Social media isn’t just for influencers or big brands—it’s a powerful tool for trades businesses to connect with potential customers, showcase their skills, and grow their local presence. Whether you’re a plumber, electrician, builder, or landscaper, social media can help you build relationships, increase brand awareness, and generate more leads.

In this blog, we’ll share five proven strategies for using social media to grow your trades business.

1. Showcase Your Work with Before-and-After Photos
One of the most effective ways to engage with your audience on social media is by sharing before-and-after photos of your work. This could include images of a room you’ve renovated, a garden you’ve transformed, or a plumbing problem you’ve fixed.

Before-and-after photos are visually compelling and offer social proof of your skills. They allow potential customers to see the quality of your work and can be a powerful tool in converting followers into clients.

2. Engage with Your Local Community
Social media is an excellent way to engage with your local community. Follow other local businesses, share community events, and engage in local discussions. This not only helps you build relationships but also increases your visibility within your service area.

Join local Facebook groups or use location-based hashtags on Instagram to connect with people in your area. Show that you’re not just a tradesperson—you're an active member of the local community.

3. Promote Special Offers and Discounts
Social media is a great platform for sharing special promotions or discounts. Whether you’re offering a seasonal deal, a first-time customer discount, or a referral bonus, promoting these offers on platforms like Facebook or Instagram can help drive new business.

Create eye-catching posts or stories that clearly highlight your offer, and encourage followers to share the post with their friends or family. Make sure to include a call to action, such as “Contact us today to claim your discount!”

4. Use Video to Showcase Your Expertise
Video is one of the most engaging types of content on social media. Use video to showcase your work, explain your services, or give advice on common problems. You could create short, educational videos answering frequently asked questions or demonstrating how to fix simple issues (e.g., how to un-clog a drain or check for electrical faults).

Not only does video content help build trust with your audience, but it also increases your chances of being discovered by new customers. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram give higher priority to video posts, making it an essential part of your social media strategy.

5. Encourage Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Social media is a great place to gather reviews and testimonials from your customers. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on your Facebook page or tag you in posts. Positive feedback on social media builds your credibility and helps potential customers feel more confident in choosing your services.

You can also share customer reviews as posts or stories, showcasing your successful work and the satisfaction of your clients.

Conclusion: Social Media Is a Powerful Marketing Tool for Trades Businesses
Social media offers trades businesses a unique opportunity to build relationships, engage with customers, and generate leads. By showcasing your work, engaging with your local community, promoting special offers, creating video content, and collecting reviews, you can effectively use social media to grow your business.

If you’re unsure where to start or how to create a social media strategy for your trades business, we’re here to help. At MFT Digital, we specialise in social media marketing for trades businesses and can help you create an online presence that attracts customers and drives business growth.