In the hustle and bustle of today’s business landscape, standing out means tapping into new trends that lead you to success.
But where do you begin, and what changes truly make a difference?
Well, new tools and trends are reshaping how small plumbing companies operate, making it easier to connect with customers, streamline daily tasks, and build long-term loyalty.
In this blog, we will guide you through five game-changing trends that can help you grow your plumbing business and improve efficiency. Let’s get started right away.
1. Online booking and scheduling
We all know how digitalization has transformed the way today’s businesses operate. It has made life easier for both businesses and customers by automating and streamlining tedious tasks.
One such transformative change in the plumbing business is allowing customers to schedule services online. This added layer of flexibility allows customers to book services at their convenience and pick the most suitable time. This way, you no longer need to make back-and-forth calls or rely on spreadsheets to schedule appointments for your customers.
Also these online tools can send automated reminders and updates to customers, which in turn helps reduce the number of no-shows and helps manage schedules efficiently.
According to a survey by GetApp, 55% of businesses that use an online booking system said it helped them reduce no-shows with automatic reminders.
This shift in customer behavior has transformed how small service businesses operate. It is critical for small plumbing service businesses to consider adding an online booking option to their sales channels. There is a multitude of affordable scheduling software designed for small businesses available on the market today.
Starting small, even with a simple online form, can be effective in streamlining your customer experience. Be sure to choose a scheduling solution that can help you as you grow.
2. Increased Focus on Customer Reviews and Ratings
It goes without saying, social proof through online reviews is more important anyservice businesses, especially if you’re small-scale business it is a face of your business . Customers increasingly rely on online reviews and ratings to make thier decision for choosing a service provider. Review sites like Google, Yelp and Facebook are popular for service businesses.
To build an online word of mouth, encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews – even if it means giving a discount on a future job. It is also important to respond professionally to all reviews, both positive and negative.
This feedback can provide a wealth of insight to improve your services. As a small business, consider using a simple system to manage and monitor your online reviews.
3. Rise of Subscription-Based Services
Subscription models are becoming popular in field services, offering regular, scheduled maintenance. Customers like the convenience and predictability of subscription services. For businesses, this can provide steady, recurring income. It can help build long-term relationships with customers. Regular preemptive maintenance such as annual check-ups, regular drain cleaning, or monthly clog cleaning can drive serious cost savings to customers.
As a small business, consider offering subscription packages for your services. start with your most popular or frequent services, and of course provide a discount or added value for subscribing to encourage sign-ups. This model can be used to even out your workload throughout the year. One can even push for a half-year or annual subscription with upfront payment – and can go a long way in taking care of your cash flows.
These trends offer new opportunities for small businesses. By adopting online booking, focusing on customer reviews, and exploring subscription services, you can attract more customers and grow your business. The idea is not for you to change everything at once. Start with small steps and see what works best for your business and customers.
4. Adoption of smart home technology
With smart home technology on the rise, many customers are looking to integrate intelligent water monitoring and leak detection systems. Smart plumbing devices can alert homeowners to leaks, monitor water usage, and even shut off water automatically to prevent damage. For small plumbing businesses, offering smart home installations or repairs can be an excellent service expansion. Staying informed about the latest smart tech can set you apart and cater to tech-savvy clients.
5. Use of mobile payment solutions
Mobile payment solutions are becoming standard across service industries, making it easier and faster for customers to pay immediately after service. Accepting mobile payments—whether through credit cards, digital wallets, or direct bank transfers—can make transactions seamless for clients and help you manage cash flow effectively. As more consumers move away from cash, a mobile-friendly payment option will become essential for small plumbing businesses aiming to stay competitive.
Bonus: Boost efficiency with Swivl FSM Software
Managing a small plumbing business involves managing customer appointments, field staff, invoicing, and more—all while keeping customers happy and operations running smoothly.
That’s where Swivl FSM software comes in.
Designed specifically for field service businesses, Swivl offers powerful features that streamline daily tasks and help small plumbing businesses operate more efficiently. With Swivl, you get easy scheduling, automated reminders, GPS tracking, and on-the-go mobile invoicing—all in one platform.
This software not only improves customer experience by making booking and payments easy but also keeps your team organized and on track, saving valuable time and reducing errors. If you are a small plumbing business looking to scale smartly, Swivl is the tech partner that supports your growth while simplifying operations.
