Plumbing Ads: Where to Focus Your Efforts (Without Losing Your Mind)

If you're a plumber looking to drum up some extra household work, you’ve probably tried a few things to get noticed—maybe a van sign, a few newspaper ads, or even a stack of flyers. But with all the options out there, where should you actually spend your time and money? Google Ads? Newspaper? Google Maps?

A lot of plumbers feel overwhelmed by the choices, so let’s break it down. I’m not here to say Google Ads don’t work (they can be great for specific things), but if you’re looking for a quick win to get your business out there and get noticed in your local area, optimizing your Google Business Profile is a solid place to start.

Why People Scroll Past Google Ads (And Go Straight for the Map)

Ever notice how Google Ads are always right at the top of the page, but a lot of people just scroll right by them? It’s because folks know those are paid spots, and they’re often looking for the “real deal”—local businesses right around the corner. That’s where the Google Maps section (also called the map pack) comes in.

When you show up in the map pack, people see you’re local and trusted, which can make them more likely to call you over a random ad. It doesn’t mean ads are bad; it just means if you’re going to invest your energy somewhere, showing up as a local expert in the map pack might get you further.

Google Business Profiles: The Hidden Gem Most Plumbers Overlook

Google Business Profiles don’t get the attention they deserve, mostly because they’re free to set up. But don’t let that fool you—there’s real power here. Think of it as your own little corner of Google. You can share your services, post photos, and collect reviews—all things that help you stand out when people search for a plumber near them.

Take Cody from True Value Plumbing in San Diego. He’s just one example of how this works. By setting up his Google Business Profile the right way, he saw a $15k per month boost in revenue. No fancy ads, just a solid profile that put him right in front of local customers.

Target the Jobs You Want with Google Maps

One of the best things about using Google Business Profiles is that you can go after the jobs you actually want. Let’s face it—nobody wants a flood of leads for tiny, low-paying jobs that eat up your time. By optimizing your profile, you can make sure you’re targeting things like emergency plumbing or drain cleaning, where you can charge more and actually make a profit.

This way, instead of filling up your schedule with jobs that barely cover gas money, you’re bringing in steady work that grows your business.

So, Where Should You Put Your Ad Dollars?

When you’re looking at where to invest, think about your goals. Google Ads are great for quick wins and targeted campaigns, especially if you want to show up for specific searches. But for many local plumbers, focusing on your Google Business Profile can be a smarter first step. It’s a powerful tool that can help you show up as the go-to plumber in your area without having to outbid national companies on expensive ad keywords.

Common Ad Pitfalls (And Why Google Maps Might Be a Better Fit)

We’ve all been there. You try a few ads in the local newspaper, but they cost a fortune, and you barely get any calls. Or maybe you tried flyers and just got sore feet. Ads can feel like a money pit, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Optimizing your Google Business Profile can help you sidestep these common traps, giving you a reliable way to show up right where your customers are looking for you.

Final Thoughts: Start with Google Business, Then Build from There

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the ad options, start simple. Set up your Google Business Profile, get some reviews, and make sure you’re showing up on the map. You’ll start seeing results faster, and from there, you can decide if and when Google Ads or other options make sense for you.

At the end of the day, you want to be where people are actually looking for you. And more often than not, that’s right in the Google Maps section, where local customers are searching for someone they can trust.

Ready to get started? Let’s talk about how we can help you get the most out of your Google Business Profile and get your phone ringing!