[BigRed]

I have just moved to a new city and am starting my own one-man plumbing shop. I've been a licensed master plumber since '97. My goal is to generate enough calls to keep me busy until retirement in 5-6 years. I'm not looking to grow a big plumbing company and hiring additional help.

Being new to the area I am finding it difficult to get established. I have reached out to property management companies and local builders/remodelers and have received some work from those contacts. Am also looking at joining a local business networking group.

I've come to the conclusion that in order to really get going, I need to spend some money on advertising. My question is specifically for the smaller, independent plumbers - what do you feel is the best use for your advertising dollars? I've researched ThumbTack and Angi for lead generation services but don't like the idea of being charged if I don't get the job. Maybe that's a temporary solution just to get established. Have also looked into Google Ads. In this day and age when people need something, they just google it. So, what has worked for you?

I appreciate any and all advice.

 

[OpenSights]

It’s gotta be tough starting up in a new area without your reputation following. I have a friend who relocated to my area, my suggestion, and he’s doing pretty good. He used Craigslist and google to get started. He was slow to start, but has been doing really well.
When your at the supply house talk with other plumbers Get to know them, If they like you and they’re too busy and send you some work that they don’t have time for. You’ll probably get some PITA customers they don’t want to deal with, but you get your name out there. Rule #1, don’t except referrals from Master Mark. You’ll regret that!

 

[OpenSights]

Buy pens. Replace the pen in the bank drive through with yours. Put your card on the pin board at restaurants, talk with neighbors.

There‘s lots of free ways to advertise! Give out $20 coupons to customers for successful referrals.…

 

[skoronesa]

...............Am also looking at joining a local business networking group.
...............
I appreciate any and all advice.

Go to Church.

You're close to retirement, most church-goers these days are also older. They'll appreciate your experience and familiarity in this drastically changed modern world.

Get your van lettered and drive it everywhere. Make a point to smile and hold doors for people. Get used to small talk with strangers.

 

[Master Mark]

Where are you located in the usa??

I suggest you get a free web site on Yelp.... put your info down and throw up some pictures of your work
dont advertise with them or give them your credit card number or you will soon regret this

home

Find and claim your business on Yelp! Respond to reviews, measure visitor activity on your page, convert visitors into customers and grow your local business.

business.yelp.com

--------------------------------------------
Then go get your Free Google Map Placement listing for your business.... thats is free too
if you have not done this you do it now..........

Google Business Profile - Get Listed on Google

List your business on Google with a free Business Profile (formerly Google my Business). Turn people who find you on Search & Maps into new customers.

www.google.com

Then decide on what you like to do the most.... clean out sewers, do new construction,
install water heaters and or water softeners?? Once that is decided then find a seo guy who
will build a cheap web site for you and advertise under the right area that you want to work in.
or just use your yelp web site ....

you cant do it all being by yourself but you can pick and choose your game plan if you are in
a large enough city.... if you are out in the middle of no-where then you have to take what
you can get....

Business Stickers are also something else you should do for your business too..
they are the gift that keeps on giving years down the road..

 

[dhal22]

Google ad words unequivocally but it must be 100% customized and tracked/monitored constantly. No if ands or buts. None. Repeat, 100% customized not 99%. Tracked and monitored constantly, not when you see Google has cleaned out your bank account.

My office manager is a master at all of that (when we need them).

School sponsorships are absolute gold. Athlete, band, chorus parents are very very loyal.

 

[BigRed]

I have just moved to a new city and am starting my own one-man plumbing shop. I've been a licensed master plumber since '97. My goal is to generate enough calls to keep me busy until retirement in 5-6 years. I'm not looking to grow a big plumbing company and hiring additional help.

Being new to the area I am finding it difficult to get established. I have reached out to property management companies and local builders/remodelers and have received some work from those contacts. Am also looking at joining a local business networking group.

I've come to the conclusion that in order to really get going, I need to spend some money on advertising. My question is specifically for the smaller, independent plumbers - what do you feel is the best use for your advertising dollars? I've researched ThumbTack and Angi for lead generation services but don't like the idea of being charged if I don't get the job. Maybe that's a temporary solution just to get established. Have also looked into Google Ads. In this day and age when people need something, they just google it. So, what has worked for you?

I appreciate any and all advice.

 

[BigRed]

lots of good advice. Thanks to all who have commented!

 

[OpenSights]

Reputation, repeat and referral is what I find to be the most effective form of advertisement. I have one Facebook community that absolutely loves me, unfortunately it’s about a 45 minute drive one way. But it’s a good neighborhood, good people. As much as I detest FB, it can really be a good resource for business! I don’t advertise on it, my customers do it for me. It’s just how things are in my area. People trust a friend’s opinion over a commercial or flyer.

 

[Master Mark]

I forgot to mention another good place to get onto is Next Door if you have that in your area
we get noticed through referral on that site but we do not advertise with them

 

[Logtec]

I forgot to mention another good place to get onto is Next Door if you have that in your area
we get noticed through referral on that site but we do not advertise with them

“nextdoor” has been in my city for about 2 years and is really starting to pump out work for me.,

 

[Logtec]

Pump….

 

[northplm]

I signed up for Next Door and the whole thing seems dead, I don't really see anyone on there but I'm also not sure if I'm using it right. Is it something that's more regional, some areas it's big and some areas it's not?