ensures that your marketing dollars are spent wisely. This pricing strategy eliminates the concern of paying for services that don't directly contribute to your revenue. It's a straightforward, transparent approach that benefits your business by directly linking our success to yours. This model encourages us to work harder for your business, as our growth is directly tied to your success. Benefits Beyond Savings Aside from the obvious financial benefits, partnering with PlumbLine brings numerous advantages to your plumbing business: **24/7 Availability:** Missed calls are missed opportunities. PlumbLine ensures you're always available to your customers, capturing leads even outside of regular business hours. **Professional Representation:** First impressions matter. Our team handles each call with the professionalism and courtesy your customers expect. **Direct Booking into Your Scheduling Software:** Streamline your appointment setting process with our direct booking feature, ensuring efficient scheduling and customer satisfaction. **Increased Conversion Rates:** With expert handling of inquiries and appointment bookings, you'll see a significant increase in conversion rates, driving more business your way. Join the PlumbLine Family  PlumbLine is more than just an answering service; it's a partner in your business's growth. Our unique pay-per-booked-call model, combined with our industry-specific expertise and direct booking capabilities, makes us the ideal choice for plumbing companies looking to enhance their customer service and increase their revenue. With PlumbLine, you're not just hiring an answering service; you're investing in a tailored solution that grows with your business. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help elevate your plumbing business to new heights.

How To Implement KPI’s Into Your Plumbing Business

By Tony Gee • January 19, 2024
How To Implement KPI’s Into Your Plumbing Business Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to boost your plumbing business's efficiency? Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) might be the solution you need. As a plumbing business owner, understanding and leveraging KPIs can significantly transform your operations. KPIs are insightful data points that offer an objective outlook on your plumbing business's performance, spotlighting areas that need enhancement. They serve as your guiding beacon towards achieving your business goals. By implementing KPIs, you can join the 60% of plumbing businesses that have seen a boost in their efficiency. But how can you accomplish this? In this blog, we’ll cover the various types of KPIs you should integrate into your plumbing business. Marketing KPIs A crucial aspect of running your plumbing business involves keeping an eye on your marketing efforts . Specifically, marketing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) offer insights into the effectiveness of your marketing strategies and are critical in making informed business decisions. Here are some marketing KPIs that you should consider implementing in your plumbing business: Cost Per Impression: This KPI measures the cost incurred for every individual who sees your advertisement. It helps gauge the financial efficiency of your marketing campaigns and assists in budget optimization. Cost Per Click: This is the cost an advertiser pays each time a user clicks their online ad. It's an essential KPI for digital marketing as it helps assess the cost-effectiveness of your campaigns in driving user engagement. Cost Per Lead: This KPI quantifies the cost of acquiring a prospective customer. It's crucial for understanding the effectiveness of your lead generation efforts, helping to identify the most cost-effective marketing channels. Cost Per Conversion: Cost per Conversion or Cost per Acquisition, measures the cost associated with converting a lead into a paying customer. This KPI is crucial as it directly relates to the profitability of your marketing efforts. Acquisition Costs: This encompasses all costs incurred to acquire a new customer, from marketing and sales expenses to any additional costs associated with onboarding. It’s crucial to track this KPI to ensure the profitability of your customer acquisition strategies. Marketing KPIs serve as critical tools for evaluating the success of your marketing strategies, providing tangible metrics to assess cost-effectiveness, customer acquisition, and overall profitability. By regularly monitoring and analyzing these KPIs, you can make data-driven decisions that optimize your plumber marketing efforts, improve your lead generation, and ultimately increase your customer base. Dispatch KPIs Effective management of your dispatch operations is another crucial area where Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can make a transformative impact on your plumbing business. Monitoring dispatch KPIs helps to manage your resources efficiently, ensuring jobs are completed promptly while minimizing costs. Here are some important dispatch KPIs to consider for your plumbing business: Total Daily Cost: This KPI calculates the total expenditure of your dispatch operations in a day. It's essential for tracking your daily operational costs and identifying opportunities for cost reduction. Type Of Plumbing Calls With Dispatch: This KPI categorizes the type of plumbing calls received and dispatched. It provides valuable insights into the most common issues your business is called to address, allowing for targeted training and resource allocation. Plumbing Appointments: This KPI tracks the number of plumbing appointments scheduled in a period. It provides a snapshot of your business activity level, helping to manage resources effectively and plan for peak periods. Cost Per Conversion/Scheduled Appointments: This KPI measures the cost incurred for every appointment scheduled through dispatch. It helps assess the cost-effectiveness of your dispatch operations and is useful for optimizing scheduling and improving profitability. Cost Per Acquisition/Sales And Invoicing: This KPI gauges the cost of acquiring a customer through the dispatch system, from the initial call through to invoicing. It offers insights into the cost efficiency of your sales process and aids in identifying areas for improvement. Cancellation Rate: This KPI calculates the percentage of scheduled appointments that are canceled. A high cancellation rate may indicate issues with scheduling or customer service, making this an essential KPI for improving customer satisfaction and retaining business. Regular monitoring and analysis of these Dispatch KPIs will enable you to manage your dispatch operations effectively, leading to improved customer service, operational efficiency, and profitability. Sales KPIs In the realm of plumbing business, sales Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) provide in-depth insights into your business's profit-generating performance. They help you understand the effectiveness of your sales strategies , identify opportunities for improvement, and maximize your profitability. Let's delve into some of the crucial sales KPIs that your plumbing business should consider: Plumbers KPIs: This KPI tracks the performance of individual plumbers in your team. It can include measurements like the number of jobs completed, customer satisfaction rate, and the value of invoices generated. Monitoring these metrics can help identify star performers and areas where training may be needed. Leads Run Per Day: This KPI quantifies the number of potential customers or leads engaged in a day. It's crucial for understanding the effectiveness of your lead generation efforts and can help in planning and resource allocation. Estimates And Invoices: This KPI records the number of estimates provided and invoices issued. It provides insights into your business's sales activities, helping to track your conversion rates and measure the effectiveness of your sales process. Type Of Plumbing Job: This KPI categorizes the types of jobs your business handles, such as drains, water gas, water heaters, spot repairs to reroutes and repipes, and water line spot lines converted to a reroute or a repipe. This data can help you understand your market better and optimize resource allocation based on demand. Drain Cleaning Converted To Drain Repair Or Trenchless: This KPI measures the conversion rate of drain cleaning jobs to drain repair or trenchless jobs. A higher conversion rate indicates successful upselling, contributing to increased profitability. Water Filtration Systems Sold: This KPI tracks the number of water filtration systems sold over specific time periods (daily, weekly, etc.). It's a key indicator of your product sales performance and can help identify trends and plan for inventory management. Average Invoice And Monthly Sales: This KPI calculates the average value of your invoices and total monthly sales. It's crucial for tracking your revenue performance and identifying any trends or potential issues impacting profitability. By implementing these sales KPIs and regularly monitoring them, you can gain valuable insights into your sales operations. It can help you streamline your processes, improve decision making, and ultimately drive your plumbing business towards success. Growth KPIs For a progressive plumbing business, growth Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are of paramount importance. They provide insights into the success of your growth strategies and the return on your investments. Here are some crucial growth KPIs you should incorporate: Average Invoice Marketing VS. ROI In Marketing: This KPI compares the average income generated from invoices against the return on investment in marketing. This metric offers substantial insights into the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and their contribution to your business income. Number Of Jobs by Plumbers Per Day/Month: This KPI tracks the productivity of your workforce by quantifying the number of jobs handled per day or month. It can help monitor individual performance, plan work schedules, and identify areas for improvement. New Hires: Counting the number of new hires shows the expansion of your team, which reflects your company's growth and the need to meet increased demand. Number Of Plumbers: Keeping track of the size of your team gives you insights into your operational capacity and helps in manpower planning. Overhead VS. Profit: This KPI calculates the proportion of your income that goes towards overhead costs and compares it to your profit. A lower overhead-to-profit ratio indicates healthier business performance. Gross Profit Margin: Calculating your gross profit margin as a percentage shows the proportion of your revenue that remains after subtracting the cost of goods sold (including materials and gasoline). This KPI is vital for understanding your financial health. Operational Costs: This KPI tracks costs related to daily business functioning, such as materials, gasoline, etc., helping maintain cost efficiency. Growth Rate Percentage Per Year: This KPI measures the annual percentage increase in your business, providing an overall sense of your company's growth and helping set future goals. Utilizing a competent Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system like Jobber or Housecall Pro can significantly simplify tracking these KPIs. These CRMs facilitate easy monitoring with just a click of a button. They are essential tools to help track job tags and leads, providing valuable insights to assist in growing your plumbing business. In conclusion, the implementation and diligent tracking of KPIs is an essential step to unlocking the potential of your plumbing business. Leveraging these metrics allows for improved strategic decision making, enhanced operational efficiency, increased profitability, and robust growth. However, navigating these KPIs can be challenging without expert guidance. Tony Gee is a trusted plumbing business coaching expert. With over 15 years of experience as a plumber and a proven track record of helping over 450 businesses flourish, Tony offers valuable insight and practical methods for KPI implementation. Don't miss this opportunity to turbocharge your plumbing business' growth. Schedule an appointment today to grow your plumbing business and make more money.

5 Ways To Get Plumbing Calls With Google

By Tony Gee • January 16, 2024
As a plumbing business owner, you may often find yourselves stumped on how to attract more calls and expand your client base. One of the key solutions lies in the realm of cyberspace - Google. With the internet being the go-to resource for 90% of consumers looking for plumbers in the past year, and 33% looking every day, it's clear that Google's reach is unparalleled. This search engine handles over 3.5 billion searches daily, making it one of the best platforms for getting plumbing leads. In this blog post, we'll delve into five strategic ways you can harness Google to increase your plumbing calls and take your plumbing business to new heights. 1. Google Guarantee Google Guarantee is a certification program offered by the world's most popular search engine, Google. It is a powerful tool designed to boost customer trust and confidence in local businesses, like plumbing services. To qualify for the Google guarantee program, the plumbing business owner must go through an extensive screening process, which includes background checks and license verification. Once approved, their business will receive a "Google Guaranteed" badge on their Google My Business listing, indicating that they have met Google's stringent criteria for quality and reliability. Why Is This Important For Plumbing Business Owners? Increased Credibility: The "Google Guaranteed" badge acts as a stamp of approval from Google and serves as a powerful tool to build trust with potential customers. Improved Visibility : Businesses with the Google Guarantee badge are displayed at the top of search results, increasing their visibility and chances of being contacted by potential leads. Higher Conversion Rates: The Google Guarantee program instills confidence in customers, making them more likely to choose a "Google Guaranteed" business over competitors. Better Reputation Management : With the ability to claim refunds for unsatisfactory service, businesses are incentivized to maintain high-quality standards and respond promptly to customer complaints. Google Guarantee can significantly impact your plumbing business. It helps attract more calls, sets your plumbing business apart from competitors, and strengthens customer trust in your services. So if you're looking to increase your plumbing calls and elevate your business, enrolling in the Google Guarantee program is a strategic move worth considering. So why wait? Contact us for professional help with setti for Google Guarantee today 2. Google PPC Google PPC (Pay-Per-Click) is a digital marketing strategy where advertisers pay a fee each time their advertisement is clicked by a user on Google's search engine. This marketing model essentially buys visits to your site, instead of attempting to earn them organically. Here's how it works: You create an ad and bid for it to be shown in Google's search results. When someone searches a keyword related to your business (e.g., "plumbing services near me"), your ad may appear on the top of the search results. Each time your ad is clicked, leading the user to your website, you pay a small fee to Google. Why Is Google PPC Important For Plumbing Business Owners? Increased Exposure: Google PPC helps your plumbing services appear at the top of Google search results, effectively increasing your online visibility. Targeted Advertising: You can specify the keywords that trigger your ads, ensuring that they are shown to potential customers actively looking for a plumbing service. Cost-effective: You only pay when a user clicks on your ad, guaranteeing that your marketing budget is spent on leads that show interest in your services. Measurable Results: Google provides detailed analytics for your PPC campaigns, allowing you to understand what's working and where improvements can be made. In the competitive industry of plumbing services, Google PPC can be a game-changer. It not only boosts your online presence but also brings in high-quality leads that can convert to actual service calls. With a well-structured PPC campaign, you can effectively maximize your return on investment, attract more calls, and grow your plumbing business. 3. Google Business Profile Formerly known as "Google Maps," Google Business Profile is a free tool that allows you to manage your online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. This is how it works: You start by creating or claiming your Google Business Profile. Next, you can update your profile with compelling information such as your business address, hours of operation, contact information, and photos of your plumbing services. Once your profile is live, potential customers can easily locate your plumbing services on Google Search and Maps. There is also an option to respond to customer reviews, post updates, and even allow customers to book services directly from your profile. How Does Google Business Profile Help You Get More Plumbing Calls? Increased Visibility: Google Business Profile puts your plumbing business on the map, quite literally. Potential customers in your area can easily find your services when they search on Google. Established Trust: Customer reviews on your Google Business Profile foster trust and confidence in your services. A well-maintained profile with positive reviews can greatly influence the decision-making process of potential customers. Direct Contact: Your Google Business Profile provides customers with your contact information, making it simple for them to call or book your services. Insights and Analytics: Google Business Profile offers insights into how customers are interacting with your profile, helping you understand what's working and where improvements can be made Google Business Profile is an invaluable tool for plumbing businesses. It not only enhances your visibility but also helps convert online searches into actual service calls. If you're looking to expand your reach and get more calls, optimizing your Google Business Profile should be your next step. 4. Organic SEO Organic SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the practice of optimizing your website and content to improve its visibility in search engines. Unlike paid advertising strategies, organic SEO focuses on achieving high search engine rankings through non-paid, or "organic," methods. This involves: Keyword Research: Identifying the keywords and phrases potential customers are using when looking for plumbing services. On-Page SEO: Optimizing your website's content, title tags, URLs, and image alt text to align with these keywords. Off-Page SEO: Building high-quality backlinks from other websites to increase your site's credibility and ranking. Why Is Organic SEO Vital For Plumbing Business Owners Seeking More Plumbing Calls? Sustained Online Presence: Organic SEO helps your website rank higher in search engine results over time, providing a sustainable online presence. Unlike paid ads, the effects of SEO are long-term and continue even after you stop optimizing. Cost-Effective Marketing: While initial SEO efforts may require an investment, its long-term nature makes it more cost-effective than continually paying for ads. High-Quality Traffic: Organic SEO targets users actively searching for plumbing services, resulting in high-quality traffic and a higher likelihood of converting visitors into calls. Trust and Credibility: Websites that rank high in organic search results are often perceived as reliable and credible, which can increase the likelihood of customers choosing your service over others. Organic SEO plays a significant role in increasing your plumbing calls by improving your website's position in search engine results. With strategic keyword use, high-quality content, and continuous optimization, you can enhance your online visibility, attract more potential customers, and ultimately, receive more service calls. Retargeting on the Google Network Retargeting, also known as remarketing, is a powerful online marketing tool that allows you to stay connected with your target audience, even after they leave your website . Retargeting is a technique used to display targeted ads to users who have previously visited your website or shown interest in your plumbing services. These ads appear when they browse other websites within the Google Display Network or use Google Search. How Does Retargeting Work? Cookie-Based Technology: When a user visits your plumbing website, a small piece of code (often referred to as a cookie) is placed on their browser. This cookie informs Google to show them your retargeting ads. Ad Placement: Your retargeted ads will appear to this user as they browse different websites within the Google Network, reminding them of your plumbing services and prompting them to revisit your site. Why is Retargeting Important for More Plumbing Calls? Increased Brand Exposure: The more your potential customers see your brand, the more familiar they become with your business. This familiarity can result in them choosing your service when they need a plumber. Highly Targeted Ads: Retargeting allows you to show specific ads based on the user's behavior on your site. For instance, if they viewed a particular service, you can retarget them with ads related to that service. Improved Conversion Rates: Not all users will convert on their first visit. Retargeting keeps your brand at the forefront, increasing the likelihood of them returning to your site and converting to a service call. Cost-Effective: With retargeting, you're specifically targeting users who have shown interest in your services, making your marketing efforts more efficient and cost-effective. Retargeting on the Google Network offers a better opportunity for your plumbing business to maintain visibility and stay top of mind. This strategy is a powerful way to transform your first-time website visitors into repeat visitors and eventually into customers, thereby increasing your plumbing calls.
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