Did you know plumbing services belong to a global market valued at $50.26 billion in 2022? This multi-billion dollar market also includes mechanical and electrical services. By 2027, experts project it to reach an impressive $139 billion.
Those figures highlight how massive and competitive the plumbing industry is. For example, the U.S. alone had about 469,000 jobs for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in 2021.
So with such tight competition, how do plumbers attract customers then?
One is by ensuring they have among the best plumbing websites out there. After all, many people now research service providers online before hiring them.
To that end, we whipped up this guide on what makes the best websites for professional plumbers the best. So read on, as what you find here can help you hire the right expert (or if you’re a plumber, showcase what you’ve got).
Highly Engaging Content Above the Fold
Most people now scroll, considering many visit websites on mobile devices. Indeed, a study found that below-the-fold content gets 66% of user attention. Statistics also claim that about half of mobile users scroll within 10 seconds, and 9 in 10 do within 14 seconds.
People often decide whether to scroll or leave the site within those first few seconds. Site owners want visitors to stay and scroll, so the above-the-fold content should give them a reason to do so.
Above-the-fold content is a web page’s topmost part shown immediately upon loading. It’s the first thing people see when they land on a page without doing anything, such as scrolling. Anything that only becomes visible upon scrolling is part of the below-the-fold content.
Thus, the best plumbing websites often feature the most vital info above the fold. This usually includes a highly engaging introductory statement about their business.
Take the home page of https://normzplumbing.co.uk/ as an example. Its above-the-fold content is a straightforward intro to who they are, what they do, and who they serve. With just a few sentences, they’ve managed to set the expectations of their visitors.
An Easy-to-Navigate Website Menu
A website menu is a series of buttons or links to various pages throughout a site. It’s part of the above-the-fold section at the top (classic menu) or the side (sidebar menu). Many sites also use a footer menu at the very bottom of the page.
The best plumbing business websites boast organized, visible, easy-to-navigate main menus. They don’t clutter it with too many options; instead, they limit it to five or six choices which often include:
- Home
- Plumbing Services
- About Us
- Contact Us/Schedule Appointment
- Free Quote
- Blog Posts
Depending on the site’s structure and contents, its primary options may have sub-menus. These may be dropdown menus that list additional items when users click or hover over them.
For example, the Plumbing Services menu could list specific specializations. These may include drain cleaning, leak repairs, installation, replacement, maintenance, or emergency services.
Another is the About Us page, which could have links to “Our History,” “Our Team,” and “Testimonials.”
You’ll also notice how the main menu options on the best sites have enough space between them. This boosts their navigability, preventing users from clicking or tapping the wrong link.
A Long-Scrolling Home Page
A long-scrolling web page lets users scroll down for an extended period. It’s the design element used primarily by social media and news websites.
However, some of the best plumbing sites now use it on their home page, too, as it has more engagement potential. Here’s how and why.
Reduce Interaction Cost
Interaction cost is the total effort users expend on a site to achieve their goals. It includes the time they spend reading, clicking, tapping, and looking for what they want. It also accounts for page and site load times, which experts say should ideally be one second or less.
Long-scrolling helps cut interaction costs by removing the need to keep clicking “Next.” It also simplifies viewing and digesting mobile site content. It’s far easier to scroll than to locate and tap action buttons.
Essential Information in One Page
Plumbing sites with a long-scrolling home page have segmented below-the-fold content. Each section only loads (quickly) when the visitor reaches it. This tactic can help minimize the total initial loading time of the home page.
Each segment also often highlights or provides snapshots of the following:
- Who they are
- Their history
- Why they’re good plumbers and the reasons to choose them
- Their high-quality services
- Client testimonials
So with just a single page and limited action, potential clients can already get to know them better.
Visible Call to Action (CTA) Buttons
All segments on the best long-scrolling pages feature appropriate CTA buttons. This further adds to their navigability, as users don’t have to scroll up to the main menu to take action. Instead, they can click or tap the right button in the section where they currently are.
For example, in the part about why they’re good plumbers, there could be a button to “Book Now” or “Call Us.” Another is a sticky menu (AKA fixed or floating menu), which stays put as visitors scroll up or down.
Then, once the visitors reach the bottom of the page, they can find the footer menu. It features links similar to those above the fold.
Helpful and Up-to-Date Blog Posts
With the ever-increasing living costs, many homeowners cut costs with DIY projects. In the U.S. alone, 70% of polled folks said they take on repairs, including plumbing, themselves.
Most DIYers seek help on social media, while many go directly to plumbing sites. The best of the latter, after all, offer practical how-to advice for free. For example, they have posts on how to unclog drains, fix leaks, or replace fixtures.
That’s How the Best Plumbing Websites Stand Out
In a nutshell, the best plumbing websites are highly engaging, navigable, and informative. They make it easy for visitors to find what they need fast. They also offer loads of helpful advice through how-to articles and video guides.
So if you’re a homeowner looking for a plumber, consider these factors before hiring one. And if you’re a plumber, ensure your website has all these attractive features.
For more informative posts like this, browse our recent blog posts and news articles!