When it comes to growing your trade business, whether you’re a plumber, electrician, builder, roofer, or painter, word of mouth will always be powerful. But in today’s digital world, the new “word of mouth” happens on social media. And short-form video content, like Instagram and Facebook Reels, is quickly becoming one of the most effective ways to drive engagement, build trust, and land more clients.
So why should tradies take social media reels seriously? Let’s break it down.
1. Trust is Everything—And Video Builds It Fast
When people are hiring a tradie, they want someone reliable, skilled, and personable. A 15-30 second reel showing you at work, interacting with customers, or walking through a recent project can build instant credibility. People want to see who they’re hiring—not just read about it.
✅ Show off your skills
✅ Prove your professionalism
✅ Build a personal connection
2. Reels = Instant Attention in a Crowded Market
There are hundreds of tradies in your area. So how do you stand out?
Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook favour video content, especially Reels. That means when you post a reel using relevant hashtags like #AucklandBuilder or #NZPlumber, your video has a much higher chance of being seen than a static image or plain text post.
Pro Tip: Use before-and-after clips of your work, quick tutorials, or even time-lapses to show the transformation. People LOVE visual results.
3. People Buy From People, Not Logos
Reels allow you to show the real people behind the brand. You don’t need to be a natural on camera, authenticity beats polish every time. Showing up consistently creates familiarity, which turns into trust, and eventually leads to sales.
Let your personality shine through. Introduce your crew. Walk through a job. Celebrate a job well done.
4. It’s Affordable and Works Around Your Schedule
Unlike big ad campaigns or traditional video shoots, social media reels are:
-
Quick to shoot
-
Easy to post
-
Budget-friendly
You don’t need a huge budget to make a big impact. At Ice Digital Media, for example, we create 4 fully-edited social media reels for just $350 + GST, making pro-level content accessible for tradies across Auckland.
5. Attract the Right Customers
People scrolling on Instagram or Facebook might not even realize they need a tradie until they see your work. Reels can create that “I need this!” moment that leads to direct messages, quote requests, and job bookings.
By targeting your local area with geo-tags and hashtags, you’re getting in front of your ideal audience, homeowners, landlords, and business owners who need your services.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a tradie and you’re not using Reels to market your business, you’re leaving serious opportunities on the table. It’s not just about likes or follows it’s about building trust, showcasing your skills, and making it easy for new clients to find and hire you.
Our latest Project for Central Roofing and Repairs.
Central Roofing and Repairs is a proudly family-owned roofing business that places a strong emphasis on family values and cultural connection. Their commitment to quality workmanship is matched by a deep respect for the relationships they build both within their team and with the communities they serve. With a warm, people-first approach, they’ve built a reputation not just for roofing expertise, but for trust, reliability, and genuine care.
