Digital marketing for plumbers means using more local and specific strategies to drive local customers in 2025.
Two big changes are shaping the way plumbers need to market their services. Digital marketing for plumbers is evolving rapidly. First, search engines like Google are changing how they show results with the rise of AI. Also, people are looking more precisely for a (specific) plumber nearby. This is why digital marketing for plumbers remains important in 2025.
Combined, to attract more customers in 2025, focus your digital marketing on:
1. Local SEO
2. Ranking for specific keywords
3. Online reputation marketing
Other digital marketing for plumbers activities remain unchanged compared to last year:
- Keeping your website optimised for search engines (technical SEO)
- be easily contacted on all major platforms: Google Business, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
- Digital PR
- Video marketing
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s a closer look at these five strategies to help plumbers grow their business online. And you can also contact me to outrank your competition in Google.
1. How does local SEO benefit plumbers?
Digital marketing for plumbers means focusing on driving local clients. And there’s good news: more people are searching with a local focus. About ten years ago, there were 1000 searches for “plumber near me” in the UK. Nowadays, it’s over 13.000 monthly searches in the UK and over 135.000 monthly searches in the US.
Local SEO helps ensure your business shows up when someone searches for a plumber near them. Focus on:
- Google Business Profile: Keep your details updated, including hours, services, and customer reviews.
- Local keywords: Use phrases that people enter into Google (see tip below)
- Get listed in local business directories to improve your visibility.
- Google reviews: Encourage happy clients to leave reviews on Google and other platforms to build trust.
Digital marketing for plumbers best practice
One easy way to gain a competitive edge is by extending your business hours. Opening just an hour earlier and staying open an hour later than your competitors can make a big difference.
Google often highlights businesses with the tag “closing soon” about 30-60 minutes before closing. When your competitors show “closing soon” on Google, many customers will look for a plumber that’s still open. By being available when others aren’t, you can attract more last-minute customers and win more business, especially in emergencies. It’s a simple way to get ahead without much extra effort.
Ready to attract more local customers? Book an SEO audit today and uncover how to improve your local search rankings!
2. Ranking for popular keywords
To attract more local customers try to rank, “show up”, for popular search terms. Ranking for these so-called “keywords” starts with good keyword research. This helps you find the terms your customers are really searching for.
By focusing on high-traffic keywords, you can make sure your business shows up when people need plumbing services the most. With the right research and strategy, you can attract more calls and bookings while staying ahead of your competition.
Here’s a breakdown of the top keywords enter in combination with “plumber near me”. The data is obtained using ahrefs.com and are for the US:
- High-demand searches.
Focus on these terms by creating pages dedicated to urgent plumbing services.- Emergency: “Emergency plumber near me” is Googled 10,000 times per month
- Local: “Local plumber near me” is searched for 4,000 times per month
- 24 hour: “24 hour plumber near me” counts for 3,600 searches/month
- Specialised services:
- “Same day plumber near me” is put in Google for 2,300 searches/month“Gas plumber near me” counts for 1,300 searches/month
Focus on these terms by creating pages dedicated to urgent plumbing services. Also include the words in your Google Business and other social media profiles.
Need help finding the right keywords to attract more customers? I use ahrefs.com and other software suites to find the best keywords for you business. Contact me for expert keyword research, clear explanations and advice!
Combining local search and keyword research
“Gas plumber near me” is put into Google 1300 times per month in the US. This may not sound as many searches for such a large country. But remember, they are local searches. Google will not show plumbers based in New York, when it knows that you are on the other side of the country. And most of the time, Google has a hunch of where you are.
So, try ranking for popular keywords that include a location or the phrase “near me”.
3. Online reputation marketing: why it’s important for plumbers
Reputation management is an important part for digital marketing for plumbers. Reputation marketing means getting, managing, and sharing good reviews to make your business look better online. For plumbers online reputation marketing is important, because of four reasons:
- Customers rely on reviews: Most people looking for a plumber will read online reviews before making a decision. A business with glowing feedback is far more likely to win their trust.
- Local SEO boost: Google favours businesses with strong reviews, making it easier for customers to find you in local searches like “best plumber near me” or “emergency plumber near me.”
- Stand out from competitors: In a competitive market, a solid online reputation helps you stand out. Positive reviews reassure potential customers that you’re reliable and provide excellent service.
- Word-of-mouth online: Happy customers often share their experiences online, helping to spread your name and bring in more business.
Tip: How plumbers can improve their online reputation
- Ask for reviews: After a successful job, encourage customers to leave a review on Google, Yelp, or other platforms.
- Respond to feedback: Thank customers for positive reviews and address any complaints professionally.
- Showcase testimonials: Share your best reviews on your website and social media.
- Be consistent: Provide excellent service every time to ensure your reputation stays strong.
Online reputation marketing isn’t just about collecting reviews; it’s about making sure your business is trusted, visible, and competitive in the digital age. Plumbers who actively manage their reputation will attract more customers and grow their business.
Popular keywords & reputation management – a word of warning
Here are some interesting keyword insights for digital marketing for plumbers. Over 7.000 searches of “24h plumber near me” are Googled per month in the US. In the UK about 2.500 people search for these keywords. Such high figures can be expected all over the world. Most people who need a plumber have a plumbing emergency.
Including keywords like “24 hour plumber near me” or “24/7 plumber” on your website is a good idea because many people search for plumbers at all hours. These keywords can help your business show up higher in Google search results, attracting more customers who need immediate help.
However, be careful with this approach. If you advertise that you are open 24/7 but are not actually available all the time, it can lead to online reputation problems. Customers will be frustrated if they can’t reach you when they need you the most. This often results in bad reviews, which can hurt your Google ranking a lot. Negative reviews make your business look unreliable, and you might lose potential customers to competitors.
4. Why is technical SEO important for plumbers?
Technical SEO is also in 2025 important for digital marketing for plumbers. On-site SEO ensures your plumbing website is easy for both customers and search engines like Google to understand and index. Key steps include:
- Dedicated service pages: Create individual pages for each service (e.g., “emergency plumbing,” “pipe repair,” or “bathroom installations”).
- Fast-loading website: Slow sites drive potential customers away.
- Mobile-friendly design: Many customers search for plumbers on their phones; make sure your site works well on all devices.
- Schema markup: Use this to help Google categorise your services more effectively.
5. What does omnipresence mean for plumbers?
Having a profile on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Google Business makes sure that customers can easily reach you. You don’t have to post often on every platform. just make sure you’re reachable wherever your clients look for you.
Musts are:
- Making clear who you are, how (or with what) you help your customers and when people can reach you
- Be reachable on the platform, so people can immediately contact you with a simple “tap”
- Be responsive, if needed use automated responses to handle inquiries efficiently.
If you serve a town with many students and young people, it’s advisable to be on TikTok. 51% of Gen Z (<30 year olds) like or even trust TikTok more than Google. If you enjoy making short form videos, than you can quickly grow an audience on TikTok – and reap the benefits.
6. What role does digital PR play for plumbers?
If local competition is tough, then you can thinking of digital PR activities. Digital PR is a way for plumbers to build trust, increase visibility, and attract more customers online. This involves:
- Being featured in local publications or blogs about home maintenance.
- Collaborating with home improvement influencers for exposure.
- Offering expert tips or quotes for news stories during emergencies (e.g., freezing pipes in winter).
Digital PR can cost time and/or money. So I advise to first explore the previously mentioned digital marketing for plumbers activities.
7. Why is video marketing useful for plumbers?
Videos are a great way for plumbers to showcase expertise and connect with potential customers. The return on investment (of your time and money) may take longer than the other digital marketing for plumbers activities. But when done well, you can become the most-sought-after plumber in your region. You can even become an influencer.
Ideas include:
- Explainer videos: Show customers how to handle small tasks like unclogging drains safely.
- Project showcases: Share before-and-after videos of plumbing installations or repairs.
- Customer testimonials: Build trust with short videos of happy clients sharing their experiences.
These videos can be shared on your website, YouTube, TikTok (see #5 Omnipresence) or social media channels to boost engagement.
Conclusions on digital marketing for plumbers in 2025
Digital marketing for plumbers in 2025 is about leveraging local visibility, digital PR, video marketing, technical SEO, and omnipresence to attract customers and grow your business. By staying visible and accessible online, plumbers can ensure they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Ready to attract more local customers? Book an SEO audit today and uncover how to improve your local search rankings!