Do Commercial Plumbing Companies Need a Website?

by 5 replies
6
O.k. so this is a dumb questions because I'm aware that every business should have an online presence.

here is the thing i'm facing. My friend owns a commercial plumbing company in my local area. I approached him about getting a website done for him. however, his response was that he has never considered getting one, he said that he knows having one will definitely not hurt his business, but he said he is just not sure if it will help it either.

the reason being because he doesn't need to do traditional marketing. He just has to place in his bid for a project and if it's the lowest bid he usually gets the job. Apparently this is how these commercial plumbing companies work.

My questions is, should i not bother with these type of businesses? Because it does make sense what he tells me. They work on a bidding structure.

If anyone has a bit more insight about this I would really appreciate it. It's easy to convince a restaurant, hair salon, etc, that don't require bidding. but what about businesses like my friends?
#offline marketing #commercial #companies #plumbing #website
  • Hmm. I don't know. Why don't you ask them?

    People buy for their reasons, not yours. So the people to ask about whether plumbers need a website are the plumbers themselves. And the reasons they'd want a website are their own, not yours or mine.

    Call a couple hundred and ask them. Do it this way and you'll have a much easier time selling those that want one, too. After awhile you'll have a list of typical reasons plumbers want a website because there is a market...or you won't because there's no market.
  • Sales is about identifying a need and filling it...

    If your friend doesnt see the need then there wont be a sale...

    "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink..."

    Better Yet...

  • Like Jason said, ask them what the thinking is.

    Usually a commercial plumbing contractor doesn't work with people calling needing a clog fixed or toilet replaced. They deal with businesses and government agencies that have a RFP (Request For Proposal) process they work with for new construction or remodeling/upgrade work. Different way altogether.

    One thing a web presence can help with is providing the full spectrum of what the company is, who the principals are, what they do and past work done. It makes them more accessible than the anonymous RFP process. A website, Linkedin, Manta, etc. can't hurt. Worth pitching and can help you get some insight into how they do things.

    Was in construction for 25 years, so I know what they are talking about.

    Also, depending on where you are at, it could be a quick way to add to your portfolio, and done right it could get you referrals for other work.

    Just my thoughts.

    Thanks,

    John
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • I had a friend who is a commercial plumber contact me a couple weeks ago about getting a website. I gave them a few options and he said much the same thing, that a website wasn't necessary for his business but he thought it might be a good idea. That was the extent of our conversation.

      After reading this thread it has me thinking maybe there is a need and these commercial only contractors just don't know it, yet.

      Everyone wants the best price but they also want the best quality too, right?

      What better way than to direct the people placing the RPF to a website noted in your proposal? It could give the contractor the edge they need if it comes down to their proposal and company X.

      Why don't you ask your friend for some contacts of people who place these RPF's and interview them on their selection process? Find out if their clients would find it helpful if the contractors had a website? Maybe, previous client testimonials listed on the site? Do the research.

      I don't believe best price gets the bid and here is why: if you are responsible to hire a contractor through RPF and the best price is from a company that is known for crap workmanship, are you going to hire them? No.

      RPFs are a tool for selecting a contractor and a website is also a tool. The best price factor is contractor created scarcity in an attempt to win the bid.
      • [1] reply
Join the discussion

Next Topics on Trending Feed

  • 6

    Do Commercial Plumbing Companies Need a Website?

    O.k. so this is a dumb questions because I'm aware that every business should have an online presence. here is the thing i'm facing. My friend owns a commercial plumbing company in my local area. I approached him about getting a website done for him. however, his response was that he has never considered getting one, he said that he knows having one will definitely not hurt his business, but he said he is just not sure if it will help it either.