The right way to use social media Stories to win more Trade and construction clients.
You've seen them.
Those little circles at the top of Instagram and Facebook.
Maybe you've even clicked on a few.
But when it comes to using Stories for your Trade and Construction business?
Crickets. 🦗
Or worse.
You're posting the same tired ‘another before and after’ shot.
(🚨 Spoiler alert: Nobody cares about your morning coffee anymore).
Here's the thing though...
Stories are absolutely CRUSHING IT right now for Trade and Construction businesses who know how to use them properly.
And I mean properly.
Not just randomly throwing up content hoping something sticks.
Like throwing paint at a wall and hoping it makes a Picasso.
(🚨 Spoiler alert: It won't).
Want to know something interesting?
Stories get more views than regular posts these days.
Yes, you read that right.
Those little 24-hour nuggets of content are actually getting more eyeballs than your carefully crafted feed posts.
Mind. Blown.🤯
But here's the kicker...
Most Trade and Construction businesses are doing it all wrong.
They're treating Stories like a dumping ground for random site photos.
Or worse...
They're not using them at all.
(Face palm moment).
So let's cut the waffle and get into the good stuff.
Here are 7 ways to use Stories in your Trade and Construction Marketing business that'll actually win you more clients.
And spoiler alert: None of them involve your morning brew. ☕️
1. Your Trade and Construction Marketing Stories Need to Get Real.
Here's something that'll blow your mind.
People don't follow your Trade and Construction business because they want to see perfectly polished content.
Shocking, right?
They follow you because they want to see what REALLY goes on.
Behind-the-Scenes Trade and Construction Marketing Brings the Gold.
Think about it.
What's more interesting?
A perfectly staged photo of your finished kitchen?
Or the chaos that went into creating it?
Because here's what happens when you show behind the scenes...
🟡 People start to understand why you charge what you charge.
🟡 They see the skill involved.
🟡 The problem-solving.
🟡 The craftsmanship.
Here's what you NEED to be showing:
✅ The 7am site arrival (yes, show them you're actually up and at it early).
✅ The unexpected problems you found (like that lovely surprise of rotting joists).
✅ How you solved those problems (because this shows your expertise).
✅ The team's reaction when things go wrong (keep it real, keep it human – keep it on brand!).
✅ The satisfaction when you nail it (celebration time!).
But don't just post random clips.
Tell the story properly:
Start with the problem: "Look what we just found behind this wall..."
Show the process: "Here's how we're fixing it..."
End with the solution: "Crisis averted! Here's how we sorted it..."
⭐️ And here's a pro tip... Use the 'Close Friends' feature for your different types of Trade and Construction content:
✅ Keep the technical stuff for other trades.
✅ Share the finished looks with interior designers.
✅ Show the problem-solving to potential clients.
Real, raw, and relatable.
That's what Stories were made for.
And that's what your future clients want to see.
Because let's face it...
Nobody believes those perfectly polished posts anymore.
They want the truth.
The whole truth.
And nothing but the truth.
If you’re looking to start taking your social media seriously, you might want to give this a read…
🚀 Why You Can’t Rely On Social Media Alone For Your Trade & Construction Business.
2. Time Your Trade and Construction Marketing Stories Like a Pro.
Want to know why your Stories aren't getting the views they deserve?
Because you're posting them at random times like a headless chicken.
And hoping for the best.
(How's that working out for you?)
Here's a shocking truth.
Most Trade and Construction businesses are posting Stories at completely the wrong times.
Like sharing your best work at 11pm when everyone's in bed.
Or dropping your special offer announcement at 3am.
(Unless you're specifically targeting insomniacs, in which case, crack on).
Strategic Timing in Your Trade and Construction Marketing Stories Makes All the Difference.
Here's the deal:
Most homeowners browse Stories:
✅ Early morning (before work) - Think school run scrolling.
✅ Lunch breaks - When they're dreaming about their home improvements.
✅ Evening commute - Perfect time to catch them planning their projects.
✅ After dinner - When they're settling in for some serious renovation inspiration.
Commercial clients?
✅ During office hours - Usually first thing in the morning.
✅ Between meetings - That's your 10:30-11:00 and 2:30-3:00 sweet spots.
✅ End of day wrap-up - When they're planning tomorrow's jobs.
But here's where it gets really interesting...
You need different content for different times:
🟡 Early morning? Quick, inspiring before/after reveals.
🟡 Lunch time? Longer project updates they can really dive into.
🟡 Evening? Educational content about your services.
And for the love of all things holy, use the 'Close Friends' feature for different client types.
Create separate Story streams for:
🟡 Domestic clients (focus on home improvements).
🟡 Commercial clients (focus on business benefits).
🟡 Other trades (focus on collaboration opportunities).
🟡 Architects/designers (focus on technical details).
Different stories for different audiences.
Mind-blowing stuff, right?
Going Live is another BIG one for social media platforms and growing your Trade and Construction marketing – so you might want to check this one out for size too…
🚀 Going Live: How To Get Over Stage Fright for Social Media Marketing In Your Trade And Construction Business.
3. Use Interactive Features in Your Trade and Construction Marketing Stories.
If your Stories aren't interactive, you're basically just showing off.
And nobody likes a show-off.
(Unless you're showing off something REALLY cool. Then it's allowed).
Static Stories are like talking to yourself.
And we've all got that one mate who does that.
Don't be that mate.
Make Your Trade and Construction Marketing Stories Work Harder Than Your Apprentice.
Here's what you should be using:
✅ Polls: "Which kitchen design do you prefer?"
- Perfect for getting instant feedback.
- Shows you value client opinions.
- Creates engagement that leads to conversations.
- Helps you understand what your market wants.
✅ Questions: "What's your biggest concern about hiring a builder?"
- Gives you valuable market research.
- Shows you care about client concerns.
- Helps you address common objections.
- Creates content ideas for future posts.
✅ Quizzes: "Guess how long this bathroom renovation took?"
- Makes your content fun and engaging.
- Educates clients about project timelines.
- Shows your expertise in action.
- Creates a bit of friendly competition.
✅ Sliders: "Rate this transformation!"
- Perfect for before/after reveals.
- Gets people involved in your success.
- Creates social proof.
- Makes your content more memorable.
✅ Countdowns: "New project reveal in..."
- Builds anticipation.
- Creates FOMO.
- Gets people coming back for more.
- Perfect for special announcements.
But here's the clever bit...
Each of these features isn't just for fun.
They're lead generation GOLD.
Example.
You post a poll about kitchen styles.
Someone votes.
You can see who voted.
You can then message them about their choice.
Start a conversation.
💥 And boom - potential client!
The best bit?
Every interaction is a potential lead.
And leads = jobs.
Simple maths, really.
But wait, there's more...
Save these interactions to your Highlights (more on that later).
They become social proof that:
- People engage with your business.
- You care about client opinions.
- You're active and responsive.
- You know your stuff.
When it comes to managing your Trade and Construction Social Media overall, this one might help you through…
🚀 3 Time Saving Social Media Tips for Trades.
4. Create Story Highlights That Convert for Your Trade and Construction Marketing.
Here's a painful truth.
Your Stories disappear after 24 hours.
All that effort.
Gone.
Unless...
You use Highlights properly.
And I mean properly.
Not just randomly saving Stories to random highlights like you're playing digital darts blindfolded.
Strategic Trade and Construction Marketing Through Story Highlights.
Let me share something juicy with you.
Want to know what separates the Trades who are crushing it from the ones that are... well, not crushing it?
Their Highlights game was on point.
Create highlight categories like:
✅ Before & Afters
- Group by project type.
- Show the journey.
- Include budget ranges.
- Tag happy clients.
✅ Meet the Team
- Show personalities.
- Share skills and certifications.
- Feature training days.
- Celebrate achievements.
✅ Project Process
- Break down your approach.
- Show quality checks.
- Highlight safety measures.
- Feature your tools and tech.
✅ Client Reviews
- Video testimonials are gold.
- Show real reactions.
- Include project photos.
- Share thank you messages.
✅ FAQs
- Answer common questions.
- Share pricing guides.
- Explain processes.
- Address concerns.
✅ Tips & Tricks
- Share maintenance advice.
- Offer design ideas.
- Give seasonal tips.
- Show DIY fixes.
🔑 But here's the key:
Don't just dump Stories into random highlights.
Plan them.
Curate them.
Make them tell a story.
(See what I did there?)
Think of your Highlights as your portfolio.
Your silent salesperson.
Working 24/7 to win you clients.
Because when potential clients landed on their profile, they could actually find what they were looking for.
Revolutionary concept, right?
If you’re just starting out on Instagram, check this out…
🚀 Construction Marketing: A Beginners Crash Course For Nailing Instagram.
5. Use Trade and Construction Marketing Stories to Build Trust.
Trust.
The holy grail of Trade and Construction marketing.
And Stories?
They're your secret weapon.
Because let's face it...
In a world of cowboy builders and dodgy dealers, trust is everything. 🤠
Building Trust Through Your Trade and Construction Marketing Stories is an Art Form.
Here's how to nail it:
✅ Show your certifications (but make it interesting):
- Film yourself at training days.
- Share the story behind each qualification.
- Show how they benefit your clients.
- Make it human, not just paper on a wall.
✅ Feature team training days:
- Show the investment in your team.
- Share learning moments.
- Celebrate achievements.
- Prove you're always improving.
✅ Share client testimonials (video ones are gold):
- Capture real reactions.
- Show the finished work.
- Let them tell their story.
- Include before/after shots.
✅ Document quality checks:
- Show your attention to detail.
- Explain why you check what you check.
- Demonstrate your standards.
- Share your process.
✅ Showcase your warranties and guarantees:
- Explain what they mean.
- Show how you honour them.
- Share success stories.
- Prove you stand behind your work.
But remember:
Don't just tell them you're trustworthy.
SHOW them why they can trust you.
Big difference.
Speaking of all things trust, ry this one on for size…
🚀 Trust and Credibility: The Foundation of Trade Loyalty.
6. Create FOMO With Your Trade and Construction Marketing Stories.
FOMO.
Fear Of Missing Out.
It's a real thing.
And your Stories should be triggering it.
Like that time you didn't buy Bitcoin in 2010.
(Still hurts, doesn't it?)
Using Trade and Construction Marketing Stories to Create Serious FOMO.
Here's how:
✅ Show projects in progress:
- Daily updates.
- Transformation moments.
- Team celebrations.
- Client reactions.
✅ Reveal transformation teasers:
- Show tiny glimpses.
- Build anticipation.
- Create mystery.
- Make them want more.
✅ Share limited-time offers:
- Flash discounts.
- Special packages.
- Seasonal deals.
- Exclusive opportunities.
✅ Post "spaces available next month" updates:
- Show your booking calendar.
- Highlight prime slots.
- Create urgency.
- Make them act.
✅ Document happy client reactions:
- Capture the reveal moment.
- Share testimonials.
- Show the celebration.
- Make others wish it was them.
The key?
Make them wish they'd booked you sooner.
Make them worried about missing out.
Make them act NOW.
7. Track Your Trade and Construction Marketing Story Success.
Last but not least.
If you're not tracking your Story performance, you're basically working blind.
Like trying to hang a door in the dark.
(Don't do that either).
Measuring Your Trade and Construction Marketing Story Success is Crucial.
Track these metrics…
✅ Story completion rates:
- Shows if people watch to the end.
- Tells you what content works.
- Helps you improve engagement.
- Guides your content strategy.
✅ Replies and interactions:
- Direct messages from Stories.
- Poll responses.
- Quiz participants.
- Question answers.
✅ Profile visits from Stories:
- Shows if people want to know more.
- Indicates potential leads.
- Measures curiosity.
- Tracks interest levels.
✅ Website clicks:
- Shows genuine interest.
- Tracks potential conversions.
- Measures call-to-action success.
- Indicates lead quality.
✅ Lead generation:
- Track enquiries from Stories.
- Monitor quote requests.
- Count booking calls.
- Measure conversion rates.
And here's the important bit:
Do MORE of what works.
Do LESS of what doesn't.
Revolutionary concept, right?
On another note - Something that will hugely impact your stories is your Personal Brand.
Understand what we mean when we say this here..
🚀 Perfect Examples Of How Your Personal Brand On Social Media Is Ruining Your Construction Marketing.
⬇️ The right way to use social media Stories to win more Trade and construction clients.
Rundown:
1. Get real with behind-the-scenes content.
2. Time your Stories strategically.
3. Use interactive features.
4. Create converting Story Highlights.
5. Build trust through Stories.
6. Create FOMO.
7. Track your Story success.
Need a little more help nailing your Trade and Construction marketing?
Course you do.
First. Let's work out where you are with your marketing.
Got 3 minutes?
Take our Trades Quiz to discover how you score with all things 'Off The Tools'.
We have heaps of tips, tricks and hacks for your Trade and Construction business in our cheat sheets, videos and ideas waiting for you on the other side... i.e., your results page.
So, you can improve your score. And NAIL your Trade and Construction marketing.
Nice.