Whether you’re a plumber, electrician, builder, or decorator, social media can do more than just show off your work—it can help you build trust, get enquiries, and stay visible in your local area.
But there’s more to it than just posting the odd photo of a finished job. Here’s how to grow your social media channel properly and make it work for your trade business.
1. Start With the Right Platforms
You don’t need to be everywhere—just where your customers are.
For most trades, the top platforms are:
- Facebook – great for local community reach and word of mouth
- Instagram – perfect for before-and-after photos and quick videos
- TikTok – useful if you’re confident on camera and want fast exposure
- LinkedIn – ideal for commercial or B2B trades
💡 Brimble Marketing helps tradespeople choose and manage the platforms that actually bring results.
2. Set Up Your Profiles Professionally
Your social media page is your digital shopfront—make it look sharp.
Include:
- Your logo, consistent branding, and clear profile photo
- A strong bio explaining what you do and where you work (e.g., “Local plumber in Bournemouth – reliable, affordable, 24/7 service”)
- Links to your website or Google Business Profile
✅ Top tip: keep contact buttons active and visible—make it easy for people to get in touch straight from your page.
3. Post Consistently (At Least 3 Times a Week)
Consistency is what grows your reach and keeps your name in front of potential customers.
Post 3 times a week, mixing up:
- Before-and-after photos of your work
- Behind-the-scenes shots from your working day
- Customer testimonials and review screenshots
- Quick videos with useful tips or how-tos
📅 If you’re too busy on the tools, Brimble Marketing can manage your posts for you—no long contracts, just results.
4. Focus on Local Engagement
Likes don’t pay the bills—local engagement does.
Instead of chasing followers from all over the country, focus on building a presence in your service area.
Ways to do this:
- Tag your location in posts
- Join and contribute to local Facebook groups
- Comment on and share posts from local businesses or community pages
- Use local hashtags (e.g. #BournemouthPlumber or #PooleElectrician)
This helps you show up where it matters most—in front of nearby customers who actually need your services.
5. Use Video—It’s the Fastest Way to Build Trust
Video builds trust faster than text or photos ever can. You don’t need fancy equipment—your phone is enough.
Try:
- Short “day in the life” clips
- Walkthroughs of finished projects
- Quick fix-it tips
- Customer thank-yous or testimonials
🎥 The key is being authentic. People book trades they trust—and showing your face builds that connection quickly.
6. Encourage Reviews & Tagging
Every happy customer is a mini marketing machine.
Ask customers to:
- Leave a review on your Facebook or Google page
- Tag your business when sharing photos of your work
- Share your posts with their neighbours or community groups
Even a few genuine recommendations can bring in steady local leads.
7. Track What Works (and Drop What Doesn’t)
Don’t post blindly—keep an eye on your numbers.
Check:
- Which posts get the most likes, comments, or clicks
- What times your audience is most active
- How many enquiries come directly from social channels
Then focus on what’s performing best. Over time, your content will start doing the heavy lifting for you.
💬 Brimble Marketing can help you review your analytics and fine-tune your posting strategy.
8. Turn Followers into Real Leads
Followers are nice—but booked jobs are better.
To convert social media attention into real business:
- Include clear calls to action (“Call now,” “Get a free quote,” “DM us for a quick estimate”)
- Link to your website or booking page in your bio
- Run small local promotions to spark new enquiries
| Step | Focus | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Platforms | Choose where to post | Go where your customers are |
| 2. Setup | Build trust with good branding | Look professional & approachable |
| 3. Consistency | Stay active weekly | Keep your name front of mind |
| 4. Engagement | Be part of your community | Build local visibility |
| 5. Video | Build trust quickly | Show your work & personality |
| 6. Reviews | Use happy customers | Grow referrals |
| 7. Tracking | Learn what works | Improve with data |
| 8. Conversion | Drive real leads | Turn attention into jobs |
Final Thoughts
Social media doesn’t just build likes—it builds trust, awareness, and enquiries.
By showing your work, engaging locally, and staying consistent, you’ll start turning your social pages into a steady stream of real customers.
💬 Want help managing your social media or creating posts that actually get results? Brimble Marketing can take it off your hands—so you can stay focused on the work that matters.
