Star Rise Marketing

25/03/2025

🚨 Most Plumbers Ignore These Free Tools—And It’s Costing Them Customers

If you’re running a plumbing business or own a local service company and relying only on word-of-mouth or paid ads to bring in new customers, you’re likely leaving a lot of money on the table.

The truth is, there are powerful tools and platforms—many of them completely free—that can dramatically boost your visibility, credibility, and lead flow… but most service businesses don’t even know they exist, let alone how to use them effectively.

In our latest blog post, we break down a step-by-step checklist of essential tools every plumber should be using right now. We’ll cover:

🔧 How to set up and optimize your Google Business Profile, Yelp, Apple Maps, Bing, and more so you rank higher in local search

📲 The best free platforms to connect with customers fast—even if you’re out on a job site

📈 How to track where your leads are coming from using free analytics tools and call tracking (so you stop wasting money on what isn’t working)

💬 The communication, booking, and CRM tools that help turn inquiries into paying jobs

🛠️ And some lesser-known tools that can elevate your reputation and keep your business organized like a pro

We included direct links and best practices to help you implement each of these tools without needing to hire a marketing team.

This guide was written specifically for plumbers and local service businesses—whether you're just starting out or looking to tighten up your marketing foundation before investing more in paid campaigns.

💡 Ready to make your business run smarter and more efficiently?

👉 Read the full guide here:
🔗

Unlock marketing for plumbers by utilizing free tools that drive leads and revenue. Don't let your competition outpace you—read this guide now!

11/03/2025

The Future of Marketing is Zero-Click Search

Hi friends, it’s time to rethink how we’ve been doing things. For years, we’ve optimized for search, tailored our strategies to generate clicks, and worked hard to boost traffic. But guess what? The game is changing. Fast.

The Rise of Zero-Click Search - The world of search has entered a new era, and it’s largely driven by two shifts:

Generative AI summaries on search engines like Google and Bing, deliver direct answers without users ever needing to click.
Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Perplexity are redefining how people search and interact with information.
Search is no longer just about finding a link to click. It’s about finding answers immediately. And as zero-click searches rise, marketers are getting pushed out of that crucial "first touch" with potential customers.

The decline in organic clickthrough rates means we’re losing visibility in high-value, non-branded searches—those early-stage searches when users are just looking for answers before they even consider committing to a brand. These moments are critical in the customer journey, where discovery and conversion often happen.

It’s not just a small tweak; it’s a fundamental change in how people discover, learn, and decide on what they want to buy. The traditional approach of just optimizing for SEO is no longer enough.

What You Can Do to Stay Ahead
As marketers, it’s time to adapt. SEO still plays an important role, but now we need to refine our strategies to thrive in a zero-click world. Here’s how you can future-proof your marketing efforts:

1. Prioritize AI Crawlability
Don’t just focus on keywords anymore—optimize your content for semantic search. Think about how AI engines are interpreting and crawling your content. Use high-intent, long-tail keywords that are more likely to generate rich answers. Also, when possible, get rid of gated content and PDFs—they don’t work well in an AI-powered ecosystem.

2. Redefine Success Metrics
Clicks aren’t the only thing that matters anymore. It’s time to stop measuring success based solely on clickthrough rates. Start focusing on search impressions, AI reach, and how well your content is showing up in AI-generated summaries. The goal now is visibility and influence—not just conversions.

The Future of Marketing Is AI-Driven
As search evolves, brands that succeed will be the ones that embrace AI and experiment with new strategies. This is no longer a future trend—it’s happening right now. And if you’re not adapting quickly, you’re going to miss out on valuable customer interactions.

Make sure you stay visible and relevant in this exciting new era of search. Good Luck!

Kind regards,
I.A

06/03/2025

OpenAI Announces GPT-4.5, Warns It's Not a Frontier AI Model

OpenAI has launched GPT-4.5 as a research preview for ChatGPT Pro users. The model offers enhanced writing capabilities and improved world knowledge but is not considered a frontier model. It will roll out to Plus, Team, Enterprise, and Edu users in the coming weeks.

04/03/2025

Instagram may launch a separate Reels app to take on TikTok

Instagram is reportedly considering launching a separate Reels app amid uncertainty over TikTok's future in the US.
President Trump granted a 75-day extension to the law threatening a TikTok ban and floated the possibility of a joint venture between the US and ByteDance, but it was unclear how that would work.
The law was enacted due to arguments that China could use TikTok as a tool for spying and political manipulation.

This might be Meta's second attempt because in 2018, Meta launched a standalone app called Lasso to compete with TikTok but it was later shut down.

18/02/2025

Elon Musk’s ‘Scary Smart’ Grok 3 Release—What You Need To Know [Quck read]

xAI's Grok 3, trained with 200 million GPU-hours, introduces enhanced reasoning, self-correction, and synthetic data training. It is set to be released on Monday.
Read the full article here -

According to Elon Musk, “this might be the last time an AI Is better than Grok”—Here's why.

30/01/2025

Quick Read - Instagram is about to look a lot more like TikTok

Instagram is planning to introduce several changes to its platform, including a vertical grid, to give users more control over their profiles and allow users to customize the display of their posts, reorder their grid, and post directly to the grid without posting to their feed. The changes are part of Instagram's efforts to improve user experience, cater to dissatisfied TikTok users, and increase creator control.

28/01/2025

Quick Ready - How to Deal with an Angry Customer

Rather than rushing to problem-solve, successful customer service should follow this three-step framework: mirror emotions, find points of agreement, and commit to a resolution. Mirroring validates customer feelings ("I'd be frustrated too"), agreement builds connection without admitting fault, and clear resolution promises create loyalty. This approach can transform angry customers into brand advocates by making them feel genuinely heard and supported.

23/01/2025

Instagram Unveils Edits, a Video Editing App to Rival CapCut

Instagram recently announced Edits, a free video editing app similar to CapCut. The app offers features like advanced editing tools, AI animations, and insights for Instagram reels. It will allow 10-minute videos with customizable settings. Launching in February, Edits aims to rival CapCut, which was recently banned from U.S. app stores due to security concerns.

21/01/2025

The Art of Storytelling: How to Connect, Inspire, and Drive Action

Storytelling isn’t just a marketing buzzword—it’s the ultimate tool for building connections, sparking empathy, and driving real business results.
A great story makes your brand unforgettable and drives action. But what makes a story stick?
There are four key elements:
- connecting with your audience
- crafting a compelling narrative
- choosing the right medium
- evoking emotion

Here’s how to do it right:

1. Connect with Your Audience
Great storytelling starts with knowing your audience and speaking to their needs—not just telling your story.

Ask yourself:
Who is my audience, and what drives them?
What pain points or aspirations can I reflect in my story?

For example, Nike doesn’t just sell shoes—they tell stories of perseverance and triumph. When they feature everyday people chasing their dreams, they tap into something universal- the desire to succeed.

2. Craft a Compelling Narrative
A great narrative turns facts into an experience. It guides the audience on a journey with a clear message, relatable characters, and emotional tension.

Take Airbnb—they don’t just highlight lower prices than hotels. They tell stories of travelers creating meaningful connections in homes worldwide, turning a simple stay into a transformative experience.

Focus your message to build a powerful narrative - what’s the one takeaway you want your audience to remember?
Use relatable characters and details. Make your story engaging.
Show challenges and resolutions that keep people invested.
A story that resonates isn’t just informative—it’s transformational.

3. Choose the Right Medium
The format you choose impacts how your story is received.

Written content - Great for deep dives and thought leadership.
Visuals and videos - Ideal for emotional, immersive storytelling.
Audio - Creates intimacy and personal connection.
Interactive media - Engages users and increases retention.
For example, Patagonia releases powerful environmental documentaries to inspire action, while Headspace uses calming audio stories to connect with stressed users.
The key? Matching your medium to your audience and message.

4. Evoke Emotional Responses
Make people feel something—whether it’s joy, nostalgia, hope, or empowerment.

Think of Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign. It wasn’t about selling soda—it was about connection. They created emotional moments that customers couldn’t wait to share by personalizing bottles with names.

To create emotion, let your audience experience the story. Keep it authentic and relatable.
When you spark genuine emotions, you build loyalty, not just engagement.

Stories have always been how we share ideas and inspire action. In today’s noisy digital world, a great story isn’t optional—it’s essential. When you master storytelling, you’re not just marketing—you’re building trust, connection, and loyalty.

Ready to rise above the noise? Let’s get storytelling. 🚀

16/01/2025

China Discusses Sale of TikTok US to Musk as One Possible Option

Chinese officials are evaluating a potential option that involves Elon Musk acquiring the US operations of TikTok.
The plan involves X taking control of the platform and running the businesses together. It is unclear whether Musk, TikTok, or ByteDance have held any talks about the terms of any possible deal. TikTok may no longer be in ByteDance's sole control. Chinese officials recognize that they will face tough negotiations with the Trump administration, so they see the TikTok negotiations as a potential area for reconciliation.
Read the full article here >>

Chinese officials are evaluating a potential option that involves Elon Musk acquiring the US operations of TikTok if the company fails to fend off a controversial ban on the short-video app, according to people familiar with the matter.

15/01/2025

TikTok preparing for U.S. shut-off on Sunday

TikTok is planning to shut off its app for US users on Sunday. The federal law banning the app only mandates a ban on new downloads - existing users will still be able to use the app for some time. Users will see a pop-up message directing them to a website with information about the ban. TikTok plans to give users the option to download all of their data so they can take a record of their personal information with them.

14/01/2025

Your Secret Weapon To Outperform Your Competitors: Mastering LinkedIn Ad Library

With over 1.1 billion annual LinkedIn users, standing out isn’t luck—it’s strategy. The LinkedIn Ad Library is your backstage pass to see how top brands structure their campaigns, giving you the insights you need to outshine your competitors.
Whether you’re new to LinkedIn Ads or refining your game, here’s how to use the Ad Library like a pro.

What is the LinkedIn Ad Library?
The LinkedIn Ad Library is a searchable collection of all ads ever run on LinkedIn. It’s a goldmine for:

- Competitor Research: See how industry leaders build their campaigns.
- Audience Targeting Insights: Learn which messages resonate most.
- Creative Inspiration: Avoid creative burnout by seeing what works—and adapt it to your style.

How to Access the LinkedIn Ad Library?
- Visit LinkedIn Ad Library - https://www.linkedin.com/ad-library
- Search for a company or keyword.
- Use filters for more precise results, such as country and date range.

Top Benefits of Using LinkedIn Ad Library
1. Competitor Analysis
Want to know how your competitors are structuring their ads? The library shows you their ad types, copy styles, and CTAs so you can spot gaps and opportunities.

2. Creative Boost
Browse the library to spark fresh ideas for ad copy, visuals, and formats.

3. Trend Spotting
Spot emerging trends - whether it’s vertical videos or storytelling ads. Early adopters often get the best results.

4. ROI Improvement
By refining your strategy based on real-world examples, you’re more likely to reach the right audience and increase conversions.

How to Get the Most Out of LinkedIn Ad Library
1. Define Your Goal
Are you researching competitors or brainstorming creative ideas? Having a purpose will focus your research and save time.

2. Use Filters
Narrow your search by keywords, regions, or dates to get highly relevant insights—for example, BOFU ads in the US during Q4.

3. Look for Patterns
High-performing ads often share traits: they’re repeated, run long-term, or follow similar structures.

4. Study Winning Ads
Break down successful ads into elements:

Headline: Does it hook the audience?
Visuals: Clean and professional or bold and eye-catching?
Copy: What’s the tone - friendly, formal, or authoritative?
CTA: Is it informative (Learn More) or action-driven (Download Now)?
Quick Competitor Ad Analysis in 4 Steps
List Your Competitors: Identify the brands you want to study.
Explore Their Ads: Review ad formats, tone, and visuals.
Benchmark: Compare your campaigns to theirs and identify opportunities.
Implement & Iterate: Adjust your strategy, test, and optimize based on performance.

Final Thoughts

The LinkedIn Ad Library is a powerful tool for smarter, data-driven marketing and the key is applying what you learn. Whether it’s tweaking your visuals or refining your audience targeting, it’s all about testing and improving.

Good luck and let me know if you need help with the marketing for your business!

09/01/2025

Quick Read - TikTok Ban's Impact

TikTok faces a January 19th ban unless ByteDance divests. The implications are rippling across users, creators, and advertisers. While its 170 million US users can keep their existing app installed, they'll lose access to updates and new features. Content creators who've built businesses on the platform are preparing contingencies, while advertisers remain cautiously committed - some are even signing new contracts through the uncertainty.

24/12/2024

Was Your Favorite Holiday Tradition Once a Marketing Campaign?

Many holiday traditions, like Santa Claus and candy canes, originated from marketing campaigns in the 19th and 20th centuries. Coca-Cola's 1930s Santa ads standardized the modern image of Santa, while Hallmark popularized mass-produced Christmas cards in the early 20th century. Candy canes and Hershey's Kisses became holiday staples through clever advertising, and Starbucks' red holiday cup, introduced in 1997, now signals the start of the season. These campaigns shaped cultural celebrations, embedding brands into holiday rituals.
Read the full article here ->

From candy canes to Christmas cards, the year-end holiday season is steeped in traditions that often feel timeless. Yet, many of these cherished customs

17/12/2024

12 Plumbing Marketing Ideas to Grow Your Business

Want to stand out and grow your plumbing business? Here are 12 proven marketing strategies to help you reach more customers faster!

1. Claim Your Google Business Profile
It’s free, it’s easy, and it’ll boost your visibility in local searches. A complete profile with your contact details, service area, and reviews helps potential customers find you quickly. Make sure to include images and business hours.

2. Build a Memorable Plumbing Brand
Your brand is your business identity. Create a logo, choose colors, and use consistent branding in everything you do. A strong brand makes you recognizable and sets you apart from competitors.

3. Use Google Ads for Plumbing
Google Ads lets you target customers actively searching for your services. Local Service Ads show up at the top of search results, making it easy for emergency and installation customers to find you.

4. Email Marketing for Service Reminders
Keep your business top of mind by sending seasonal reminders, maintenance tips, or exclusive deals. Use tools like Service Titan or Housecall Pro to automate emails and track engagement for better results.

5. Get Leads from Lead Gen Websites
List your business on lead generation sites (Angi, Yelp) to reach customers actively searching for plumbing services. Set a budget and target your service area to get quality leads without much effort.

6. Optimize Your Plumbing Website
Your website is your digital storefront. Include clear contact info, before-and-after photos, and customer testimonials. Ensure visitors can easily book services online and include relevant keywords for SEO to rank higher in search results.

7. Set Up a Facebook Business Page
With billions of users, Facebook is a goldmine for local businesses. Optimize your page with images, customer reviews, and updates. Share tips, promotions, and showcase your work. Use Facebook Ads to target specific neighborhoods.

8. Build Trust with Positive Reviews
Customer reviews are one of the most powerful marketing tools. Ask happy customers to leave reviews on Google or social media to boost your reputation.

9. Start a Referral Program
Offer incentives like discounts or gift cards for customers who refer their friends and family. A happy customer is your best advocate.

10. Partner with Local Homeowners Associations (HOAs)
Reach out to HOAs in your area. If they don’t have a plumbing partner, offer your services for their next emergency or remodeling project. It’s a great way to get consistent leads.

11. Network with Local Builders
Get connected with local builders and offer your expertise for their upcoming construction or remodeling projects. Building these relationships can lead to consistent work.

12. Use Offline Marketing to Stay Top of Mind
Fridge magnets, van wraps, stickers, or flyers can be great tools for staying visible in your local community.

Let me know if you need any help with marketing for your business.

10/12/2024

Appeals Court Upholds U.S. Ban of TikTok

Panel rules Congress can shut down Chinese-backed app in the U.S. because of national security concerns.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejected arguments by TikTok and several of its star users that the ban was an unconstitutional infringement on free speech.

Read the full article here >>

Panel rules Congress has the power to shut down Chinese-backed app in the U.S. because of national security concerns.

03/12/2024

Are Ads Coming to ChatGPT? Here’s What You Need to Know

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is exploring an advertising business model to support its costly AI development efforts. While there are no active plans to roll out ads right now, the idea is being considered as a potential future revenue stream.

In a recent statement, OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar emphasized that the company would be "thoughtful" about how and where ads might appear if the decision is made to move forward. However, the idea of ads seems to sit uneasily with OpenAI’s founder and CEO, Sam Altman. During a fireside chat at Harvard Business School, Altman described ads as a "last resort", adding, “I think ads-plus-AI is uniquely unsettling to me.”

OpenAI is treading carefully when it comes to ads, balancing the need for funding with the experience and trust of its users. As marketers, this raises an interesting question: how will advertising evolve in the age of AI? 🤔

Personally, I couldn’t be more excited about this! I see it as an incredible opportunity to be at the forefront of something that feels, to me, absolutely inevitable. 🚀
What are your thoughts on ads in ChatGPT?

21/11/2024

📢 Important Update for Local Service Advertisers: Google is Changing How You Manage Local Services Ads!

Heads up, business owners and marketers! 🚨 Google has announced that they’ll be discontinuing the Local Services Ads (LSA) mobile app as of January 6, 2025. But don’t worry—your campaigns aren’t going anywhere. Instead, all management functions will be moving over to the browser-based platform at ads.google.com/localservices. This shift won’t impact your campaign performance, so you can keep those leads flowing without any interruptions.

Here’s a quick rundown of other important updates to Local Services Ads that you’ll want to know:

1. Google Business Profile Requirement
To run Local Services Ads, you’ll now need a verified Google Business Profile (GBP). This adds an extra layer of credibility and trust for customers. Just make sure the name and address on your GBP match the details on your LSA to keep everything aligned and seamless.

2. Ad Rotation and Visibility Changes
Google is tweaking ad visibility a bit. Ads will now rotate more evenly, giving everyone a fairer chance to reach potential customers. Also, note that the number of ads shown in the local services section on the desktop has been reduced from 3 to 2. This change means competition will be tighter, so make sure your ad stands out!

3. Pay-Per-Lead Model
With LSAs, you only pay when a potential customer contacts you directly through the ad. This model ensures that every dollar spent is geared towards generating genuine leads and maximizing your ROI.

If you need any assistance I am here to help you navigate these changes and make sure your Local Services Ads are set up for success. 🚀 Feel free to reach out!