For a plumber in Burnley, Facebook can be a useful way to share recent jobs and keep in touch with customers. But is a Facebook page enough, or is it worth having a website too? The answer depends on how people find you, what they need to know before calling and how much control you want over your online presence.
What Facebook does well for a plumbing business
A Facebook page is handy for posting completed bathroom projects, sharing updates, answering messages and getting recommendations from local customers. It can be a quick starting point if you’re just setting up. You can show real work without having to learn website software.
However, a Facebook page is not a complete replacement for a website. Some potential customers do not use Facebook, some prefer to search on Google, and a social feed can make practical details such as service areas, qualifications and emergency availability harder to find. You also have less control over the layout and how your information is presented.
What a plumber’s website adds
A simple website gives customers one clear place to check your services, the areas you cover and how to contact you. It can explain whether you do boiler servicing, bathroom installations, leak repairs or general plumbing — but only list services you actually provide. A well-organised site can also be easier to share on quotes, van signage, invoices and business cards.
For example, imagine someone in Padiham needs a leaking tap repaired. They may want to know immediately whether you cover their area, whether you handle small repairs and how to get in touch. A dedicated page can answer those questions without asking them to scroll through months of Facebook posts.
Facebook versus a website: a practical comparison
| Customer need | Facebook page | Business website |
|---|---|---|
| See recent job photos | Useful for regular updates | Useful for a curated gallery |
| Find all services quickly | Possible, but posts move down the feed | Dedicated service sections |
| Check towns covered | Can be added to page details and posts | Prominent service-area information |
| Make an enquiry | Messenger or contact details | Call button and enquiry form |
| Control your presentation | Platform-controlled layout | Greater control over content and design |
Neither channel guarantees enquiries. The strongest approach is usually to make them work together rather than treating them as competitors.
Five things to put on a plumber’s website
- A clear description of your work. Say exactly what you do, in plain English. Don’t imply you offer gas work or emergency call-outs unless you do.
- Your real service area. If you serve Burnley, Nelson, Colne, Padiham or surrounding villages, name only the places you genuinely cover.
- An obvious contact route. Make the phone number easy to tap on mobile and provide an alternative enquiry form.
- Evidence of real work. Show your own photos and, where appropriate, genuine customer feedback used with permission. Don’t invent testimonials.
- Relevant credentials. If you advertise regulated work, make accurate claims about your registration and qualifications. For gas work in the UK, check the relevant Gas Safe Register requirements rather than using vague claims.
How to use Facebook and your website together
Keep posting useful updates to Facebook, then link back to the relevant service or contact page on your website. For example, a post about a completed bathroom renovation can link to a page explaining your bathroom installation service. Your website can link back to your social profile so customers can see recent activity.
Keep your business name, contact information and service areas consistent. If you also use a Google Business Profile, make sure its website link and details are correct. You do not need to write a separate page for every town: focus on clear information that helps a real customer decide whether to contact you.
What if you only have a few job photos?
Start with what you have. A handful of clear, permission-cleared photos with short explanations can be more persuasive than dozens of generic pictures. For each example, explain the type of job, the problem and the outcome without sharing a customer’s private address or personal details.
How much does a basic website cost?
BB Web Design’s advertised small-business offer starts at £199 one-off setup plus £10/month for hosting and a .co.uk or .com domain, with agreed extras quoted separately. See our guide to small-business website costs in Burnley for what to ask before comparing quotes.
We also have a dedicated page about websites for plumbers in Burnley, including the kind of information a plumbing customer may expect to see. If you already have a website, you can request a free website check.
So, does a plumber need both?
Not every plumbing business needs an elaborate website. If most of your work comes from repeat customers and referrals, a straightforward site may be enough. Facebook can remain your place for updates and community recommendations; the website becomes your reliable home for services, work examples and enquiries.
Want a simple website for your plumbing business? Start with our three-detail enquiry form. Just send your name, email and phone number. We can discuss the rest without any commitment to buy.