Summary
- Choose one platform and post two or three times a week.
- Before-and-after and process content outperform everything else.
- Batch an hour a week: photograph, write, schedule, reply.
- Track enquiries and calls, never follower counts.
- Boost posts that already worked organically before paying for more.
Quick answer
Pick one platform, post two or three times a week, and make most of it before-and-after work with prices or process explained. That beats daily posting across five platforms every time.
Which platform, for whom
| Platform | Best for | Realistic effort |
|---|---|---|
| Visual trades, beauty, food, interiors | 3 posts + stories weekly | |
| Local services, community groups, older audiences | 2–3 posts weekly | |
| TikTok / Reels | Reach-driven trades, demonstrations, personality | 3–5 short videos weekly |
| B2B services, recruitment, consultancy | 2 posts weekly | |
| YouTube | How-to depth, long-term search traffic | 2 videos monthly |
Local service businesses usually win on Facebook groups and Instagram; B2B on LinkedIn. Choosing one and doing it properly outperforms spreading thin.
What to post
Avoid: stock photos, motivational quotes, and posts that only say "call us".
An hour a week, done properly
Batching is the only sustainable approach for a business owner who also does the work.
Costs
| Option | US monthly | UK monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself | Time only | Time only |
| Freelancer, content and scheduling | $400–1,200 | £300–900 |
| Agency management | $1,000–3,000 | £800–2,200 |
| Paid boosting / ads | $200–1,500 | £150–1,200 |
| Scheduling tool | $15–60 | £12–45 |
Measuring what matters
Followers are not the goal. Track: profile visits, link clicks, direct messages, calls from the profile, and jobs won that mention social media. If three months of effort produce no enquiries, change the content format before increasing the frequency.
Summary
One platform, two or three posts a week, mostly before-and-after and process content, with an hour a week batched. Measure enquiries rather than followers, and let search and reviews carry the rest of your marketing.