Free Google Ads guide for plumbers

Get emergency calls today

Want more customers calling your plumbing business? Google Ads puts your business at the top of search results when people need a plumber fast. This guide makes setting up your first ad super simple - even if you've never done it before.

Step 1: Create your Google Ads account

1. Go to ads.google.com and click "Start Now"
2. Sign in with any Google account (like your Gmail)
3. When asked about goals, click "Create an account without a campaign"
4. Fill in your business information and payment details

Pro tip: Use a business email address you check regularly.

Step 2: Make your first campaign

1. Click the blue "+" button and pick "New campaign"
2. Choose "Leads" as your goal
3. Select "Search" as your campaign type
4. Enter your plumbing website address
5. Name your campaign something easy to remember like "Emergency Plumbing"

Example: Name it "Emergency Plumbers - [Your City]" if you focus on emergency calls.

Step 3: Choose where your ads show

1. Click the locations box and type your city or area (like "Auckland")
2. Add specific suburbs where you want more customers
3. Select "People in or regularly in your targeted locations"
4. Choose "English" (or your local language)

Pro tip: Start with places close to your business for faster response times.

Step 4: Set your daily budget

1. Start small - try $20-30 per day
2. Select "Maximise conversions" as your bidding option
3. Turn off "Display Network" to save money

Money-saving tip: You can always increase your budget later when you see what works.

Step 5: Create your ad groups

Ad groups help organise your ads by service type. Create these three to start:

1. Emergency Plumbing - for people who need help right now
2. Blocked Drains - for common drainage problems
3. Hot Water Repairs - for water heater issues

Step 6: Add your keywords

For your Emergency Plumbing group, add these keywords:

• emergency plumber [your city]
• 24 hour plumber near me
• urgent plumbing repair
• after hours plumber
• burst pipe emergency
• plumbing emergency service

Remember: Put quotes around most keywords (like "emergency plumber") to show your ad to more relevant searches.

Step 7: Create your simple ad

Write two versions of your ad with:

Headlines: (30 characters each)

• 24/7 Emergency Plumber
• On-Site Within 60 Minutes
• Licensed & Insured Pros

Descriptions: (90 characters each)

• Burst pipes? Blocked toilet? We respond fast across [your city]. Call now!
• Family-owned plumbing business with 20+ years experience. No callout fee.

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Step 8: Add your phone number

1. Scroll down to "Ad Extensions"
2. Click "Call Extension" and add your phone number
3. Make sure "Mobile" is turned ON
4. Set your business hours (or select 24/7 for emergency service)

Step 9: Review and start your ad

1. Double-check all your settings
2. Click "Save and Continue"
3. Your ad will go through a quick review (usually within 24 hours)
4. Once approved, your ad starts showing to people searching for plumbers!

Quick tips for better results

• Add "negative keywords" like "jobs", "training", "DIY" and "free" to avoid wasting money
• Check your results at least once a week
• Answer calls promptly - Google tracks if people stay on the call
• Ask customers how they found you to confirm which ads work best

Real example: What your ad will look like on mobile

Ready to get more emergency calls? Follow these simple steps and you'll have your first Google Ad up and running today.

If you need help or want more advanced targeted ads contact us for advice on setting up your plumbing business ads.