How to do Local SEO for Plumbers

Picture this: it’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, and you’re hard at work fixing a leaky faucet for a happy customer. Suddenly, your phone starts ringing off the hook with people needing plumbing services.

This doesn’t have to be a dream. It can be your reality with the right plumber SEO strategies.

Local SEO is the key to getting found on search engines and unlocking endless business opportunities.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of plumber SEO and teach you how to dominate local search results to grow your business.

What is local SEO and why is it important for plumbers?

Local SEO is the process of optimizing your online presence for local search results. This means that when someone searches for a plumber in their area, your business will show up in the search results.

For plumbers, local SEO is essential because it targets customers in your service area who are searching for your services. It’s a highly effective way to connect with potential customers, outshine your competitors and establish a strong online presence.

Step #1. Optimize your Google Business Profile

The first step in your plumber SEO journey is to claim and optimize your Google Business Profile listing. This is a free tool that allows you to manage your online presence on Google Search and Google Maps.

Here’s how to optimize your listing:

  • Claim your listing – Search for your business on Google and claim your listing. If you don’t have one yet, create one.
  • Complete your profile – Fill out all the relevant information, including your business name, address, phone number, website and hours of operation. Make sure to include a category that best represents your plumbing business.
  • Add photos – Upload high-quality images of your team, logo and any completed projects. This will showcase your work and help build trust with potential customers.
  • Encourage reviews – Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Google listing. Positive reviews improve your credibility and increase the likelihood of potential customers choosing your services.
  • Regularly update your listing – Ensure your listing is up-to-date with any changes to your business information, hours or services.

Step #2. Optimize your website for plumber SEO

Your plumber website is your digital storefront, and it plays a crucial role in your plumber marketing strategy. Here are some tips to optimize your website for local SEO:

  • Mobile-friendly design – Most local searches happen on mobile devices, so make sure your website is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate.
  • Fast load times – Slow websites can hurt your search engine rankings and frustrate potential customers. Optimize your site for speed by compressing images, minifying code and using a content delivery network (CDN).
  • Keyword optimization – Conduct keyword research to find relevant local keywords, such as “plumber near me” or “emergency plumber [your city].” Incorporate these keywords into your site’s content, meta tags and URLs.
  • Create localized content – Develop content that is specific to your service area, such as blog posts about local plumbing issues, case studies or testimonials from local customers.
  • Optimize title tags and meta descriptions – Craft unique title tags and meta descriptions for each page on your site, using targeted local keywords.

Step #3. Build local citations

A citation is an online mention of your business’s name, address and phone number (NAP).

Building local citations helps search engines validate your business information and improves your plumber SEO. Here’s how:

  • Ensure NAP consistency – Make sure your NAP information is consistent across all online platforms, including your website, local listings and social media profiles.
  • Build citations on local directories – Submit your business information to local online directories, such as Top Rated Local®, Angi and the Better Business Bureau. Focus on directories relevant to your service area and the plumbing industry.
  • Reach out to local media – Get featured in local newspapers, magazines or blogs to build credibility and generate valuable backlinks to your website. Participate in local events – Sponsor or attend local events to get your business mentioned on event websites and social media pages, generating more citations and increasing your visibility.

Step #4. Generate quality backlinks

Backlinks are incoming links to your website from other websites. They’re essential for plumber SEO because they signal to search engines that your site is authoritative and trustworthy.

Here are some ways to acquire quality backlinks:

  • Create shareable content – Develop informative, engaging content that people will want to link to, such as blog posts, infographics or videos.
  • Guest posting – Reach out to industry-related blogs or websites and offer to write guest posts in exchange for a backlink to your site.
  • Connect with local businesses – Partner with complementary local businesses (like HVAC companies or electricians) and exchange backlinks.
  • Leverage social media – Share your content on social media platforms to encourage others to link to it.

Step #5. Monitor your plumber marketing results

To ensure your plumber SEO efforts are paying off, it’s essential to monitor your progress using tools, like the Marketing 360® Content app, and make adjustments as needed. Here are some key performance indicators (KPIs) to track:

  • Organic search traffic – Measure the number of visitors coming to your website through organic search.
  • Local search rankings – Monitor your local search rankings to see how your business is performing in local search results.
  • Conversion rate – Track the percentage of website visitors who take a desired action, such as calling your business or filling out a contact form.
  • Reviews and ratings – Keep an eye on your reviews and ratings with the Reputation app, and respond to them in a timely manner.

By implementing these plumber marketing strategies and regularly monitoring your progress, you’ll be well on your way to dominating the local search results and growing your plumbing business.

Remember, success in local SEO takes time and consistent effort, but the rewards are well worth it. So, roll up your sleeves and start optimizing your online presence to reap the benefits of local SEO for your plumbing business.

The Marketing 360® plumber marketing platform gives you everything you need to master local SEO for your business.

Learn more and see our plans and pricing.

How to Build a Strong Reputation for Your Plumbing Business

Trust plays a big role in the decision to work with a new plumber. After all, plumbers are responsible for some of the most important systems in our homes — the very systems that keep us safe, healthy and comfortable. 

That’s why it’s so important for plumbing businesses to focus on building trust with potential and current customers. Plumbers who have a strong online presence and good reviews are more likely to get new business. 

Here are 10 tips for building a strong reputation as a plumber:

#1. Prioritize great customer service

Not every online review is a fair representation of the customer experience you provide. However, as a whole, your online reputation is a reflection of the kind of customer service you offer. 

Plumbing is a service-based industry, so it’s important to always provide excellent customer service. This means being responsive to phone calls and emails, showing up on time for appointments and providing honest estimates. 

Not only can prioritizing great customer service in your plumbing business help you build a strong reputation and attract new customers, but it can also help you keep your existing customers and drive repeat business. 

#2. Get involved in your community 

One way to build trust with potential plumbing leads and customers is to get involved in your community. Plumbing businesses that are seen as giving back to their communities are more likely to be trusted by potential customers. 

There are many ways to get involved in your community as a plumbing business. You can sponsor a local sports team, donate to a local charity or volunteer for a community cleanup day. 

Getting involved in your community is a great way to build relationships and show potential customers that you’re invested in more than just your bottom line. 

#3. Develop a website that builds trust

Your plumber website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. Plumbing businesses that have a professional, user-friendly website are more likely to be trusted by potential customers. 

There are several elements that can make a website more trustworthy, such as clear and concise information about your business, testimonials from satisfied customers and contact information that is easy to find. 

Your website should also be designed with your potential customers in mind. Plumbing businesses that have a mobile-friendly website will be more likely to be trusted by potential customers, as more and more people are using their smartphones to search for local businesses. 

#4. Get listed in online directories

In order to be found by potential customers, it’s important to have a strong online presence. One way to do this is to get your plumbing business listed in online directories. 

When potential customers search for a plumbing business in their area, your business should come up in the search results. There are many different online directories, such as Google Business Profile, Top Rated Local®, Yelp and Angi. 

Getting your business listed in online directories is a great way to improve your online visibility and attract new customers. 

#5. Ask for reviews from satisfied customers

One of the best ways to build trust with potential customers is to ask for reviews from satisfied customers. Plumbing businesses that have positive reviews are more likely to be trusted by plumbing leads and potential customers. 

Asking for reviews can be as simple as sending an email to your satisfied customers and asking them to leave a review on your Google Business Profile or Top Rated Local listing. You can also include a link to your listings in your email signature and on your website. 

#6. Respond to your reviews

In addition to asking for reviews from satisfied customers, it’s also important to respond to your reviews. Plumbing businesses that take the time to respond to their reviews are more likely to be trusted by potential customers. 

When you receive a positive review, take the time to thank the customer for their feedback. If you receive a negative review, respond professionally and try to resolve the issue. 

Responding to your reviews shows potential customers that you value their feedback and are committed to providing excellent customer service. 

#7. Use social media to build trust

Social media is a great way to connect with potential customers and build trust. Plumbing businesses that are active on social media build strong connections with leads and customers based on recognition and trust. 

There are many different ways to use social media to build trust, such as responding to customer inquiries and complaints, sharing positive reviews and testimonials, and featuring photos and videos of your work. 

Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to build trust with potential plumbing leads and customers. 

#8. Become a Google Guaranteed business

Local businesses that advertise with Google Local Services Ads can apply to become Google Guaranteed businesses. Google Guaranteed businesses must pass a screening and meet Google’s advertising requirements. 

Businesses that are Google Guaranteed are more likely to be trusted by potential customers, as they have been vetted by Google. And, the Google Guaranteed badge makes your Local Services Ads more clickable, helping you drive more exclusive plumbing leads

If you’re looking for ways to build trust with potential customers, becoming a Google Guaranteed business is a great option. 

#9. Build trust with content marketing

Content marketing is a great way to build trust with potential customers. Plumbing businesses that create helpful and informative content can establish themselves as experts in the industry and build trust with potential customers. 

There are many different types of content that can be used for content marketing, such as blog posts, infographics, videos, social media posts and emails.  

Creating content that is helpful and informative helps potential customers see your plumbing business as a trusted resource. Plus, when you combine your content marketing efforts with plumber SEO, you can also rank higher on search engines. 

#10. Use reputation management software

Reputation management software is a great way to track your online reviews and manage your plumbing business’s reputation from across the web. 

The Marketing 360® Reputation app is a great option for businesses that want to track their online reviews and manage their reputation. The app consolidates all of your online reviews into one place, so you can see what customers are saying about your business on Google, Facebook, Yelp, and more. 

Plus, the app also helps you track your Rating Score™, which is a snapshot of your online reputation as a whole. The app also includes tools to help you generate more positive reviews and improve your online reputation. 

If you’re looking for ways to manage your plumbing business’s reputation, using reputation management software is a great option. 


Every plumbing business needs a strong reputation to succeed. These 10 reputation management tips will help you build trust with potential customers and improve your business’s online reputation. 

The Reputation app is just one of the many tools plumbers can take advantage of with Marketing 360. Our plumber marketing platform has everything you need to manage and grow your plumbing business. 

You can build a beautiful website, drive exclusive plumber leads, master SEO and content marketing, connect with your community on social media and so much more. 

Learn more and see our plans and pricing. 

Common DIY Plumbing Mistakes

When you need plumbing repairs or maintenance, or you’re looking to do a replacement or renovation, doing it on your own can be a great way to save money. But, that’s only if everything goes as planned, and if you’ve ever done DIY projects around the house, you’ll know that rarely happens.

Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to make simple mistakes that can end up costing more to fix than if you had hired a plumber in the first place. Here are a few of the most common mistakes homeowners make when tackling their own plumbing projects.

8 common DIY plumbing mistakes to avoid

Mistake #1. Forgetting to turn off the water

Before doing almost any plumbing repair, maintenance or replacement, you want to turn the water off to the sink or fixture you’re working on. If you don’t, you could end up with a flood on your hands.

In addition to making sure that you turn off the water to the fixture in question, it’s also a good idea to know where the main water shut off valve to your home is. If you have water rushing into your home, it’s imperative that you know where and how to turn it off as quickly as possible.

Mistake #2. Using chemical drain cleaner

When you have a slow-moving drain (or a drain that’s completely clogged), it’s tempting to reach for the drain cleaner for a quick fix to the problem. But, the reality is that this is the absolute last thing you should do when you need to clean a drain.

Chemical drain cleaners can actually do a lot of damage to your pipes, especially if you rely on them too often. You’re much better off with a natural drain cleaner, like a mixture of baking soda and vinegar, or a drain snake.

Mistake #3. Tightening connections too much

The tighter the connection between two pipes, the less likely they are to leak, right? Wrong. In fact, the opposite is true.

When you tighten connections too much, you run the risk of doing damage, like cracking fittings, stripping threads, breaking washers, damaging fittings and more. All of this damage can end up causing leaks.

When tightening connections, do so carefully and properly, and stop when the connection is secure.

Mistake #4. Failing to plan

Too often, DIYers go into plumbing projects with the belief that common sense will be enough to get the job done. But, the reality is that plumbing takes training and know-how, and when you’re tackling plumbing projects on your own, you need to have a plan.

Long before you start actually trying to do the project, take some time to do research about the steps you’ll need to take to get it done, as well as about possible problems that may arise and how to solve them when they do.

Mistake #5. Not getting necessary permits

When homeowners want to upgrade things in their homes, they often choose to handle the renovations on their own, particularly if they are minor renovations, in order to save money. However, having the right skills and equipment is a good start, but many homeowners skip the necessary permits.

Building codes and permits are designed to keep everyone living in your home safe, and unpermitted work can lead to problems that could go unnoticed for years. Having unpermitted plumbing work could cause difficulties down the road when you sell your home or need to renew your insurance.

Mistake #6. Connecting the wrong pipes

Even if a homeowner knows a thing or two about plumbing, what many don’t know is that, when you connect mismatched pipes, an extra step needs to be taken. When connecting copper pipes with galvanized steel pipes, you need to utilize a specific fitting, called a “dielectric union.”

If you fail to use a dielectric union when connecting copper and galvanized steel pipes, leaks can, and will, start forming over time. When this happens, the pipes will have to be disconnected and then re-connected properly with a dielectric union.

Mistake #7. Not having the right tools

With any job, having the right tools on hand will give you your best chance at a successful outcome. And, when tackling plumbing projects, you’re going to need very specific plumbing tools in order to get the job done properly.

A few tools you’ll need to have on hand for plumbing projects include a plumber’s wrench, a basin wrench and a hand auger. But, do some research before starting the project you’re working on so you can get the right tools for the job.

Mistake #8. Refusing to admit defeat

DIY plumbing projects can, and do, go wrong all the time, and unfortunately, simple mistakes can leave you with even bigger problems than you were dealing with in the first place. Knowing when to throw in the towel and call a professional is a key part of preventing DIY repairs from becoming bigger plumbing problems.

When you’re getting ready to take on a plumbing project on your own, it’s always a good idea to know who you’ll call in the event of an emergency, or if you need additional help. Having a plumber on hand will prevent you from having to research one in the midst of chaos.


Having a plan, making sure you have the right tools and equipment, getting the proper permits and turning off the water are all helpful at preventing these and many other plumbing mistakes, but the only way to avoid them altogether is by hiring a professional plumber to handle the job.

The best place to find the right local plumber in your area is with Top Rated Local®, your go-to local business directory. From one place, you can compare plumbers near you side by side, read plumber reviews from across the web, get a snapshot of a plumber’s overall online reputation and more.

Find a Top Rated Local plumber near you today!

The Importance Of Reputation Management For Plumbers

Online reputation is vital to a plumber’s success

The world of online reputation management may seem a bit too much for your local, family-owned plumbing company, but it definitely should not be overlooked or brushed off as being only helpful for younger generations.

Let us fill you in on why your online reputation matters and what you can accomplish by taking control of it! By understanding and managing your online reputation, you can gain valuable insight into the minds of your customers, see where your reputation is shining or lacking, and communicate with your current and potential future clients!

What your reviews tell people

Whether for last-minute emergency services or a long-awaited planned project, when it comes time for the average consumer to choose a plumber, most people are going to turn to the internet before deciding who to hire.

As a local business, your online reputation can make or break you. Today, your online reviews hold as much weight as word of mouth has in the past.

In fact, 88-percent of consumers trust online reviews just as much as they would trust a personal recommendation. While positive reviews can help get your name out and grow your business, negative reviews can result in a bad reputation, which will undoubtedly harm your business.

Your loyal fans, your current customers and an untold number of future potential customers are using online reviews every day to make their purchasing decisions.

Think about it. From the most mundane household products, like sponges and hand soap, all the way up to important services, like optometrists and family doctors, people almost never choose a product or service without doing some research first.

That means that it is more important than ever to stay on top of and manage your online reputation. Think of your reviews as the new word of mouth or referral.

Imagine a potential customer searches for local plumbers and comes across your page and a competitor’s page. Your page has no reviews and theirs has a few positive reviews scattered across Facebook and Google. That customer is most likely going to go with the business that people have recommended through their reviews!

Many times, people are looking for a plumber with some level of urgency, and the average person doesn’t have much, if any, plumbing knowledge. They really rely on those reviews to help them know which business to trust!

Plumbing is a competitive industry, and you can be the best plumber in the city, but if potential customers aren’t told as much by someone other than yourself, they have no reason to believe you.

Check out your competition

Not only can your online reputation give you a leg-up in the industry, but it can also give you some good insight into what customers care about.

Browse through the reviews of some of your competitors. What are the top compliments and criticisms being made about other businesses in your field?

Maybe you hadn’t thought to really focus on communication, but you’ve noticed that that’s one of the things people complain about the most. You can help your business to stand out even more by going out of your way to be the best when it comes to communication!

You commit to responding to all voicemails by the end of the day, you start to send out follow-up emails, and maybe you even set up your employees with a texting service so they can let the customer know when they are on their way. Soon enough, excellent communication skills become something you are known for!

By seeing where others are struggling, you can get a good idea about what is going on in the minds of the consumers, as well as what they value and what tends to bother them the most.

You can also see where you might be outshining your competitors! By reading through the reviews, you might notice that you’re the only local company that keeps getting compliments about your friendly technicians.

You can lean into that when it comes to your branding. Start by saying that customer service is something you’re known for, because at this point, it is, and you have the reviews to back that up!

Make yourself more visible

It is crucial for you to show up as one of the top results when someone searches for businesses in your industry. In fact, it’s been shown that 75-percent of people never scroll past the first page of search engine results!

If you don’t show up on that first page, it’s almost as bad as not showing up at all. If you’re trying to buy your way to the top with keywords and paid ads, get ready to shell out the big bucks.

An easier, and significantly cheaper, way to boost your visibility is through reviews.

Your SEO (search engine optimization) is boosted when you provide original, fresh content, and new customer reviews are a form of content that not only helps by giving you precious feedback, but also helps to get your brand noticed by those algorithms that can push you to the top!

Communicate with your customers

Online or off, there’s no doubt that communication is valued in the service industry.

Online reviews give you a unique platform where you can communicate with your consumer base quickly and publically.

If a negative review comes in, you can quickly address the issue, showing potential customers that you are not only communicative but that you also value customer feedback. In some cases, you can even turn around a bad review by addressing the customer’s concerns and showing them that you care about their experience.


Make managing your reputation easy with Top Rated Local

Plumbers who have been in business for a while will and have a long list of clients probably also have reviews across many different platforms, like Yelp, Home Advisor, Angie’s List, Facebook, and Google — Top Rated Local can help you keep track of where your reputation is by bringing them all to one place!

It has never been easier to take control of your online reputation, and with some help from Top Rated Local, you can quickly get the shining reputation you’ve dreamed of.

Originally published 10/21/19

New Jersey’s Top Rated Local® Award Winner: American Way Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that American Way Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning is the number one plumber in New Jersey!

“These guys are awesome! My water heater started leaking in my basement, and I knew I had to get the situation fixed right away because I was heading out of town for a week. They responded to my calls, gave me a solid quote, showed up and did a great job. This is my second time with this company.” -Ethel L.

That’s just one of the more than 400 reviews on verified sites that have helped American Way Plumbing Heating & Air earn a 95.15 Rating Score™, a 4.91 average star rating, and a 2019 Top Rated Local award!

Not Your Average HVAC and Plumbing Company

Al, the owner of American Way Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, took some time to speak with our team about the business’ online reputation.

We first wanted to know what it is that Al believes to be the thing that makes his business different from their competition. “In our type of business, the most important thing is honesty then professionalism. Of course, we also are competitive, but we don’t rip people off,” Al said. “We make our community better by doing the right thing when we replace the heat, air conditioning, chimney, hot water heaters. Just do the right thing, follow the codes and that’s how you make it better. Do the work safely, also. Keep in mind — we work with fire, gas, carbon monoxide, electricity, and water all in the same machine — so it has to be done perfectly right, up to code, so nobody gets hurt.”

Building Success Through

Being an award-winning business owner with tons of fantastic online reviews, Al knows a thing or two about what it takes to build and maintain a terrific online reputation. Here’s his advice for other business owners:

“Just do your job professionally, and be honest — that’s it. Be reasonable with your customers as far as pricing, and you’ll be growing by yourself and don’t have to spend money on advertisements. I always tell my guys, ‘We are technicians; we are not salesmen. You don’t go to the customer’s house and start selling him stuff left and right whether he or she needs it or not.’ That’s something we don’t do in our company. Some companies, the minute they walk into the house… they actually hire a salesman. They don’t even know anything about plumbing or heating or air conditioning. They are just a mouth and just talk — that’s what they do for a living. The minute they walk into your house they start selling you a contract and this and that, which I never had any contract in my business. I just go over when the customer calls me. I don’t believe in contract and service agreements.”


Congratulations to the team at American Way Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Al, for taking the time to speak with us!