How to Get Trade Leads Using Facebook Ads: A Step-by-Step Guide for Builders, Plumbers & Home Improvement Pros

If you're a tradesperson – whether you're a builder, plumber, electrician, or kitchen fitter, you know one thing: no jobs = no money.

And if you're relying purely on word of mouth or Checkatrade to fill your diary, you're missing a big opportunity.

Facebook Ads aren’t just for big brands, they’re one of the most powerful tools to generate local trade leads quickly, reliably, and affordably. In this post, we’ll break down exactly how to use Facebook ads to get high-quality leads for your trade business.

Why Facebook Ads Work for Trades

Facebook might seem like the place for cat videos and memes, but it’s also where your customers scroll every day. Homeowners planning a kitchen refit or a new extension often turn to social media for ideas — and that's your moment to strike.

Key benefits:

• 🎯 Laser targeting by postcode, income level, or homeowner status

• 📱 Instant messages, form submissions, or calls

• 💰 Cheaper than paying for leads on Checkatrade or Google Ads

• 📅 You can fill up your diary weeks in advance

Step 1: Know Who You Want to Work With

Before you run an ad, get clear on your ideal customer.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want local work only?

• Do I want higher-ticket jobs like kitchens or bathrooms?

• Do I want to avoid last-minute emergencies or small jobs?

The clearer you are, the better your ads will perform.

Step 2: Build a Simple Offer

Facebook isn’t the Yellow Pages. People scroll fast, so your ad must be clear and direct.

Here’s a simple formula:

✅ “We’ve got availability for [Service] in [Area]. Free quotes. Booking up fast – message now to get yours!”

Example:

“Local Bathroom Fitters in Romford – Limited Slots This Month. Free Quotes. Message Now.”

Step 3: Create a Click-Worthy Image

Use a photo that makes someone stop scrolling:

• Before/after transformations

• Smiling tradesperson holding tools

• A kitchen or bathroom you’ve installed

• Or a funny image with a headline like:“Tired of chasing jobs? We bring the work to you.”

✅ Tip: Add your logo and use your real photos if possible — it builds trust fast.

Step 4: Set Up Your Targeting

You don’t need to be a Facebook Ads expert. Just focus on:

• Location: Radius around your postcode

• Age: 30–60 (homeowners)

• Interests: Home improvement, DIY, gardening

• Behaviours: Engaged shoppers, recent movers

This narrows your budget to only the right people.

Step 5: Capture Leads Instantly

Use Facebook’s built-in lead form (called a “Lead Ad”) to collect:

• Name

• Phone number

• Type of job

• Preferred time for a callback

You can set this up to send leads straight to your phone or email. Or better yet, connect it to a system like On2Leads so someone else can follow up for you.

Step 6: Follow Up Fast

Speed is everything. If a lead submits a form, call them within 5 minutes.

Not available? Use an AI chatbot or missed call SMS system so they feel like they’ve been contacted straight away — even if you’re on a roof somewhere.

Bonus Tips:

• 📸 Always use real images – stock photos kill trust

• 🧪 Test different ads – short vs long, funny vs serious

• 🔁 Retarget people who visited your website or didn’t complete the form

Final Thoughts

Getting leads on Facebook isn't complicated, but it does take strategy, speed, and the right message.

If you're tired of relying on word of mouth or waiting for your Checkatrade inbox to ping, Facebook can give you daily, consistent leads from people in your area who actually want your services.

And if you’d rather skip the setup and just get leads sent straight to your phone?

Services like On2Leads do all of this for you.

Check us out here https://www.on2leads.com/tradeleads