Key points
- 73% of customers check a business’s social presence before calling (BrightLocal, 2023).
- Posts don’t need to be daily, consistency beats frequency.
- Photos of real jobs and reviews earn more trust than polished ads.
- Tools like scheduling apps can save hours.
Do this first: Take one photo of today’s job, add a one-line caption, and post it. Done.
What social media really means for trades
It’s not about becoming an influencer. For trades, social media is just the modern shop window: proof you’re still active, still delivering quality work, and still the name in town.
| Term | Plain Meaning | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Presence | People see you exist today | Stops “are they still going?” doubts |
| Proof | Real jobs and reviews | Builds trust faster than ads |
| Pride | Showing your craft | Reminds locals you’re the one who does it best |
How to keep it simple without losing what makes you special
- Snap one photo a week
Action: Take a picture of the finished job.
Check: Post it with a line like “Today’s finish in Hastings.”
Evidence: Posts with real job photos get 3x more engagement than stock (Sprout, 2023). - Share reviews as posts
Action: Screenshot a Google review and upload.
Check: Aim for at least 1 per month.
Evidence: 87% of people trust Google reviews like word-of-mouth (BrightLocal, 2023). - Batch and schedule
Action: Use a free tool (Meta Business Suite, Buffer).
Check: 30 minutes = a month of posts queued.
Evidence: Scheduling reduces active time spent by 70% (Hootsuite, 2022). - Reuse what you already have
Action: Turn WhatsApp job photos into posts.
Check: Minimum one per week.
Evidence: Native, unpolished content outperforms polished ads. - Stick to your trade voice
Action: Write like you’d talk to a mate at the pub.
Check: No jargon, no hashtags overload.
Evidence: Relatable posts get more local comments/shares.
Gotcha: Don’t vanish for months. A dead page signals a dead business.
Compare your options
| Option | When It Wins | Risks | If This Then That |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY weekly post | Fast, free, authentic | Easy to forget | Set a reminder; keep it minimal |
| Schedule in bulk | Saves time | Needs 30 mins upfront | Do this if you hate daily posting |
| Hire a mate/agency | Outsources stress | Costs money | Best if you want steady presence but no time |
FAQ
Do I need to post every day?
No, weekly or fortnightly is fine if consistent.
What if I hate being on camera?
Stick to job photos, reviews, or team shots. No selfies needed.
Can I just boost posts?
Boosts burn cash fast. Focus on organic proof posts first.
Is social media really that important for trades?
Yes, most customers check Facebook/Instagram before calling, even if they found you elsewhere.
What if I’m too busy with work?
Good, just batch posts once a month. Proof of life is all that matters.
Evidence and sources
- BrightLocal, 73% check social before calling, 2023
- Sprout Social, Engagement on real photos, 2023
- BrightLocal, Review trust stats, 2023
- Hootsuite, Scheduling time saved, 2022
Why trust Dentons Digital
Author: Sarah Candy
Dentons Digital, specialises in marketing for UK trades and construction firms. First-hand: supported sole traders and small firms to keep visible with minimal effort.
