So, you have the ability and the desire to start up your own plumbing business? Congratulations, you are on your way to becoming one of the roughly 30 million small businesses in the United States.
You might have the knowledge and experience to fix a kitchen sink, but starting a business is an entirely new profession. You will actually have less hands-on plumbing work and more managerial tasks instead.
Starting a business and successfully breaking into the plumbing industry are two different things. Make sure you are taking the proper steps to truly stand out from your local competitors.
Fortunately, you have come to the right place by reading this article. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about starting up a new business that is centered around your experience as a plumber.
Complete Qualifications and Apprenticeship
Even if you have years of experience doing plumbing work, none of it will matter for your new business unless you make it official. If you haven’t gone through a plumbing apprenticeship program, it could be one of the best resources for your new endeavor.
After completing an apprenticeship program, odds are that you are significantly better connected than you were before the program. Even though it’s a commitment of your precious time, consider following a more experienced plumber around as an assistant.
Spending time as an eager and curious assistant will not only add to your knowledge but also cultivate a more experienced reputation in the industry.
Obtain All Equipment and Tools You’ll Need
Once you’re ready to officially take steps to launch your plumbing business, you should start with equipment. Take the time to research the best products available according to your budget, and start building up your set of tools.
This part of starting a business is important, so make sure you properly invest time and money to have the best start for your new business. Don’t take shortcuts! Start with high-quality basic tools, and invest in fancier tools down the road.
Officially Register Your Business
Before you can advertise your new plumbing business, you need to choose a name and register it with the state. Even if you are managing everything from your own personal truck, you’ll need to obtain a business license.
After this has been completed, it’s a great practice to then invest in proper insurance. Shop around for the insurance that makes you the most comfortable moving forward in case of property damage. You don’t want to be liable for future potential accidents.
Develop a Business Strategy
You might be excited to get started with your new plumbing business, but you should still take some time to plan ahead. There are a lot of details you need to consider moving forward.
For example, what does your budget look like? If you have never handled a company’s finances before, there are plenty of articles online that provide helpful advice on business finance.
Next, take the time to write down your short-term and long-term goals for the business. Don’t spread your expectations too thin, though – stay realistic.
Build a Website
Before you hire your first customer, they have to be able to find you! Fortunately, a website online is similar to the modern day business card.
Not only will it provide potential customers with your contact information, the content can also significantly promote your brand and services. Having a sophisticated website is a great way to set you apart from your competitors. Here is an example of a great website by a plumber Toronto can boast of.
If you have the means, hire a web designer to handle the details of your logo and branding. If not, there are plenty of online resources that teach you how to build a website on your own. All it takes is a quick YouTube search.
Start Marketing and Advertising
Thanks to the Internet, most of your marketing and advertising can really be done from the comfort of your own home. There are plenty of sites and boards where you can advertise your plumbing business.
It’s a strong marketing practice to properly invest in social media for your plumbing business. Social media platforms are key to building up a business’s online presence. A larger online presence translates to a larger audience of potential customers.
Even though you might feel disconnected when promoting your business online, do your best to remain genuine and engaged with your followers. Build up your social media profiles to truly reflect your dedication to being the most trusted plumbing business in your area.
Network within Your Local Community
Speaking of your area, focus your marketing on consumers local to you. Not only should you engage with local businesses and organizations online, you should also make effort to meet people in person.
Keep an eye out for community gatherings or networking events. These are a great place to pass out business cards (which, of course, should point people directly to your high-quality website).
Also, research your local Chamber of Commerce. They will definitely provide great opportunities for you to connect with other businesses in the area. Meeting other professionals at these events could lead to loyal customers, which makes the investment of your time invaluable.
Hire and Outsource Work As Needed For Your Plumbing Business
As you continue to grow your new plumbing business, you’ll find that there are more and more tasks to manage. As mentioned above, this process will most likely lead you to focus more on management as opposed to plumbing skills. That is, it will lead you to management if you grow the business successfully.
Hopefully, you do find yourself spread too thin at some point. This means you have a large enough customer base to require additional employees. Going through the apprenticeship program means you have a connection to plenty of other qualified plumbers who you could really use.
Additionally, you might find yourself unable to handle some projects for your business such as developing website content or managing payroll. At this point, know that there are plenty of expert professional services you can hire for almost anything your business will require.
Continue Researching
Running a business means you need to consistently stay informed on all the latest trends in society. You might need to find a different business that offers a specific service.
That’s why we’re here. We provide you with resources to find applicable businesses in your area, and we also post useful articles to advise you on staying organized and efficient in your professional and personal life.
Browse our articles today for tips and tricks, or search our database for contractors in your area.