If you run a trade business, you’ve probably wondered whether bothering with social media is worth your time. After all, you’re busy enough quoting, on the job, and generating invoices without having to post selfies with a spanner. But here’s the thing: social media can help you get seen by the right people in your local area. Using social media smartly can help you win more work, build trust, and stop relying solely on word of mouth (or the side of your van). Read on for our quick guide to social media for trades!
Social Media for Trades: How to add it to your toolkit!
The Right Tool for the Trade: Picking a Platform
Based in West Sussex? You wouldn’t advertise in the Outer Hebrides, would you? You’d advertise where your clients are. Similarly, you need to choose social media platforms where you’ll find potential clients.
- Facebook is gold for reaching local communities. Join local groups where people ask for recommendations, and your happy customers can tag you.
- Instagram is perfect if your work is visually impressive. Think kitchen renovations, bathroom makeovers or garden transformations.
- LinkedIn can work well for trades targeting commercial contracts or partnerships.
- TikTok? It’s not just for dancing teens. Tradespeople are gaining serious followings by sharing quick fixes and behind-the-scenes clips.
- YouTube is popular as more people search for DIY video tutorials. Don’t think this won’t win you work. For every person who gives something a go and succeeds, ten times more will try and fail. They’ll be the ones who reach out for your paid service!
Practical tip: Pick one platform to start with. Don’t try to do everything at once; it shouldn’t be a full-time job (unless you want it to be).
Measure Once, Post Once: Easy Content for Busy Days
You don’t need to be a marketing wizard to build a tribe on social media. Simply show what you do, how you do it, and why people trust you.
- Snap before-and-after shots of your work (everyone loves a good transformation).
- Share quick tips or common mistakes you fix on the job.
- Post the odd review or thank-you from a happy client.
- And finally, people love seeing your four-legged workmates, so if your dog sits in the van’s passenger seat, ensure he earns his keep!
Social media isn’t about polishing your image to perfection; it’s about being real. People hire people they can trust, so let them see who you are.
Practical tip: If you’re already taking photos of your work for your own records, post a few of the best ones once a week. Done.
Nailing It Down: How to Turn Likes into Leads
A few hearts and thumbs-ups are lovely, but they don’t pay the bills. So, how do you turn that interest into paying jobs?
- Add your phone number, website, and email to your social bios to make it easy to get in touch.
- Answer messages. When people DM you, they expect an answer, but you can set up autoresponders within your social media accounts. Even if it’s just, “I’m up a ladder at the moment, but as soon as I’m down safely, I’ll get back to you.”
- Ask happy customers to comment or leave a review, it builds trust for the next person scrolling by.
Practical tip: Include a simple call to action at the end of your posts, such as “Need help with your electrics? Send me a message.”
Social Media for Trades
Social media isn’t just for influencers and teenagers. It can be a powerful (and free) tool to grow your business. You don’t need to post every day. Just show up, be yourself, and make it easy for potential customers to find and trust you.
In the meantime, you know who to call if you need help sorting your books! Contact us HERE.