Why Tradesmen Fail at Social Media and How to Overcome Common Struggles
- Rose
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
Social media feels like a mystery to many tradesmen. You hear stories about people going viral or building a huge following, but when you try, it just doesn’t click. You might think, “I don’t know what to post,” or “I don’t have time for this.” Maybe you’ve even thought, “I don’t want to dance on TikTok,” or “My work speaks for itself.” These feelings are common, and I want to be honest about why so many tradespeople struggle with social media—and how you can change that without jumping on every trend or pretending to be someone you’re not.
Your tools are ready. Your social media should be too.
Why You Don’t Need to Follow Trends to Overcome Social Media
One big mistake is thinking you have to jump on every new social media trend. Dancing, challenges, or viral memes might work for some, but they don’t fit every trade or personality. You don’t have to be on TikTok doing silly dances to get noticed.
Instead, focus on what you know best: your craft. Show your work, share tips, or explain how you solve common problems. For example, a plumber could post a quick video showing how to fix a leaking tap or explain why regular maintenance saves money. These posts don’t need to be flashy or trendy—they just need to be useful.
Trends come and go, but solid, helpful content builds trust. Your audience wants to see your skills, not your dance moves.
Why You Don’t Need to Be Funny or Charismatic
Not everyone is a natural entertainer, and that’s okay. You don’t have to be funny or charismatic to connect with people online. What matters in the journey to overcome social media is being genuine and clear.
If you’re not comfortable on camera, try posting photos of your work or before-and-after shots. Write simple captions explaining what you did and why it matters. For example, a landscaper could share a photo of a freshly designed garden with a caption about the plants chosen for low maintenance.
People appreciate honesty and straightforwardness. You don’t have to put on a show to build a following.
Why Consistency Beats Creativity
Many tradesmen post once in a while, hoping for a big reaction. The truth is, posting once a month won’t build momentum. Social media rewards regular activity, even if it’s simple.
Set a realistic goal, like posting once a week. It could be a photo, a short video, or a quick tip. The key is to keep showing up. Over time, your audience will start to recognize your name and trust your expertise.
Consistency also helps you get better. The more you post, the easier it becomes to find your style and voice.
Why Posting Once a Month Doesn’t Work
Posting rarely is like trying to build a fence with just a few nails. It won’t hold up. Social media algorithms favor accounts that post regularly because they want to show active, engaging content to users.
If you post once a month, your content gets buried under newer posts. Your followers forget about you, and you miss chances to connect with potential customers.
Try to post more often, even if it’s just a quick update or a photo of your latest job. Small, frequent posts keep you visible and relevant.
Sharing your work is easier than you think.
How to Overcome These Struggles
Here’s a simple plan to get started and keep going:
Plan your content: Think about common questions customers ask or problems you solve. Use these as ideas for posts.
Use your phone: You don’t need fancy equipment. A clear photo or short video from your phone works fine.
Set a schedule: Pick one day a week to post. Treat it like an appointment.
Keep it simple: Share what you know. A quick tip, a tool you use, or a before-and-after photo.
Engage with followers: Reply to comments or messages. It builds trust and shows you care.
Don’t stress about perfection: Done is better than perfect. Your audience wants real, not polished.
Planning your posts makes social media manageable.
Building a social media presence as a tradesman doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t need to follow every trend or be a natural entertainer. What matters most is showing up regularly and sharing your real work in a way that feels natural to you.
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