Simple Social Media Strategies for Plumbers, Electricians, and Tradespeople
Let’s be honest—if you’re a plumber, electrician, or tradesperson in the UK, social media might not be the first thing on your mind.
You’re busy fixing leaks, rewiring homes, or quoting for new jobs.
But here’s the truth: more and more customers are searching for reliable trades online, and your next big job could come from a simple Facebook post or an Instagram story.
At Socially Spotted, we’ve seen first-hand how even the busiest tradespeople can use social media to win more work, show off their skills, and build a reputation that keeps the phone ringing.
The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment, a marketing degree, or hours of spare time—just a smartphone and a few simple strategies.
Why Social Media Matters for Trades
The days of relying solely on word-of-mouth or a listing in the local directory are over.
According to Checkatrade, nearly half of UK tradespeople now get jobs through social media.
Homeowners and businesses are scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok to find trustworthy professionals.
They want to see your work, read reviews, and get a feel for who you are—before they ever pick up the phone.
Here’s what social media can do for you:
- Build trust and credibility with real photos and testimonials
- Reach more local customers without expensive ads
- Show off your expertise and stand out from the competition
- Get recommendations and referrals from happy clients
- Keep your business top of mind for when someone needs your services
Choose the Right Platforms for Your Trade
Not every social media platform is created equal, especially for tradespeople.
Focus your time where your customers are most likely to look for you:
- Facebook: The go-to for local trades. Perfect for sharing project photos, collecting reviews, and joining community groups where people ask for recommendations.
- Instagram: Great for visual trades—think before-and-after shots, stories, and reels showing your handiwork.
- TikTok: Growing fast for trades who can share quick tips, transformations, or “day in the life” videos.
- YouTube: Good for longer tutorials or project walkthroughs, but not essential for most small trades.
- LinkedIn: Useful if you do commercial or B2B work, but less important for domestic jobs.
Tip:
Don’t try to be everywhere. Pick one or two platforms and do them well.
If you’re just starting out, Facebook is usually the best place to begin.
Set Up a Professional Profile
Your social media profile is your digital shopfront. Make sure it’s complete and professional:
- Use your business name, logo, and a clear profile photo (preferably of you or your team)
- Add up-to-date contact details (phone, email, website)
- List your services and the areas you cover
- Write a short, friendly bio (“Reliable plumber serving Leeds & Bradford”)
- Add a link to your website, booking page, or WhatsApp for quick enquiries
Pro tip:
Keep your branding and details consistent across all platforms for a trustworthy, professional look.
Show Off Your Work with Before-and-After Photos
Nothing builds trust like real results. Take clear, well-lit photos of your projects—especially before-and-after shots.
Whether it’s a bathroom refit, a new fuse board, or a garden lighting install, these images prove your expertise and give potential customers confidence to call you.
Always get your customer’s permission before sharing photos of their home.
Example:
A local plumber in Manchester posts weekly before-and-after shots of bathroom renovations.
Each post includes a short caption explaining the job and a call to action (“Need a new bathroom? Message us for a free quote!”).
Share Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Positive feedback is marketing gold. Ask happy customers if you can share their review or a quick quote.
Post these as images, graphics, or—if your customer is willing—as a short video testimonial.
Why it works:
Most people check reviews before hiring a tradesperson.
Sharing real feedback on your feed and stories builds trust and helps you stand out.
Post Helpful Tips and Advice
Show you’re the expert by sharing simple tips, how-tos, or answers to common questions. For example:
- “How to turn off your water supply in an emergency”
- “What to do if your fuse keeps tripping”
- “Top 3 signs your boiler needs a service”
You don’t have to give away all your secrets—just enough to show you know your stuff.
These posts get shared, save your customers headaches, and position you as the go-to expert.
Resource:
DesignTrade’s social media tips for trades offers more ideas.
Take Followers Behind the Scenes
People love to see the person behind the business.
Share a “day in the life,” a van tour, or a quick video of you and your team on a job (with the customer’s okay).
Show your process, tools, and the care you put into your work.
This builds a personal connection and shows you’re approachable and professional.
Example:
An electrician in London shares a time-lapse video of a lighting installation, with captions explaining each step.
Engage with Your Community
Social media isn’t just about posting—it’s about building relationships.
Reply quickly to comments and messages (aim for under 2 hours during business hours).
Join local Facebook groups where people ask for recommendations, and offer advice without being pushy.
Encourage satisfied customers to tag you in their photos or posts about completed work.
Tip:
Be authentic and friendly. People hire people, not faceless businesses.
Use Local Hashtags and Geotags
Help local customers find you by using hashtags like #LeedsPlumber, #LondonElectrician, or #[YourTown]Trades.
Always tag your location in posts and stories so you show up in local searches.
This makes it easy for people nearby to discover your business.
Example:
A plumber in Bristol uses #BristolPlumber and tags “Bristol” in every post, leading to more local enquiries.
Run Simple Ads or Boost Posts
You don’t need a big budget to reach more people.
Even £20–£50 on a boosted Facebook or Instagram post can put your business in front of thousands of locals.
Target your ads by location, age, and interests to reach homeowners who need your services.
What to promote:
- Seasonal offers (“Book a boiler service before winter”)
- Emergency callouts (“24/7 plumber in your area”)
- Special deals or new services
Share Your Accreditations and Memberships
If you’re Gas Safe registered, NICEIC approved, or a member of Checkatrade, share this on your profiles.
Post a photo of your ID card or certificate. This reassures customers you’re qualified and trustworthy.
Use Video for Extra Impact
Short videos are more engaging than photos alone. Try filming:
- A quick “how-to” tip
- A time-lapse of a job from start to finish
- A walk-through of a finished project
- Your reaction to a common problem (“Here’s what to do if your pipes freeze”)
You don’t need fancy equipment—your smartphone is enough. Keep videos short, clear, and friendly.
Monitor Your Results and Keep Improving
Check which posts get the most likes, comments, and enquiries.
Use Facebook and Instagram Insights to see what works.
Double down on popular content and tweak what doesn’t perform as well.
Social media is always changing, so keep experimenting and learning.
Real-World Success: Social Media in Action
- Mark, a plumber in Manchester, started sharing before-and-after photos of his bathroom installs. In three months, he saw a 40% increase in enquiries—all from customers who’d already seen his work online.
- A team of electricians in London uses Instagram Stories to show off their latest lighting projects and answer common questions. Their followers often tag friends who need similar work, leading to more word-of-mouth referrals.
- A heating engineer in Birmingham runs a monthly “Ask Me Anything” session in a local Facebook group, building trust and winning new clients with helpful advice.
FAQs:
Which social media platform is best for UK tradespeople?
Facebook is the top choice for most trades, thanks to its local groups and review features.
Instagram is great for visual trades, and TikTok is growing fast for quick tips and transformations.
How often should I post on social media?
Aim for 2–4 times a week. Consistency is more important than posting every day.
Mix up your content—photos, tips, reviews, and videos—to keep followers interested.
What kind of content gets the most engagement?
Before-and-after photos, customer testimonials, quick tips, and behind-the-scenes videos are all proven winners.
Do I need to spend money on ads?
Not always, but a small budget for boosted posts or local ads can help you reach more people in your area and generate more enquiries.
How do I handle negative comments or reviews?
Respond quickly, stay professional, and offer to resolve the issue offline.
Showing you care about customer feedback builds trust with future clients.
Conclusion
Social media isn’t just a “nice to have” for plumbers, electricians, and tradespeople in the UK—it’s a must-have tool for growing your business, building trust, and winning more work.
By sharing real photos, customer reviews, helpful tips, and behind-the-scenes moments, you can connect with local customers and show why you’re the right choice for their next job.
At Socially Spotted, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Start simple, stay consistent, and watch your business thrive online.