Free guide to starting a UK plant hire companyUpdated October 2026 · Browse all guides

Sales and marketing

Plant hire social media and video marketing

Which social platforms work for plant hire, what to post, how to film machines safely, and a simple weekly routine that brings enquiries.

Guide specPHSUG-74
Read time5 min
LevelBeginner
RoutineWeekly
UpdatedOct 2026

Key takeaways

  • Pick one or two platforms your customers actually use; don't try to be everywhere.
  • Post real machines on real jobs; short videos of work outperform polished adverts.
  • Ask permission before filming on customers' sites, and never post unsafe practice.
  • A simple weekly routine beats bursts of activity.

Which platforms

PlatformGood forTypical audience
FacebookLocal trade groups, community pages, reviewsBuilders, landscapers, homeowners
InstagramPhotos and short videos of machines at workLandscapers, younger trades
TikTok / YouTube ShortsShort videos, machines in actionWide reach, younger operators
YouTubeHow-to and machine walkround videosHomeowners and new trades researching
LinkedInContractors, housebuilders, procurementLarger customers and partners

What to post

POST 01

Machines at work

Short clips of your machines on jobs (with permission).

POST 02

New arrivals

A new machine or attachment, with specs and price.

POST 03

Availability

"Free this week" posts for idle machines.

POST 04

Tips

Which machine for which job; access widths.

POST 05

Behind the scenes

Servicing, cleaning, loading, the team.

POST 06

Customer shout-outs

Thank regular customers and share their work.

Filming machines

  • Phone video is fine: horizontal for YouTube, vertical for Reels, Shorts and TikTok.
  • Keep clips short: 15–45 seconds.
  • Show the machine's size against a gate, wall or person for scale.
  • Ask the customer before filming their site, and avoid filming people without consent.
  • Make sure everyone in shot follows safe practice: PPE, exclusion zones, seat belts.

A weekly routine

  1. 01

    Monday

    Post what's available this week.

  2. 02

    Midweek

    One video or photo from a job.

  3. 03

    Friday

    A tip, a new arrival or a thank-you.

  4. 04

    Every day

    Reply to comments and messages quickly.

  5. 05

    Monthly

    Check which posts brought enquiries.

Things to avoid

  • Posting customers' sites, vehicles or addresses without permission.
  • Arguing in comments.
  • Buying followers.
  • Running competitions that break platform rules.
  • Letting accounts go silent for months; an inactive page looks like a closed business.

Pair social media with reviews and content.

FAQs

Common questions

Which social media is best for plant hire?
Usually Facebook for local trades and community groups, Instagram or short-video platforms for machines at work, and LinkedIn for larger contractors and housebuilders.
What should a plant hire company post on social media?
Machines at work, new arrivals, weekly availability, tips on choosing machines, behind-the-scenes servicing and thank-yous to regular customers.
Can I film my machines on a customer's site?
Ask the customer first, avoid filming people without consent, and make sure everything shown follows safe practice.

This guide is general information for people setting up a plant hire business in the UK. It is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice. Rules and thresholds change, so check current guidance on GOV.UK and take advice from an accountant, solicitor or broker before acting.