From Posts to Profits: The No-Fluff Marketing Guide Built for Trades and Small Businesses

A tradespersons hand holding a smartphone open to a social media ap, maybe facebook, instagram or linkedin. Tools and a van key visible on a workbench.

This isn’t a bunch of generic tips pulled from the sidelines. It’s built from real, hands-on experience – managing content, engaging audiences, and helping businesses actually get noticed (and trusted) online.

These aren’t textbook theories. This is what works when you’ve got tools in one and and your phone in the other. From helping growing companies finding their voice to supporting trades who have never posted a single story – this guide is built to be useful, realistic, and most importantly – doable.

Let’s be honest, marketing is usually the first thing to fall off of your to-do list. Not because it’s not important… but because you’re already wearing 47 other hats.

Whether you’re trying to DIY your own social media, thinking about hiring someone, or even considering becoming a social media manager yourself – this guide cuts the fluff and gets straight to what matters.

Wearing Every Hat Is Exhausting – Let’s Make Marketing One Less to Worry About

Let’s not sugar-coat it. Running a business is full-on.

You’re quoting jobs, managing staff, chasing suppliers, , answering calls and trying to remember when the van’s MOT is due.

And now, apparently, you’re also meant to be

  • A content creator
  • A social media manager
  • An SEO expert
  • And a one-person marketing department

All rolled into one. Sound familiar?

But here’s the thing: your online presence does matter. And not just because someone told you to “get on Facebook”.

It’s where potential customers go to decide if they trust you. They’re checking out

  • Your recent work
  • How you present yourself
  • Whether you look reliable, consistent and active

And most people won’t know if your work is technically perfect, but they’ll absolutely judge what they can see. If they can’t see anything? They’ll scroll on to someone who looks the part.

☑ The good news?

You don’t need to be a marketing wizard. You just need a system that works for you. One that builds trust, shows off your work, and doesn’t take all day.

If you leave your marketing until the last minute, it becomes stressful, rushed – or it just doesn’t happen.

Let’s fix that.

⏱︎ Block out a bit of time

Set aside a few hours now and then to focus on your marketing. Put it in our diary. No distractions. Just time to plan and prep.

Pick your topics

Think about:

  • The jobs you have recently completed (especially the ones you would like more of!)
  • FAQs you get all the time
  • Great feedback from clients
  • Funny or relatable moments that happened onsite

These are the things that make your business feel real and worth following.

Get your photos together

Now get your visuals ready. Aim for:

  • Clear, well lit images that show your work properly
  • Before shots (people love a transformation)
  • In progress shots that show the effort and process
  • Quick tidy-ups before snapping – no one wants to see empty cans or Tesco meal deals in the background

💡Pro tip: Light edits, like brightening, higher saturation or straightening your photos can make a big difference. You don’t need filters – just clean, clear content.

That behind-the-scenes look builds trust and gives people confidence in how you work, not just what you deliver.

🧱Build your content

Once your ideas and photos are ready, it’s time to turn them into actual posts. You don’t need to come up with something brand new every time. If a post worked before, tweak it and use it again. It’s like using the same drill for different jobs or washing a decent paintbrush instead of buying a new one for every job.

⛔️Don’t just repost – Refresh it

Reposting the exact same thing over and over? Your audience will spot it off a mile off and scroll quicker than you can say “free quotes available“.

  • Change the caption
  • Swap the image
  • Post at a different time of day, a different time of year

Same message – fresh delivery.

Working like this gives you consistency, saves you time, and makes sure your business shows up online. Even when you’re flat-out everywhere else.

And the best bit? Once you get into the rhythm of it, you’ll start seeing content opportunities everywhere. That cracked tile you fixed? Post it. That five-star review? Post it. That job where everything went wrong but you fixed it anyway? Definitely post it.

Use tools that do the heavy lifting

Need a hand bringing it together? Tools like Picsart, Canva, and yes – ChatGPT – can help you create, write and schedule without the stress.

Less faff. More impact.

Share the work, not the waffle

Forget buzzwords. Forget corporate speak.

A quick photo from site, a short walk-through video, or a classic before-and-after speaks louder than any corporate jargon.

Show your vans, your kit, your team, the job.

That’s what builds trust That’s what makes people want to hire you. But don’t just dump a photo and go – add a little you to it.

Even something simple, a comment about the weather, a note of what went wrong and how you fixed it, a bit of behind the scenes banter. A touch of dry humour. This is the stuff that sticks.

For example …

Before and after of a garden wall rebuild

“This one had seen better days! Took it back to brick (literally), rebuilt it stronger and straighter, and even had a dry spell long enough for the mortar to set without a tarp. Small wins 😅”

📍 St Neots (Adding the location of where you’re providing a service will build local trust, it’s great for local SEO – search engine optimisation).

📞 Get in touch for your quote (provide your contact details often, making them easy to find will mean people won’t abandon trying to call you when having to search high and low for your contact details).

✅ It shows the work

✅ It includes your voice

✅ It gives location and a call to action

✅ It doesn’t forcibly push sales and that’s exactly why it works

Most people don’t hire you because they understand your trade – they’re hiring you because they don’t. That why every photo, video, or caption is a chance to show them:

You’re hands-on. You know your stuff. And you’re someone they’d actually want to work with.

So, show your work. Post before-and-afters. Share a time-lapse or mid-job updates. Snap a photo from the van with a quick caption. Especially for posting to your Stories. That’s where real, relatable content shines.

What are stories and why should you use them?

Stories are the little circles at the top of Instagram and Facebook. They’re short, temporary updates that stay live for 24 hours, then disappear.

They’re perfect for:

  • Behind the scenes content
  • Loading up the van
  • A muddy jobsite
  • Tools laid out and ready to go
  • A quick “before” video

No need for perfect lighting or polished edits. Just a real glimpse into your day.

They work because they’re easy to post, easy to watch. People tap through them out of habit.

Your Day-To-Day Might Be Someone Else’s Inspiration

Just because something feels like everyday life to you doesn’t mean it’s boring. Someone else might find it genuinely interesting. Maybe, they’re stuck in an office all day and scrolling on their lunch break – your post gives them a glimpse into a hands-on life they wish they had. Or maybe they’re just starting out in your trade and look up to people like you.

People might be looking at your content for inspiration – even if you don’t realise it.

  • How you’ve kitted out your van
  • The tools you have
  • How you prep, tidy or finish a job
  • The way you edge a lawn
  • Your “little touches” that feels routine to you
  • Home or garden inspo

Those details? They’re second nature to you but gold to someone else.

What Everyone Keeps Asking You (And Why You Should Post It)

If you’re answering the same things over and over again on calls, quotes, or emails – that’s not just admin. That’s content.

Social media isn’t just a place to “market”. It’s your chance to answer the questions people are already thinking, before they ask. Think about how many times you’ve had people message or call asking:

Do you cover my area?” “What’s your lead time?” “Do you do weekends?” “What’s included in the service?” “How long will it take?” “Do you do emergency callouts?”

Every one of those can be turned into a post, a story, a pinned highlight or a reel. Answer once – and it keeps working for you in the background.

Add these questions and answers to your website. That’s why I always recommend having an FAQ section on your site.

Not only is it helpful for your customers – it’s also brilliant for SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).

In plain English: Google loves websites that answer real questions clearly.

When someone searches:

How much does a boiler install cost in Cambridgeshire?”

… and your website answers it, you’ve just boosted your chances of showing up on page 1.

Next time you get asked a question, don’t just answer it and move on. Turn it into content. Put it on your feed. Add it to your website. Make it work for you – over and over again.

The Finishing Touches That Help You Get Seen

Once you’ve planned your content, shared your work, and answered the common questions – don’t forget the little things.

They might seem minor, but they’re the difference between being seen and being scrolled past.

#Hashtags: Not Just A Trend

Hashtags are how your content gets discovered. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn use them to categorise posts – helping the right people find your content.

But only if you choose the right ones.

Not All Hashtags Are Helpful – Here’s How To Pick The Good Ones

Think like your customer. Ask yourself: What would they type in if they were searching for your service?

Use a mix of:

  • Broad hashtags to get wider reach
  • Specific hashtags to target local or niche audiences

Examples:

Broad: #ElectricianLife or #PlumberUK

Specific: #CambridgeBoilerRepair or #StNeotsKitchenFit

❌ What To Avoid:

Don’t use super-generic tags like #business or #happy — they’re too crowded to help you stand out.

Instead:

✅ Use 5–15 smart, relevant hashtags

✅Keep them varied depending on the post.

✅ Refresh them regularly – especially if the job or location changes

Don’t Just Post And Hope – Get It Seen

If you post on your business page and wait for likes to roll in… they won’t. Not unless you give it a little … push.

Visibility needs effort. But not loads of it – just the right steps.

Here’s How To Get More Eyes On Your Posts:

Share to local Facebook Groups

Especially the ones your target audience and customers are already in.

Post on your personal profile now and then

You never know who knows someone who needs what you do.

Join community or industry groups and comment on posts

Add value, answer questions and show that you know your stuff – it builds trust fast.

And when someone likes or comments on a post or a comment of yours…

  • Click their name.
  • Invite them to follow your page.
  • Reply to the comment – keep the conversation going.

They’re already interested. Don’t miss the moment.

💡Pro tip: Comment on your own post.

Yes. Really. Even if no one else has yet.

A quick comment like:

“Got space next week if anyone needs this done 👍”

This can help bump your post higher in the feed.

Social platforms rewards engagement – so start the conversation, even if it feels like you’re talking to yourself.

It’s Not ‘Post and Pray’ – You’ve Got to Talk Back

You don’t need to be a marketing expert to make this work. You just need a bit of structure, some confidence, and the willingness to show up, even when it feels awkward.

💬 Want more people to engage with your posts?

Engage with theirs.

Social media is a two way conversation, not a loudspeaker.

Take a few minutes throughout your day to:

  • Like several posts
  • Leave several comments on various posts
  • Reply to others in your space

Whether it’s your customers, other local businesses, or people in your industry – it helps you build relationships and tells the algorithm that our account is active and relevant. That means more reach with less effort.

🎯 Be Smart With Where You Spend That Time

Think abut who you’re trying to reach:

  • Homeowners?
  • Other trades across the UK? Overseas?
  • Local businesses?

Then show up where they already are. That might mean:

  • Getting involved in community Facebook groups
  • Posting consistently on LinkedIn
  • Using hashtags your ideal customers actually search for

The more intentional you are, the more likely your content will reach the right people – not just more.

If You Hate Being in Photos… Good News: You Don’t Have to Be in All of Them

Most business owners didn’t start their business because they enjoy being in front of a camera. You’re likely more confident holding a drill than holding your phone at the right angle – and that’s fair.

But here’s the truth: People buy from people. Your work shows the results. Your face builds the trust.

Why Showing Up (Even Occasionally) Helps

Appearing in your content now and then helps potential customers feel more connected to your business.

They want to know who they’re dealing with and sometimes all it takes is:

  • A quick photo on site
  • A team shot
  • A candid moment mid-job

No filters. No posing (unless you want to of course). Just proof you’re real. You’re reliable.

You Don’t Have To Be Polished

It doesn’t need to be staged, or perfect. Being visible, approachable, and human can be enough to turn a scroller into a paying customer – even if you’re not a fan of being on camera.

📷And if you really want to boost engagement? Get a dog in the shot. Or a cat. Works nearly every time.

Your Social Media Is Your Shop Window – Make It Clear, Not Cluttered

Not everyone will scroll your whole feed to figure out what you do. So make it easy for them.

Use pinned posts (on Facebook) and Story Highlights (on Instagram) t0 show the stuff people care about right away:

✅ What services you offer

✅ The areas you cover

✅ Before-and-after results

✅ How to book or ask questions

📌Instagram Tip: Use Highlights to save your best bits

Your Stories disappear after 24 hours but Highlights let you pin them so they stick around. Think of them like mini brochures for new followers. A quick way to say: “Here’s why you should care.”

The easier you make it for someone to understand what you offer, the quicker they’ll trust you, follow you, and get in touch.

And Of Course Your Website Still Matters (Even In a Social Media World)🌍

Social media might be where people scroll – but your website is where they go when they’re serious about hiring you. If they’re genuinely interested, they’ll want to double check you’re legit. A website gives them confidence. It looks more professional, more established.

And if your target audience is 35 or older (which, let’s face it, is usually the homeowner, manager, or decision-maker), they’re more likely to Google you than dig through old Instagram posts to work out what you do.

So make it easy for them.

  • Add your location
  • Say what you do clearly
  • Include keywords your customers might search for like “Milton Keynes Electrician” or “Mobile Mechanic New Castle”

This helps Google understand your business and send the right people your way.

A few strong photos, clear reviews and a no fuss layout go a long way. When your socials and website work together, that’s when your marketing really starts pulling its weight.

Start where you are. Use what you’ve got.

Your next post doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to exist.

Got questions? Not sure if your post hits the mark? Want a second opinion on your page?

This guide is just the beginning, a solid starting place to get you started and feel more confident showing up online. But every business is different. If you want to dive deeper, bounce around some ideas, or just have an honest, no pressure chat about what’s working (and what’s not), I’m always up for that.

Sometimes the real magic happens when we get into the nitty gritty together.

Drop me a email — even if it’s just for advice:

Kayleigh@fleetassuregroup.co.uk

Because here’s the thing: we’re not all out here trying to compete with each other. We’re just business owners trying to get noticed, do outstanding work, and earn our slice of the pie.

So if this helped you, pass it on.

Share it with a mate.

Mention it in a group.

Let’s raise the standard – together.

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