Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best painting contractors use strategically to attract clients.
We know you're busy running your painting business and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new clients to your schedule.
To help you out we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for painting contractors.
Get the content idea list made for painting contractors
A lot of painting contractors manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a painting contractor
We have studied dozens of painting contractors’ social media accounts when building strategy pack for painting contractors - here is what seems to always work.
Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Clients for Your Painting Business |
---|---|
Before-and-After Photos | Visually striking transformations showcase your skills and can make potential clients excited about the possibilities for their own spaces. |
Project Walkthrough Videos | Showing the process from start to finish builds trust and demonstrates your expertise, making clients feel more comfortable hiring you. |
Client Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients provide social proof and encourage others to choose your services. |
Special Offers and Discounts | Announcing limited-time offers and discounts can attract new clients looking for a good deal on painting services. |
User-Generated Content | Sharing photos and reviews from clients engages the community and adds authenticity to your brand. |
Local Collaborations | Partnering with local businesses or influencers can introduce your services to a broader, local audience. |
Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming workshops, open houses, or community events can attract new clients interested in learning more about your services. |
Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal color trends or holiday-themed projects can attract clients looking to refresh their spaces during those times. |
Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to consider your services. |
DIY Tips and Tricks | Sharing painting tips and tricks can engage DIY enthusiasts and position you as an expert, making them more likely to hire you for larger projects. |
Daily Project Updates | Regularly updating followers with ongoing projects keeps your business top-of-mind and showcases your consistent work quality. |
Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about your team members creates a personal connection and humanizes your brand. |
Color Inspiration Posts | Sharing color palettes and design inspiration can engage followers who are planning their own projects and may need professional help. |
Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting eco-friendly practices or sustainable materials appeals to environmentally conscious clients. |
Client Spotlights | Featuring regular clients creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into clients. |
Some painting contractors make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best painting contractors in the world. Replicate them now!
How can painting contractors make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your painting projects are essential.
People judge with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the colors are vibrant, and the finished work looks impeccable.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your painting business. Behind-the-scenes photos, staff stories, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential customers excited, highlight any special offers, seasonal discounts, or unique projects. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new customers.
An example of our marketing pack for painting contractors
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your painting business “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your painting business, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for painting contractors.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage customers to share their own photos and tag your painting business. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for painting contractors on social media
Our team has created a list of highly specific, budget-friendly content ideas tailored for painting contractors, complete with practical tips to keep costs low and maximize your social media presence.
Consider incorporating some of these ideas into your painting business's marketing plan.
Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
---|---|
Smartphone Project Photos | Utilize natural light by taking photos of your completed projects during the day. Enhance these images with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
Customer Testimonials | Ask satisfied clients to record a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a small discount on future services as a thank-you. |
User-Generated Content | Encourage clients to share photos of your work by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your business on Instagram. |
DIY Painting Tips | Film short, simple tutorials on painting techniques using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your painting process or introduce the team during slower periods. |
Before-and-After Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics showcasing before-and-after photos of your projects using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description of the transformation. |
Staff Spotlights | Feature team members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting on the job site. |
Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite paint colors or suggestions for new services. |
Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
Customer Spotlights | Highlight loyal customers with photos of their newly painted spaces. Share a short story about their experience with your services. |
Project Setup Photos | Create attractive setups using inexpensive items like drop cloths, painter's tape, and props from dollar stores. |
Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as using low-VOC paints or recycling materials. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the prep work, such as taping edges or mixing paint. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free room painting. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free consultation. |
Seasonal Color Posts | Highlight seasonal color trends using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the color choice to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best painting contractors in the world!
There are painting contractors that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for painting contractors
Investing in high-quality social media content for your painting contractor business can be a game-changer. Many competitors might overlook this, giving you a golden opportunity to stand out, capture attention, and build a loyal client base.
Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Customers |
---|---|
Live Painting Demonstrations | Hosting live or recorded painting demonstrations where your team showcases techniques and tips can create a sense of community and attract a wide audience interested in home improvement. |
Interactive 360° Project Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of completed projects can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice potential clients to hire your services. |
Limited Time Service Offers | Creating buzz with limited-time discounts or seasonal service packages can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat clients. |
Client Testimonial Videos | Sharing video testimonials from satisfied clients can build trust and credibility, encouraging potential customers to choose your services. |
AR Color Visualization | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology that allows clients to visualize different paint colors on their walls can enhance the decision-making process and attract tech-savvy customers. |
Themed Painting Projects | Showcasing themed painting projects, such as holiday or seasonal designs, can provide inspiration and attract clients looking for unique and personalized services. |
Painting Challenge Contests | Organizing painting challenge contests (e.g., best DIY paint job) can create viral moments, attracting DIY enthusiasts and spectators. |
Collaborative Community Projects | Partnering with local artists or businesses to work on community projects can introduce your services to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about your projects, the materials you use, or the personal journey of your team can create an emotional connection with clients. |
Interactive Color Selection | Allowing clients to choose color schemes for a project via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to see the final results. |
Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as using sustainable paints or recycling materials, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
Mobile Painting Services | Operating a mobile painting service that visits different neighborhoods or local events can expand your reach and attract new clients who may hire you for larger projects later. |
DIY Painting Kits | Offering DIY painting kits with instructions and materials can create a loyal customer base who may turn to you for more complex projects in the future. |
Immersive Painting Workshops | Hosting workshops where clients can learn advanced painting techniques from your team can attract home improvement enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
Flash Mob Painting Events | Organizing flash mob painting events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous clients looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for painting contractors on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many painting contractors make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the competition or bring in new clients for your business.
Content Type | Why It Never Works for Painting Contractors | Do This Instead |
---|---|---|
Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make your business appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your completed projects, team, and work process to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, customer testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with painting or home improvement confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your services, projects, tips, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your business's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your work positively. |
Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on your services, community, and your business's unique offerings. |
Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate customers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your customers and value their feedback. |
Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your business can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential clients. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input. |
Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your business seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers to grasp and engage with. |
Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your business. |
Make your painting contracting service more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best painting contractors in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your painting contracting service
We understand that as a painting contractor, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running a painting business are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for painting contractors like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your painting business. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small painting contractors on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your painting business's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your business's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your painting contracting service could make more money!
Most painting contractors don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.