Every plumbing company, no matter how strong, can run into a rough patch. Maybe there was a season of high turnover, poor service delivery, or simply a few too many miscommunications that led to negative reviews. But when the service side gets cleaned up, the question becomes: how do you fix the perception side?
At Mammoth Marketing, we’ve worked with dozens of plumbers who’ve clawed their way back from a damaged reputation—and we can say with confidence, it’s possible. The secret isn’t just better service—it’s better storytelling, better advertising, and a better strategy for getting your message back into the community.
A Common Problem: Great Service, Bad Reputation
Recently, a plumbing business owner reached out with a story we hear all too often. The company had a solid reputation years ago, but internal issues caused a dip in quality—and the reviews reflected it. Now that the ship’s been righted, they’re seeing five-star reviews pour in again. The catch? The only people seeing those reviews are the handful of folks who happen to need a plumber that day.
If that sounds familiar, here’s the truth: lead generation alone won’t repair your reputation. Why? Because it’s designed to reach a few people at a time—usually those in crisis mode. If your company is only advertising to 2 to 10 people a day, you’re missing the opportunity to reshape the way thousands of people see your brand.
Lead Gen vs. Brand Building: Why Advertising Matters
Lead generation (through SEO, PPC, LSA, Yelp, etc.) plays a critical role in any growth strategy. But it also places your company in the most competitive moment—when a homeowner is urgently searching and evaluating multiple plumbers at once. If your name already carries a negative impression, even stellar reviews may not be enough to overcome it.
That’s why Mammoth Marketing takes an advertising-forward approach. Strategic, brand-based advertising lets you reach people before they need you. You get to reshape the narrative, reinforce your value, and rebuild trust—on your terms.
Use Your Best Reviews as Your Strongest Ads
Most plumbing companies don’t realize that their five-star reviews are one of their greatest assets—especially when it comes to repairing a reputation.
Take your best Google reviews and turn them into Facebook ads. A smartly designed $1,000 campaign can reach 5,500+ people per day for an entire month. That’s a level of frequency that changes perception. When potential customers consistently see others praising your service, the old reputation starts to fade—and a new, stronger one takes its place.
The key is frequency and audience targeting. Hit middle-aged homeowners in your service areas repeatedly. You’re not just advertising a service. You’re rebuilding brand memory and shaping public perception.
Video Testimonials: Powerful, Authentic, and Shareable
Want to go a step further? Video testimonials are one of the most powerful forms of social proof available. It’s not just you saying you’re better—real customers are standing up for you.
These videos don’t need high production value. They just need heart. Offer your customers something they actually want in exchange for participating. A steakhouse gift card, a dinner-for-two voucher, or even a donation to a local charity in their name works far better than “$25 off your next plumbing call.”
Once collected, these testimonials can be used everywhere: on your website, in ads, in reels, or even pinned to your Google Business Profile. They don’t just help fix a bad reputation—they help build a trustworthy brand that lasts.
The Human Side: Let the Owner Speak Up
In many of the plumbing companies we’ve helped turn around, one strategy consistently stands out: a heartfelt message directly from the owner.
A simple video—shot on a phone, with no script—can make a huge impact. When owners share why they started the business, what changes they’ve made, and what kind of company they’re trying to build, it sends a powerful message to the community: we care, and we’re working hard to do better.
People don’t just support companies. They support people. Especially those who take accountability and show real leadership.
Be the One Telling the Story
When reputation dips, companies often go silent, hoping the internet will forget. That’s the wrong move. The story of your business is going to be told—whether you like it or not. It’s far better for you to be the one telling it.
Post stories about the good your team is doing. Highlight great employees. Show how you’re involved in the community. Share behind-the-scenes moments that showcase your culture. These stories aren’t fluff—they’re reputation fuel.
Every time you put out this kind of content, you chip away at the negative narrative and replace it with something better.
Reputation Recovery Is Just Smart Marketing
Let’s make something clear: these strategies aren’t just for companies trying to fix a bad reputation. They’re for any plumbing company that wants to future-proof their brand.
Reputation recovery and brand building go hand in hand. If your company is currently on the upswing, don’t wait until the next bad review derails your momentum. Start telling your story now—while you’re in control of the narrative.
Ready to Take the First Step?
At Mammoth Marketing, we specialize in helping plumbing companies repair their reputations, build brand trust, and grow in smart, sustainable ways.
If you’re ready to shift public perception and reach thousands of homeowners with the right message, let’s talk.
We offer free consultations for plumbers, where we’ll take a look at your current marketing, identify what’s working (and what isn’t), and map out a real strategy to help your brand move forward.
Schedule your free consultation at https://mammothforplumbers.com today. We’d love to help you take your next step with confidence.
