Steve Brown, executive director, IOPSA
In today’s competitive plumbing industry, technical skill alone is no longer enough to set your business apart
Steven Brown, executive
director of IOPSA.
Consumers are increasingly looking for more than just a service – they want assurance, professionalism and trust. This is where your qualifications and your membership in respected industry bodies, such as the Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA), become powerful tools to market your business.
Membership with IOPSA is not simply a badge; it is a mark of credibility. It signals to consumers that you are part of a professional community, committed to high standards, ongoing training and accountability. When you sell your services, you should not only highlight what you can do, but also emphasise the value-added benefits that come with being an IOPSA member:
• Experience and specialisation: Showcase your years of expertise and any niche skills that differentiate you.
• Recourse for consumers: Membership provides consumers with confidence that there is a professional body they can turn to if issues arise.
• Professionalism: Being part of IOPSA demonstrates your commitment to ethical practices and industry standards.
Yet many members are underutilising one of the most effective marketing platforms available – the Find a Plumber website. This platform is marketed directly to consumers actively searching for reputable plumbers. Every month, over 6 000 consumers reach out to IOPSA members through this channel.
That equates to more than 193 job leads every single day. These are not cold calls or random inquiries; they are qualified leads from people who are already looking for your services.
It is concerning that many members are ‘sleeping’ on this opportunity. By failing to engage with the Find a Plumber platform, businesses are leaving valuable leads and revenue on the table. Imagine the growth potential if every member fully leveraged this resource, alongside their qualifications and association with IOPSA, to build a stronger, more visible brand.
The message is: your membership is more than a subscription – it is a marketing asset. Use it to cement your reputation, differentiate your services and connect with consumers who value professionalism and trust. Let us not just be plumbers; let us be ambassadors of quality, accountability and excellence in our industry.
Together, we can ensure that IOPSA membership is not only a symbol of pride but also a driver of business success.
© Plumbing Africa
