Tony Gee • November 25, 2022

Google My Business is Officially Changing: What Does This Mean for Your Plumbing Business?

As a plumbing business owner, you are certainly aware of the importance of Google My Business as part of your local SEO strategy. Many customers of all ages and demographics use online searches as the default way of finding best plumbers in their local area, and Google is an overwhelming choice for those searches, receiving about 86% of search traffic worldwide. That said, making sure that your plumbing company is up-to-date with the changes to this platform is more essential than ever. So, what exactly is changing? What does this mean for your plumbing business? And what action do you need to take? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered.


What’s Changing In 2022 and Beyond?


1. New Name


Google My Business (GMB) has been renamed “Google Business Profile (GMP). While this may not be surprising to many since the GMB Help document began using the term “profile” instead of “listing” months ago, this name became official in 2022.  According to Google, the new name is an effort to unify its platform and keep things simple. Google's Community and Support channels will also be updated over the coming months to reflect the new name.


2. New Access Options


Aside from the name change, Google will also be retiring the GMB App altogether by the end of 2022, and encourage plumbing business owners to access their profiles directly via Google Maps or Google Search, in what they are calling  an “upgraded experience.” This option has actually been available for a while and is done by simply typing in a search name of your business, or the phrase “my business” if logged in, and clicking on the profile that appears.  If you’re a plumbing business owner with a single location, this may already be the most common way you’re accessing your profile.


The aim of this new update was to make it possible for you to access your Google Business Profile like your social media profile. The buttons are prominently displayed at the top of the page and allow you to perform several actions instantly, such as edit your profile, promote your business and communicate with customers.



3. Messaging on Desktop


Now direct messaging can be done directly from Google Search in the same way you can access most other Google Business Profile functions. The messaging functionality, like other Google products, has a history of being underutilized. It's been available on the app (which few business owners regularly use) and deep in the GMB profile manager (which few business owners know how to access), so most aren't aware of its presence.

Google is now working to provide the same visibility and functionality as the mobile chat option within the desktop dashboard.

When messaging is enabled, your customers will notice a "chat" button on your business profile and can message you immediately with a single click. In your settings, you can even set a unique welcome message to make the ideal first impression or set expectations for replies.


4. Other Minor Changes


·Account Verification


You can claim and validate your Google Business Profile immediately in Google Search and Google Maps.



· Call History


With call history, you can now keep track of phone calls from your customers on Google Search and Maps. This feature is currently only offered to a small number of firms in Canada and the United States. Please keep in mind that Google converts your phone number to a tracking number, so your actual phone number will not be displayed.


·Potential Support Changes


According to a recent Google My Business upgrade, the current Google My Business online platform will "transition to primarily support larger businesses with multiple locations." This change has elicited conflicting responses from digital agencies and SEO professionals. Some believe that Google will stop assisting small businesses. Others believe the impact on small businesses will be minor because marketing firms and multi-location corporations already use the platform. We'll have to wait and see what effect this has because Google is still stating that modifications will be made in the coming 2023 months.


What’s Not Changing?


Whatever it's called or how you access it, the importance of having a Google profile with the most up-to-date and thorough information possible isn't going away anytime soon.


Here are a few things to consider when managing your profile:


·Your Primary Category Is Still Important


Your principal business category is an important part of your business profile. Google currently offers over 3,000 categories and is constantly expanding that list. If you're not sure which category is appropriate for your practice, look up search terms for the keywords you want to rank for and see what your top competitors in the area are using.


·

Business Attributes


You can still choose from a variety of attributes on your Google Business Profile to provide consumers with information about your company. By including these, your practice may appear in search results when customers search for businesses with those attributes. It’s important to keep these updated for SEO purposes and because Google regularly adds new attributes options such as “women-owned” or even ADA compliance attributes like “wheelchair-accessible bathrooms.”


·It’s Still Free For Now


You do not have to pay for your company's Google Business Profile, as with the majority of Google's offerings. Despite the fact that they continue to extensively advertise and educate business owners on paid Google Ads, the profile itself is and will most likely remain free for the foreseeable future.


If you need help managing your Google Business Profile, don’t hesitate to contact a trustworthy and SEO results-proven marketing agency, like Strictly Plumbers. Click Here to schedule an appointment with the Plumbers’ Marketing Guru, Tony Gee.

AI SEO For Plumbers

The Strictly Plumbers Guide to AEO & GEO: Why Your Business Can't Afford to Wait

By Tony Gee • March 10, 2026
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and show you why immediate implementation is critical for your company's survival and growth.

PlumbLine: Revolutionizing Plumbing Businesses One Call At A Time

By Tony Gee • March 6, 2024
In the competitive world of plumbing services, standing out and offering unparalleled customer service can make all the difference. That's where PlumbLine comes in, a game-changing answering service designed specifically for plumbing companies. What sets PlumbLine apart is its innovative pricing model: charging exclusively per booked call. This approach not only ensures cost-effectiveness but also aligns directly with the success of your plumbing business. Tailored for Your Success Understanding the unique challenges plumbing companies face, PlumbLine offers a bespoke solution that caters specifically to the needs of this industry. Our service ensures that every call is answered with professionalism and expertise, acting as an extension of your own business. The per booked call model means you only pay for results, making it a risk-free investment in your company's growth and customer satisfaction. One of the standout features of our service is the ability to book appointments directly into your company's scheduling software. This seamless integration ensures that the booking process is as efficient and error-free as possible, further enhancing the customer experience and streamlining your operations. How PlumbLine Works PlumbLine employs a team of highly trained professionals 24/7/265, who understand the nuances of the plumbing industry. When a potential client calls, our representatives handle the call with the same care and knowledge as if they were your own employees. They are trained to not only answer general inquiries but also to effectively book appointments, ensuring that potential leads turn into actual business. This efficiency boosts your conversion rate and, ultimately, your bottom line. Cost-Effective and Efficient By charging only for booked calls, PlumbLine ensures that your marketing dollars are spent wisely. This pricing strategy eliminates the concern of paying for services that don't directly contribute to your revenue. It's a straightforward, transparent approach that benefits your business by directly linking our success to yours. This model encourages us to work harder for your business, as our growth is directly tied to your success. Benefits Beyond Savings Aside from the obvious financial benefits, partnering with PlumbLine brings numerous advantages to your plumbing business: **24/7 Availability:** Missed calls are missed opportunities. PlumbLine ensures you're always available to your customers, capturing leads even outside of regular business hours. **Professional Representation:** First impressions matter. Our team handles each call with the professionalism and courtesy your customers expect. **Direct Booking into Your Scheduling Software:** Streamline your appointment setting process with our direct booking feature, ensuring efficient scheduling and customer satisfaction. **Increased Conversion Rates:** With expert handling of inquiries and appointment bookings, you'll see a significant increase in conversion rates, driving more business your way. Join the PlumbLine Family  PlumbLine is more than just an answering service; it's a partner in your business's growth. Our unique pay-per-booked-call model, combined with our industry-specific expertise and direct booking capabilities, makes us the ideal choice for plumbing companies looking to enhance their customer service and increase their revenue. With PlumbLine, you're not just hiring an answering service; you're investing in a tailored solution that grows with your business. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help elevate your plumbing business to new heights.

How To Implement KPI’s Into Your Plumbing Business

By Tony Gee • January 19, 2024
How To Implement KPI’s Into Your Plumbing Business Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to boost your plumbing business's efficiency? Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) might be the solution you need. As a plumbing business owner, understanding and leveraging KPIs can significantly transform your operations. KPIs are insightful data points that offer an objective outlook on your plumbing business's performance, spotlighting areas that need enhancement. They serve as your guiding beacon towards achieving your business goals. By implementing KPIs, you can join the 60% of plumbing businesses that have seen a boost in their efficiency. But how can you accomplish this? In this blog, we’ll cover the various types of KPIs you should integrate into your plumbing business. Marketing KPIs A crucial aspect of running your plumbing business involves keeping an eye on your marketing efforts . Specifically, marketing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) offer insights into the effectiveness of your marketing strategies and are critical in making informed business decisions. Here are some marketing KPIs that you should consider implementing in your plumbing business: Cost Per Impression: This KPI measures the cost incurred for every individual who sees your advertisement. It helps gauge the financial efficiency of your marketing campaigns and assists in budget optimization. Cost Per Click: This is the cost an advertiser pays each time a user clicks their online ad. It's an essential KPI for digital marketing as it helps assess the cost-effectiveness of your campaigns in driving user engagement. Cost Per Lead: This KPI quantifies the cost of acquiring a prospective customer. It's crucial for understanding the effectiveness of your lead generation efforts, helping to identify the most cost-effective marketing channels. Cost Per Conversion: Cost per Conversion or Cost per Acquisition, measures the cost associated with converting a lead into a paying customer. This KPI is crucial as it directly relates to the profitability of your marketing efforts. Acquisition Costs: This encompasses all costs incurred to acquire a new customer, from marketing and sales expenses to any additional costs associated with onboarding. It’s crucial to track this KPI to ensure the profitability of your customer acquisition strategies. Marketing KPIs serve as critical tools for evaluating the success of your marketing strategies, providing tangible metrics to assess cost-effectiveness, customer acquisition, and overall profitability. By regularly monitoring and analyzing these KPIs, you can make data-driven decisions that optimize your plumber marketing efforts, improve your lead generation, and ultimately increase your customer base. Dispatch KPIs Effective management of your dispatch operations is another crucial area where Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can make a transformative impact on your plumbing business. Monitoring dispatch KPIs helps to manage your resources efficiently, ensuring jobs are completed promptly while minimizing costs. Here are some important dispatch KPIs to consider for your plumbing business: Total Daily Cost: This KPI calculates the total expenditure of your dispatch operations in a day. It's essential for tracking your daily operational costs and identifying opportunities for cost reduction. Type Of Plumbing Calls With Dispatch: This KPI categorizes the type of plumbing calls received and dispatched. It provides valuable insights into the most common issues your business is called to address, allowing for targeted training and resource allocation. Plumbing Appointments: This KPI tracks the number of plumbing appointments scheduled in a period. It provides a snapshot of your business activity level, helping to manage resources effectively and plan for peak periods. Cost Per Conversion/Scheduled Appointments: This KPI measures the cost incurred for every appointment scheduled through dispatch. It helps assess the cost-effectiveness of your dispatch operations and is useful for optimizing scheduling and improving profitability. Cost Per Acquisition/Sales And Invoicing: This KPI gauges the cost of acquiring a customer through the dispatch system, from the initial call through to invoicing. It offers insights into the cost efficiency of your sales process and aids in identifying areas for improvement. Cancellation Rate: This KPI calculates the percentage of scheduled appointments that are canceled. A high cancellation rate may indicate issues with scheduling or customer service, making this an essential KPI for improving customer satisfaction and retaining business. Regular monitoring and analysis of these Dispatch KPIs will enable you to manage your dispatch operations effectively, leading to improved customer service, operational efficiency, and profitability. Sales KPIs In the realm of plumbing business, sales Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) provide in-depth insights into your business's profit-generating performance. They help you understand the effectiveness of your sales strategies , identify opportunities for improvement, and maximize your profitability. Let's delve into some of the crucial sales KPIs that your plumbing business should consider: Plumbers KPIs: This KPI tracks the performance of individual plumbers in your team. It can include measurements like the number of jobs completed, customer satisfaction rate, and the value of invoices generated. Monitoring these metrics can help identify star performers and areas where training may be needed. Leads Run Per Day: This KPI quantifies the number of potential customers or leads engaged in a day. It's crucial for understanding the effectiveness of your lead generation efforts and can help in planning and resource allocation. Estimates And Invoices: This KPI records the number of estimates provided and invoices issued. It provides insights into your business's sales activities, helping to track your conversion rates and measure the effectiveness of your sales process. Type Of Plumbing Job: This KPI categorizes the types of jobs your business handles, such as drains, water gas, water heaters, spot repairs to reroutes and repipes, and water line spot lines converted to a reroute or a repipe. This data can help you understand your market better and optimize resource allocation based on demand. Drain Cleaning Converted To Drain Repair Or Trenchless: This KPI measures the conversion rate of drain cleaning jobs to drain repair or trenchless jobs. A higher conversion rate indicates successful upselling, contributing to increased profitability. Water Filtration Systems Sold: This KPI tracks the number of water filtration systems sold over specific time periods (daily, weekly, etc.). It's a key indicator of your product sales performance and can help identify trends and plan for inventory management. Average Invoice And Monthly Sales: This KPI calculates the average value of your invoices and total monthly sales. It's crucial for tracking your revenue performance and identifying any trends or potential issues impacting profitability. By implementing these sales KPIs and regularly monitoring them, you can gain valuable insights into your sales operations. It can help you streamline your processes, improve decision making, and ultimately drive your plumbing business towards success. Growth KPIs For a progressive plumbing business, growth Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are of paramount importance. They provide insights into the success of your growth strategies and the return on your investments. Here are some crucial growth KPIs you should incorporate: Average Invoice Marketing VS. ROI In Marketing: This KPI compares the average income generated from invoices against the return on investment in marketing. This metric offers substantial insights into the effectiveness of your marketing efforts and their contribution to your business income. Number Of Jobs by Plumbers Per Day/Month: This KPI tracks the productivity of your workforce by quantifying the number of jobs handled per day or month. It can help monitor individual performance, plan work schedules, and identify areas for improvement. New Hires: Counting the number of new hires shows the expansion of your team, which reflects your company's growth and the need to meet increased demand. Number Of Plumbers: Keeping track of the size of your team gives you insights into your operational capacity and helps in manpower planning. Overhead VS. Profit: This KPI calculates the proportion of your income that goes towards overhead costs and compares it to your profit. A lower overhead-to-profit ratio indicates healthier business performance. Gross Profit Margin: Calculating your gross profit margin as a percentage shows the proportion of your revenue that remains after subtracting the cost of goods sold (including materials and gasoline). This KPI is vital for understanding your financial health. Operational Costs: This KPI tracks costs related to daily business functioning, such as materials, gasoline, etc., helping maintain cost efficiency. Growth Rate Percentage Per Year: This KPI measures the annual percentage increase in your business, providing an overall sense of your company's growth and helping set future goals. Utilizing a competent Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system like Jobber or Housecall Pro can significantly simplify tracking these KPIs. These CRMs facilitate easy monitoring with just a click of a button. They are essential tools to help track job tags and leads, providing valuable insights to assist in growing your plumbing business. In conclusion, the implementation and diligent tracking of KPIs is an essential step to unlocking the potential of your plumbing business. Leveraging these metrics allows for improved strategic decision making, enhanced operational efficiency, increased profitability, and robust growth. However, navigating these KPIs can be challenging without expert guidance. Tony Gee is a trusted plumbing business coaching expert. With over 15 years of experience as a plumber and a proven track record of helping over 450 businesses flourish, Tony offers valuable insight and practical methods for KPI implementation. Don't miss this opportunity to turbocharge your plumbing business' growth. Schedule an appointment today to grow your plumbing business and make more money.