Plumbing business reduced to a drip? Use postcard marketing to get business flowing again!

Your phone may not ring as much as it did a couple of years ago. Previously, she would receive phone calls before she officially opened the store for the day, and they would continue throughout the night. That is the nature of the plumbing business. No one can predict when your pipes will get clogged or need repair, but when they do, panic sets in. People will do almost anything to get repairs done quickly. So, as a plumber, how do you keep your name in front of customers? You must have a constant stream of marketing distributed to your customer base.

A proven method of building name recognition is to use a postcard campaign. Designated areas and zip codes should be targeted. It is helpful to include residential and business addresses in the mail. After all, restaurants, retail stores, and office buildings all have pipes that could use repair. It is recommended to send four to six postcards in a campaign. Distribute the calendar of the dates you mail the postcard. You want potential customers to receive a postcard every six to eight weeks. Your goal is to build brand recognition, so it’s important to follow up with repeat emails. Delivery time may vary by region. For example, if you’re in a cold climate, you’ll likely get a boost in business during the winter months when customers have pipes that freeze and break. This is an excellent time to be in front of your customers. If you are in a tourist city, your business may peak when the tourist season is at its peak. Obviously, you want your customers to call you year-round, but getting new customers is easier when demand increases.

Your message should include elements that help sell and differentiate your business. If you work weekends, specialize in new construction, or focus on unclogging drains, let your clients know. You may want to include a coupon that offers a discount on services. This will provide a reason for customers to keep your postcard. Consumers like to feel that they are working with a trusted company. If you are a member of the Better Business Bureau, please mention that fact or use any other reliable references you think are relevant. Make sure your phone number is displayed on the postcard in a larger font size than the rest of the fonts used in the design. A well thought out postcard campaign can be a boost to business and attract both new customers and customers you may not have heard from in a long time.