Guides · Updated 2026-10-17
AI social media posts for tradesmen (UK): 14 prompts and free tools
AI social media posts for tradesmen save the hardest part, finding the words, so you can post from the van in two minutes. This guide gives UK tradespeople 14 prompts to turn job photos and notes into posts for Facebook, Instagram and Google Business Profile, a month of post ideas, and the free tools that help, with prices checked on each provider's page. Fill in the [brackets], press Copy prompt, and paste into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini.
Free tools that help
| Tool | What it's for | Price | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Writing captions, post ideas and replies | Free plan; paid plans available | 14 Oct 2026 |
| Canva | Before-and-after graphics, price lists, flyers | Free plan; paid plans available | 14 Oct 2026 |
| Adobe Express | Quick graphics and short videos | Free; Premium US$9.99 a month | 14 Oct 2026 |
| Buffer | Scheduling posts to several platforms | Free plan; Essentials $5 a month per channel billed yearly | 14 Oct 2026 |
| Opus Clip | Cutting long videos into short clips | Free; Starter $15 a month | 14 Oct 2026 |
| Google Business Profile | Posts that show on Google Search and Maps | Free | 14 Oct 2026 |
Start with ChatGPT or Claude for words, Canva for pictures and your Google Business Profile for local customers. Add a scheduler only when you post on several platforms.
Good habits: take a before photo on every job, ask the customer's permission before posting, keep house numbers and number plates out of shot, and never claim things you can't back up. AI can get technical details wrong, so read every post before it goes live.
Jump to: Turn a job into a post · Plan a month of posts · Local and Google posts · Stay on the right side of the rules.
Turn a job into a post
1. Before-and-after post from job notes
Write a social media post for my [trade] business in [town] about a job we just finished: [what the job was, the problem, what we did, materials, how long it took]. Two or three short sentences, one useful tip for homeowners, and how to get a quote: [phone or link]. No exaggeration, British spelling. Give me versions for Facebook, Instagram (with 5 local hashtags) and Google Business Profile.
2. Caption from a photo description
I'm posting a photo of [describe photo: e.g. a new consumer unit, a finished patio, a re-tiled roof]. Write three caption options under 40 words each: one practical, one friendly, one that answers a common customer question. British spelling, no emojis overload.
3. Short video script from a job
Write a 30-second video script for a phone video of [job], filmed in [number] clips: what to film in each clip, a one-line voiceover for each, and on-screen text. End with how to book. Plain British English.
Opus Clip can cut longer videos into short clips; its free plan was checked on 14 October 2026.
4. Explain a common problem
Write a short educational post explaining [common problem, e.g. why boilers lose pressure / why fence posts rot / why a fuse keeps tripping] in plain English: the usual causes, what a homeowner can safely check, and when to call a professional. Under 120 words, British spelling. Don't give instructions for anything that should only be done by a qualified tradesperson.
Check the facts yourself before posting; AI tools can get technical details wrong.
Plan a month of posts
5. A month of post ideas
Give me 12 social media post ideas for a [trade] business in [town] for [month], mixing finished jobs, seasonal tips ([season-specific issues]), behind-the-scenes, customer questions and one review. One line each, with the best platform for each.
6. Seasonal tip series
Write four short posts, one a week, on [season] tips for homeowners from a [trade]: [e.g. winter: frozen pipes, gutters, heating checks, power cuts]. Under 80 words each, practical, British spelling, each ending with how to book.
7. Repurpose one job into five posts
Here are my notes on a recent job: [paste]. Turn them into five different posts: a before-and-after, a tip, a 'what we found' story, a question to followers, and a Google Business Profile update. British spelling, under 80 words each.
8. Weekly posting plan that fits around jobs
I can spend [minutes] a week on social media. Make a simple weekly plan: what to photograph on jobs, which day to post on [platforms], and how to batch it. Keep it realistic for a sole trader.
Local and Google posts
9. Google Business Profile post for a service
Write a Google Business Profile post promoting my [service] in [town and nearby areas]: what's included, who it's for, a price from [£] if I want to show one, and a call to action. Under 100 words, British spelling, no exaggerated claims.
10. Local community group post
Write a short, friendly post for a local Facebook community group in [town] introducing my [trade] business: who I am, what I do, the areas I cover, and how to contact me. Not salesy, under 80 words, British spelling.
Check each group's rules on business posts first.
11. Reply to comments on a post
Here are some comments on my post: [paste]. Write short, friendly replies to each, answering questions where I've given you the answer ([details]) and inviting people with specific jobs to message me. Don't make up prices or availability.
12. Job advert post
Write a social post saying my [trade] business is hiring a [role] in [town]: pay [£], hours, what we're looking for, and how to apply. Honest, under 100 words, British spelling.
Stay on the right side of the rules
Marketing emails and texts to individuals need consent, apart from the limited soft opt-in for your own previous customers (ICO). Fake reviews and concealed incentivised reviews are banned under the DMCC Act 2024 (GOV.UK).
13. Ask a customer's permission to post photos
Write a short, friendly text asking [customer name] if I can post photos of the finished [job] on my social media and website, saying I won't show their house number, street name or anything personal, and that it's fine to say no. Under 250 characters, British spelling.
14. Check a post before it goes out
Check this social post for anything that could mislead or cause problems: [paste]. Flag claims I can't back up ("best in town", "cheapest"), anything that shows a customer's address or personal details, and spelling. Suggest a safer version.
More for tradespeople
- Trade guides for social media: builders, plumbers, electricians, roofers and cleaners.
- How tradesmen get more Google reviews has 14 messages to ask for and reply to reviews.
- 42 ChatGPT prompts for tradesmen and best AI tools for tradesmen (UK).
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FAQ
Can AI write social media posts for my trade business?
Yes. Give an AI assistant such as ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini the job details, your town and how to contact you, and it will draft posts for each platform. Check every post before it goes out.
What should tradesmen post on social media?
Finished jobs with before-and-after photos, seasonal tips for homeowners, answers to common questions, behind-the-scenes on site and real reviews. Aim for useful over salesy.
Which social media is best for tradesmen?
For local customers, your Google Business Profile matters most because it shows on Search and Maps. Facebook (including local groups) and Instagram suit visual trades. Pick one or two and post regularly.
How often should a tradesman post?
Whatever you can keep up. One or two posts a week, done consistently, is a realistic start for a sole trader.
Do I need permission to post photos of a customer's house?
It's good practice to ask first, and to keep house numbers, street names, faces and number plates out of shot. Use our permission text above.
Is there a free AI tool for social media posts?
Yes. ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini have free plans for writing, Canva and Adobe Express have free plans for graphics, and Buffer has a free plan for scheduling.