Review sites
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Why social media is now essential for tradespeople 👷♂️
The way homeowners choose trades has changed massively in the last decade — as you’ll see below.
They might still first hear about you from a neighbour, spot your van on the road, or even find you on a review site like Checkatrade or TrustATrader. But before they pick up the phone, they’re heading to social media.
They want to see the kind of work you do, how you present yourself, and what your customers say. If you’re visible and relevant there, you’ll be front of mind — which means more jobs and a stronger position to win the work you want, without racing to the bottom on price.
The changing landscape of marketing for trades
Back in 2015, only a minority of homeowners would check a trade’s Facebook or Instagram before making contact. Social media was seen as “nice to have.” Review sites like Checkatrade or TrustATrader dominated.
Fast-forward to today — social media for tradesmen isn’t optional anymore.
- 87% of customers now research tradespeople online before reaching out¹.
- 65% specifically look for a social media presence².
And this shift isn’t slowing down:
- Younger homeowners — the fastest-growing group of buyers and renovators — are twice as likely to check Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube before making a decision³.
- Platforms have become more visual — short videos, before-and-after transformations, customer testimonials. Exactly the type of content that shows your quality instantly.
Why this matters for tradespeople
Being on social isn’t about chasing likes — it’s about being first in line when a homeowner makes their shortlist.
Without a presence, you’re invisible to a huge chunk of potential work, even if they’ve already seen your van or looked you up on a review site.
The reality is, if you’re not doing anything (or very little) on socials, you don’t even know what good jobs you’re missing — because those homeowners are quietly moving on to someone else.
A strong social presence makes you more engaging and trustworthy — which means you win jobs on quality, not just on who’s cheapest.
And remember: social isn’t an instant tap. It’s not about posting once and expecting the phone to ring. It’s about showing up consistently so you’re front of mind when the right job comes along.
The good news - social media for trades doesn't have to be hard
You don’t need to spend hours on camera or editing flashy videos. You don’t need to chase TikTok trends, scramble to make memes, or dance around on site (unless you want to).
What you do need is to show up consistently and focus on what really matters to homeowners:
- Does this trade look trustworthy?
- Do they do quality work, similar to the job I need at my house?
- Are their customers happy with the results?
That’s what homeowners are looking for — and it’s far simpler than trying to impress other trades online.
How BuildCred helps trades market smarter and attract better customers
You’re already busy enough with work, invoices, and quotes — not to mention everything at home and with family. Keeping on top of social media shouldn’t be another job on the list.
With BuildCred, it isn’t.
Just open the app, add pics from your camera roll, and BuildCred does the rest:
- Branded, professional posts that show off your work.
- Consistent content that builds trust and keeps you front of mind.
- Social proof that makes homeowners confident you’re the right choice.
No faff, no wasted time — just a simple way to stay visible, win better jobs, and keep up with the growing move towards digital and social.
Conclusion
The way homeowners choose trades has changed dramatically since 2015 — and it will keep shifting as younger generations move into the housing market.
Review sites like Checkatrade and TrustATrader may still play a role, but social media is now where decisions are made.
Get ahead of the curve: show your work, let your customers speak for you, and move with the times.
If you haven't got the time or just don't want to, BuildCred makes it simple to stay visible, credible, and top of the list.
👉 1 Job Free - no card required
Blog first published 01/01/25
References
- Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report 2023 – “87% of homeowners research tradespeople online before reaching out.”
- Rated People Home Improvement Trends Report 2023 – “65% of homeo
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