TikTok for Tradespeople: Showcasing Your Skills Creatively
TikTok has taken the social media world by storm with its short-form video content that appeals to users of all ages. While it may seem like a platform primarily for entertainment, TikTok offers a unique opportunity for tradespeople to creatively showcase their skills.
Create “How-To” Videos
One of the most effective ways to utilise TikTok for your trade business is by creating short and engaging “how-to” videos. Whether you’re a carpenter, plumber, electrician, or any other tradesperson, sharing tips, tricks, and DIY projects can attract a new and enthusiastic audience interested in your expertise.
Imagine you’re a carpenter. You can create a series of 15 to 60-second videos demonstrating various woodworking techniques. From crafting intricate joinery to selecting the right wood for a project, these bite-sized tutorials can both educate and entertain your audience. Use visual cues such as captions, on-screen text, and creative camera angles to make your content engaging and educational.
Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses
In the world of social media, authenticity matters more than ever. Showcasing the behind-the-scenes aspects of your projects can help humanise your business and make you more relatable to your audience. Share snippets of your team working on a project, discuss the challenges you face, and celebrate your successes.
For example, if you’re an electrician, you could film a time-lapse of your team rewiring a house, complete with commentary on the intricacies of the job. Sharing the real-world challenges and problem-solving involved in your trade not only makes for interesting content but also builds trust and authenticity with your audience.
Leverage Trending Challenges
TikTok is known for its trending challenges and hashtags. Staying on top of TikTok trends and participating in relevant challenges that align with your trade can give your content a significant boost. By adapting these trends to showcase your trade skills, you can make your content more relatable to a broader audience.
Let’s say you’re a landscape gardener. You can jump on a trending challenge that involves transforming a neglected backyard into a lush oasis in under a minute. These challenges not only help you reach a wider audience but also allow you to showcase your creativity and expertise within the constraints of the platform.
Clubhouse for Tradespeople: Networking and Knowledge Sharing
Clubhouse, the audio-based social platform, may not boast the visual allure of TikTok, but it offers a distinctive opportunity for tradespeople to network, share knowledge, and establish themselves as industry experts.
Join Relevant Clubs
Clubhouse hosts a plethora of clubs and rooms dedicated to various trades and industries. Finding clubs that align with your trade and joining them is a fantastic way to connect with like-minded professionals and potential clients.
As a tradesperson, imagine you’re a member of the “Home Improvement Pros” club. This club gathers experts from various trades who discuss topics related to home improvement, from DIY projects to renovation tips. Joining such clubs allows you to engage in meaningful discussions within your trade community and expand your professional network.
Host Your Own Rooms
Hosting your own Clubhouse rooms can elevate your status as an authority in your field. Organise discussions on topics within your expertise, answer questions from participants, and share valuable insights.
For instance, if you’re a roofing contractor, you could host a weekly “Roofing Tips and Tricks” room. Here, you can provide advice on maintenance, materials, and how to identify common roofing issues. By facilitating these discussions, you not only engage with your audience but also position yourself as a thought leader within your industry.
Collaborate and Learn
Clubhouse is an excellent platform to learn from other experts in your field. Join rooms hosted by experienced tradespeople, ask questions, and collaborate with others to expand your knowledge and skills. The connections you make on Clubhouse can be instrumental in your professional growth.
Imagine you’re an HVAC technician, and you join a room hosted by a seasoned HVAC professional who shares insights on the latest energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. Engaging in such discussions not only helps you stay updated with industry trends but also allows you to connect with professionals who may become valuable partners or mentors.
Exploring Other Emerging Platforms
While TikTok and Clubhouse are currently making waves, it’s essential to keep an eye on other emerging social media platforms that may offer unique opportunities for tradespeople. The social media landscape is continually evolving, and staying adaptable is key to success.
Snapchat
Snapchat is renowned for its ephemeral content and its predominantly youthful user base. Consider using Snapchat to provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work or to showcase completed projects. This platform can be particularly valuable if your services align with the interests of a younger demographic.
For instance, if you’re a graphic designer, you could use Snapchat to showcase your design process, from brainstorming concepts to finalising logos and graphics. The short-lived nature of Snapchat stories can create a sense of urgency, encouraging followers to keep coming back for more updates.
If your trade involves creating visually appealing projects or designs, Pinterest can be a goldmine for showcasing your work. Create boards highlighting your portfolio, design inspiration, and DIY ideas. This platform can help you reach a more visually-oriented audience.
For instance, if you’re an interior decorator, you can create Pinterest boards that showcase different design styles, colour palettes, and furniture ideas. Each pin can link back to your website or contact information, making it easy for potential clients to reach out to you.
While LinkedIn isn’t a new platform, it continues to evolve with features like LinkedIn Live and Stories. Utilise these tools to share your expertise, connect with professionals in your industry, and establish your authority as a trusted tradesperson.
For example, if you’re a business consultant specialising in helping small businesses grow, you can use LinkedIn Live to host weekly Q&A sessions where you provide valuable insights and advice. LinkedIn Stories can be used to share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your work, client success stories, and testimonials.
In Summary
As a tradesperson, staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of social media is essential for business growth. TikTok offers a creative space to showcase your skills, while Clubhouse provides opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing within your industry. Exploring these emerging platforms, along with keeping an eye on other evolving options like Snapchat, Pinterest, and LinkedIn, can help you connect with a broader audience and position your trade business for remarkable success in the digital age.
Remember that consistency and authenticity are the keys to making the most of these platforms. Engage with your audience, provide valuable content, and adapt to the changing social media landscape to stay relevant and thrive in your trade industry. So, don’t hesitate to dive into the world of new social media platforms—it may just be the boost your trade business needs to reach new heights in the digital era. Embrace these opportunities, and watch your trade business flourish in the digital age.
Catch you next time!
Cheers,
Leigh from Onside Online
