[Comic] If Plumbers Had to Work Like Digital Marketers

Working in an industry like digital marketing, where the products are intangible and there's a knowledge gap so wide you could drive a bus through certainly has it's share of challenges.

These comics are a light-hearted look at what it might be like if Plumbers had to work like Digital Marketers. 

We hope at least that it gives digital marketers out there a bit of a laugh (you are not alone!).

Client: Can you also fix my light switches while you're here? 
Plumber: No, sorry. You need an Electrician for that, not a Plumber.
Client: ​Aren't they the same thing?

Client: Can you meet me for a coffee?

​I want to pick your brain about plumbing for an hour. I'm not ready to pay you for your services, but hopefully the $4 coffee will serve as adequate compensation for your time.

Client: A stranger rang me out of the blue and said they can do my plumbing work for cheaper.

​I appreciate your services for the last 4 years, but I'm thinking of going with them, even though I've never met them, don't really know who they are and have no evidence of the quality of their work.

​I don't even know if they are a real plumber (or a real person), but they sounded good on the phone.

Client: Thank you for your advice about plumbing, but I think I'll ignore it.

​I know you apprenticed for 4 years and have been working as a professional licensed plumber for 15 years, but I fixed a tap once back in 1996 and read a couple of articles online, so I feel that I have a complete grasp of all aspects of plumbing and can make a better call myself.

Client: Hey, I just saw a 3 hour online course on plumbing basics for $19.

​Do you think that I can take the course, then start my own plumbing business full time?

Client: So, tell me... How does it all work?
Plumber: How does what work?
Client: This 'plumbing' thing... I've got a few minutes, can you explain it to me?

Client (calling in the middle of the night): The pipe under my sink has burst! water is everywhere!
​It's 3am but I need you to fix this right now.

​I'm not willing to pay you any extra and feel like this should be included as part of the job you did unblocking my toilet a year ago. 

Client: I decided I don't need you to fix that broken shower tap after all. 
I went out and bought a Jacuzzi. I think it solved the problem.
Actually... I'm not even sure if I need water really...

Job ad: "Plumber wanted. Must have 4+ years experience and also have a relevant degree as well as be a qualified electrician, carpenter, auto-mechanic, an accredited architect and have experience with bookkeeping. Dental experience would be a plus. Salary: AUD$40-49k depending on experience."

Disclaimer: This is intended as a humorous account of semi-fictional 'experiences' only. Any similarity with clients past or present is not intended and purely coincidental. 'Plumbing' was chosen as a random industry for illustrative purposes only. Some credit also due for the article we read many years ago that inspired this post.