Social Media for Tradespeople: 20 Post Ideas That Win Jobs
You do brilliant work. The problem? Half the people who need you have no idea you exist.
We've managed social media for trade businesses for years, from decorators to builders, and the pattern is always the same. The trades who get the most enquiries online aren't the biggest firms. They're the ones who show up consistently and show their work.
The good news: you don't need to dance on TikTok. You need a phone, a few photos from every job and a plan. Here are 20 post ideas to get you started.
Show your work
Before and after. The single best post a tradesperson can share. Same angle, same lighting, both photos.
Job of the week. One photo and three lines: what the problem was, what you did, how happy the customer was.
The time-lapse. Prop your phone up in the corner and let it film. Speed it up and you've got a Reel.
The detail shot. A close-up of a perfect finish, a neat join or a tidy cable run. Other trades will notice, and so will customers.
The tidy finish. Show the site after you've cleaned up. Customers care about this more than you'd think.
Build trust
Customer reviews. Screenshot a Google review and share it. Always thank the customer by name if they're happy for you to.
Meet the team. A photo of the person who'll actually turn up at someone's door builds more trust than any logo.
Your van and tools. It sounds basic, but a clean van and proper kit say "professional".
Your accreditations. Qualifications, memberships and insurance. Explain in one line why they matter to the customer.
What happens when you book us. Walk people through your process, from the first call to the finished job.
Answer questions (these win jobs)
"How much does a [job] cost?" You don't have to give exact prices. Explain what affects the price.
Myth-busting. "No, you don't need to replace the whole boiler because of this."
Seasonal tips. Getting homes ready for winter, clearing gutters, bleeding radiators.
What to ask before hiring a tradesperson. Position yourself as the honest expert.
Mistakes to avoid. The DIY jobs that end up costing people more.
Show your personality
A day in the life. From the 7am coffee to the last job of the day.
Your apprentice. People love seeing young talent learning the trade.
Local pride. Jobs in well-known local streets or buildings, and anything you do for the community.
Behind the scenes. Supplier runs, training days and the reality of the job.
Ask a question. "Should tradespeople put their prices online? Yes or no?" Polls get people talking.
The 10-photo method
Here's the system we're giving our trade clients now. Take 2–3 photos on every job: before, during and after. By the end of the month, you'll have far more than 10 good photos. That's a full month of content, sorted.
Tartan Social tip: turn on your phone's grid lines and shoot before-and-afters from exactly the same spot. It makes the transformation far more impressive.
Not sure how often to post these? Read our guide on how often a small business should post on social media.
Which platform should tradespeople use?
For most trades, Facebook and Instagram are the best place to start. Facebook is brilliant for reaching local homeowners and community groups. Instagram is perfect for showing off your work visually. Don't forget your LinkedIn for building your network and Google Business Profile too: it's often the first thing people see when they search for a trade near them.
Frequently asked questions
What should a tradesperson post on social media?
Your work, your reviews and helpful tips. Before-and-after photos and customer reviews are the two most effective posts for most trades.
How often should tradespeople post?
Three times a week is a great target. Consistency matters more than volume.
I don't have time for social media. What can I do?
Take the photos and let someone else do the rest. That's exactly what our done-for-you service is for.
Brilliant at your trade, but no time to post?
At Tartan Social, you send us your photos and we do everything else: the plan, the captions, the design and the posting. Packages start from £399.
Get in touch and we'll send you 3 free fixes for your page.
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