Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest are powerful tools for skilled trades businesses to connect with their audiences, showcase their work, and drive engagement. However, knowing what content works best on each platform is crucial to maximizing impact. Each platform has unique strengths, and creating tailored content allows you to harness their potential for your skilled trades business.

Why Focus on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest?

These three platforms are particularly valuable for skilled trades businesses for the following reasons:

• Facebook: Offers a broad reach, excellent targeting options, and diverse content formats. Ideal for sharing posts, videos, and updates with a large audience.
• Instagram: A visual-first platform that works well for showing off your projects, quick tips, and day-to-day insights.
• Pinterest: Serves as a search engine for inspiration and ideas, especially suited for project-based trades like home renovation, landscaping, and interior design.

Content Ideas for Facebook

Facebook is perfect for building relationships with your audience, sharing news, and encouraging community interaction.

1. Before and After Photos

• Show the transformation your work brings to clients. For example, share the progression from an outdated kitchen to a beautifully remodeled space.
• Engagement Tip: Ask your audience to vote or comment on their favorite aspects of the transformation.

2. Client Testimonials and Reviews

• Highlight reviews and positive feedback from satisfied clients. A well-written testimonial can build credibility and trust with potential clients.
• Engagement Tip: Tag the client (if they agree) to increase reach and authenticity.

3. Team Spotlights

• Introduce your team members, their skills, and what they enjoy most about their work. This humanizes your business and shows appreciation for your team.
• Engagement Tip: Post a few fun facts or a mini-interview with each team member to encourage interaction.

4. Live Q&A Sessions

• Host a live session where followers can ask questions about common projects or industry-related topics. For example, a plumber might do a Q&A on common household plumbing issues.
• Engagement Tip: Announce the session ahead of time and invite followers to submit questions in advance.

5. Educational Content and Tips

• Post DIY tips, seasonal maintenance advice, or how-to guides. These posts offer value and establish your business as an authority in your trade.
• Engagement Tip: Encourage followers to share their experiences or questions related to the topic.

Content Ideas for Instagram

Instagram is a visually-driven platform, which makes it ideal for showing off high-quality images and engaging short videos.

1. Project Highlights and Stories

• Share snippets of current projects in your Stories, showing followers the step-by-step process. This creates suspense and encourages followers to keep watching.
• Engagement Tip: Use stickers like polls or questions in Stories to interact with your audience.

2. Short, Informative Videos or Reels

• Post quick “how-to” videos, industry tips, or short clips of your work. Reels are especially effective for showing your expertise in a short, engaging format.
• Engagement Tip: Use trending sounds and popular hashtags to increase discoverability.

3. Behind-the-Scenes Content

• Show the tools you use, a sneak peek of your workspace, or a day in the life of your team. This type of content gives followers a deeper look into your trade.
• Engagement Tip: Ask followers what tools or products they’d like to learn more about.

4. User-Generated Content

• If clients share photos or posts about the work you did, repost these with their permission. It’s social proof that builds trust and encourages others to hire you.
• Engagement Tip: Thank clients publicly in the post and tag them if applicable.

5. Design or Style Inspiration

• Curate posts showing the latest trends in your trade. For instance, a painter might share trending wall colors, or a carpenter could share popular cabinet designs.
• Engagement Tip: Ask followers to comment on their favorite trends or vote in polls.

Content Ideas for Pinterest

Pinterest is unique in that it functions more like a visual search engine. The platform works best for long-term content, as pins continue to gain visibility over time.

1. Inspiration Boards

• Create boards based on different project themes or styles (e.g., “Modern Kitchen Remodel Ideas” or “Backyard Landscaping Inspirations”). This helps attract users searching for ideas.
• Engagement Tip: Pin content from your website to drive traffic and encourage viewers to learn more.

2. Step-by-Step Guides

• Share simple, step-by-step guides on various projects. For example, “5 Steps to Winterize Your Plumbing” can be turned into a helpful pin.
• Engagement Tip: Link each pin back to your website for more detailed content, encouraging viewers to learn more about your services.

3. Project Portfolio Pins

• Create a collection of pins showcasing completed projects. These can range from small tasks like painting rooms to large-scale renovations.
• Engagement Tip: Use keywords in the pin description to increase visibility in Pinterest search results.

4. Infographics and Checklists

• Infographics are highly shareable on Pinterest. Create simple, easy-to-read visuals that break down tips, maintenance schedules, or material guides.
• Engagement Tip: Add your branding to each infographic so viewers associate your expertise with your company.

5. Seasonal Ideas and Tips

• Post seasonal tips related to your trade, like “Fall Roof Maintenance Checklist” or “Spring Lawn Care Tips.” People often search for these topics at specific times of the year.
• Engagement Tip: Update these seasonally and link them to relevant blog posts on your website to drive traffic.

Best Practices for Creating Content on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest

To make the most out of your content, consider these best practices:

1. Optimize for Each Platform: Each platform has unique requirements, so tailor your content to match each one’s strengths. For example, on Pinterest, focus on long-lasting “evergreen” content, while Instagram Stories can be more casual and time-sensitive.
2. Use Keywords and Hashtags: Especially important for Instagram and Pinterest, using relevant hashtags and keywords will make your content more discoverable to a targeted audience.
3. Be Consistent: Posting regularly on each platform will help you stay top-of-mind for your followers. Consistency also builds your reputation and reliability.
4. Engage with Followers: Take the time to reply to comments, messages, and questions on each platform. This strengthens your relationships with potential clients.
5. Analyze Performance: Use insights and analytics provided by each platform to understand what content resonates best. Adjust your strategy accordingly to optimize engagement and conversions.

Final Thoughts

Using Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest can significantly boost your skilled trades business if you use them strategically. Each platform offers different ways to engage and attract clients, from showing off your projects to sharing tips and insights that establish your authority. By creating platform-specific content, you can build trust, expand your reach, and ultimately grow your business.