Facebook vs Instagram vs TikTok: Which Platform Is Best for Tradies?
Not sure which social media platform is right for your trade business? You're not alone. With Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok all competing for your attention, it can feel overwhelming. The good news: you don't need to be everywhere. You just need to be in the right places.
Here's an honest breakdown for Australian tradies.
Facebook: Still the Workhorse for Australian Tradies
Facebook remains the most powerful platform for most Australian trade businesses — especially those targeting homeowners aged 35 and above. It still has over 16 million active Australian users, and local community groups and recommendation pages are thriving.
Facebook works best for:
- Building a professional business page that appears in local searches
- Sharing project photos, before-and-afters, and customer reviews
- Posting in local community groups where homeowners ask for tradie recommendations
- Running targeted ads to homeowners in specific postcodes
Verdict: Facebook is non-negotiable for most Australian tradies. Start here.
Instagram: Great for Visual Trades
Instagram works brilliantly for trades where the finished result photographs beautifully — tiling, painting, landscaping, kitchen renovations, bathroom refits, and concreting.
Instagram works best for:
- Showcasing portfolio-quality project photos
- Reels of transformations and behind-the-scenes content
- Reaching a younger homeowner demographic (25–45 year olds)
- Building a brand aesthetic that attracts premium clients
Verdict: If your work is visual and you want to attract higher-end clients, Instagram is a powerful second platform.
TikTok: High Reach, But Not for Everyone
TikTok can generate enormous reach but requires consistent video content and a willingness to be on camera. A handful of Australian tradies have gone viral — but it's not for everyone.
TikTok works best for:
- Tradies who are comfortable on camera
- Trades with dramatic transformations like demolition or renovation reveals
- Building brand awareness with a younger audience
Verdict: Don't spread yourself thin — master Facebook first, then consider TikTok down the track.
Our Recommendation for Most Tradies
Start with Facebook (essential). Add Instagram if your trade is visual. Revisit TikTok once you have a rhythm.
The biggest mistake tradies make is signing up for everything, posting once, and abandoning it. It's far better to show up consistently on one or two platforms than to be half-hearted on five.
Not Sure Where to Start?
At A Tradies Wife, we'll tell you exactly which platforms make sense for your trade, location, and target customer — then handle everything else. Book a free strategy call to find out more.