Short vertical videos reach homeowners who don't follow you yet. Here is what contractors should film, how to open and how to turn views into estimate requests.
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Why Reels work for contractors
Short vertical videos get shown to people who do not follow you yet, which makes them one of the few free ways to reach new homeowners in your area. A 20-second clip of a deck coming together or a bathroom reveal can reach thousands of local viewers without spending on ads.
What to film
- Reveals: the before, then a quick cut to the after.
- Time-lapses of a job from start to finish.
- Quick tips: "Three signs your deck needs to be replaced."
- Behind the scenes: the crew, the tools, the process.
- Answers to common customer questions.
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Start with a hook
The first two seconds decide if someone keeps watching. Open with the most visual moment or a direct line: "This basement flooded twice. Here's how we fixed it for good." Skip the logo intro and the long greeting.
Simple gear is enough
A recent phone, natural light and steady hands are all you need. Film vertically, keep clips short and add captions, because most people watch without sound.
Make it local
Mention the city or neighborhood in the caption and on screen. Local viewers trust local contractors, and location keywords help the right people find the video.
Give viewers a next step
End with one clear action: "Send us a message for a free estimate" or "Link in bio to book a visit." Keep your profile ready with a clear bio, service area and contact link.
Post consistently
Two or three Reels a week for a few months beat one viral video. Film a few clips on every job so you never run out of material.
A month of ideas from one job
A single kitchen remodel can give you a demo clip, a time-lapse, a tip about choosing countertops, a crew introduction and a final reveal. Plan the shots at the start of the job, and one project becomes a full week of content. Reuse the same clips on Facebook, TikTok and YouTube Shorts to reach more people with no extra work.
Track what brings calls
Views are nice, but messages and estimate requests pay the bills. Ask every new lead where they found you and note which videos brought them in.
Turn your work into your best advertising.
We help home service contractors turn real projects, videos and events into a steady flow of local leads and booked estimates.
Frequently asked questions
What should contractors post on Instagram Reels?
Reveals, time-lapses, quick tips, behind-the-scenes clips of the crew and answers to common customer questions. Start with the most visual moment, add captions and end with one clear call to action.