Tradie social media posts that get enquiries (Australia)
What to post when you are a sole trader on the tools: proof-of-work, trust and offer posts, honest caption rules, Canva free vs Pro, and ready-made AU post packs for tradies and fab shops.
Most tradie social media advice is written for influencers. You need posts that get the phone to ring: clear offer, real job photos, and no fake reviews. Editable Canva packs are one way to keep a feed looking consistent when you are on the tools all day.
The short answer
- Posts that tend to work for Australian trade businesses: now booking / free quotes, before and after, job done, how we quote, payment terms, licence check (for example QBCC lookup in Queensland), and refer a mate.
- Keep one visual system (colours, fonts, logo placement) so the feed looks like one business.
- Never invent reviews or star ratings. Blank review cards are fine – only publish real customer words you are allowed to use.
- Put the call to action in the first line of the caption and again at the end. Link in bio beats a long URL in every post (TikTok and Instagram).
A simple weekly rhythm
- 1× proof of work (before/after or finished job)
- 1× trust post (licence, insurance, how you quote, warranties you actually offer)
- 1× offer (now booking, seasonal maintenance, refer a mate)
Three posts a week beats daily spam you abandon in week two.
Caption rules that stay honest
- Say the suburb or region you actually service.
- If you are not GST-registered, do not imply prices include GST savings you cannot explain.
- Licence numbers and ticket claims must be current.
- Safety posts should not demonstrate unsafe shortcuts "as a joke" without making the safe method obvious.
Questions the other guides don't answer
Canva free vs Pro for a sole trader?
Free Canva is enough to import a pack, swap photos and export. Pro helps if you need brand-kit locking and background remover every day. Start free.
Should welders use the same pack as plumbers?
The layout system can be the same. The topics should match the trade (mild vs stainless, finishes, hot work, AS/NZS 1554 explainers for fab shops; blocked drains and leak photos for plumbers).
Do hashtags still matter?
A few specific ones (#brisbane welder, #goldcoastplumber) help discovery more than a block of 30 generic tags. The photo and the first caption line matter more.
What about boosting posts?
That is paid spend. Get organic posts and a clear lead path working first. Any ad spend needs an explicit yes under Andwat money rules.
Quick answers
What social posts work for Australian tradies?
Proof-of-work before/after photos, clear 'now booking' offers, honest quote and payment-term explainers, and trust posts such as licence checks. Fake reviews and vague 'best in town' claims waste trust.
Do I need Canva Pro to use a post pack?
No. Free Canva can import editable packs, swap photos and export. Pro is optional.
How often should a sole trader post?
Three solid posts a week usually beats daily posting you cannot sustain. One proof, one trust, one offer is a simple rhythm.
Can I use template review graphics?
Only with real customer wording you have permission to publish. Leave review cards blank until you have a real review.
Sources
- QBCC – Find a contractor (licence lookup)
- ACCC – False or misleading claims
- business.gov.au – Marketing overview
Related guides
General information only, summarised from the official sources above as at the review date. It isn't legal, WHS or engineering advice. Rules change and your situation may differ, so check the source or ask a professional.