Stop Posting for Likes and Start Posting for Profit
If you’re a lawyer in the CBD, an accountant in Chermside, or a mortgage broker in Paddington, you’ve probably felt the frustration of social media. You spend hours thinking of what to post, your staff take a few photos, and then... nothing happens. Maybe you get three likes (one from your mum and two from your employees), but the phone doesn't ring.
Most of what you hear about social media for professional services is complete rubbish. You don’t need to be an "influencer," and you certainly don't need to be dancing on TikTok to get results. For professional services, social media isn't about being famous; it’s about building enough trust so that when someone has a problem, they call you instead of your competitor down the road.
I’ve seen dozens of Brisbane businesses waste thousands of dollars on fancy social media agencies that promise "engagement." Engagement doesn't pay the rent. Enquiries do. Here is how you actually make money from these platforms without wasting your life on them.
The “Expertise Gap” and How to Close It
In professional services, people aren't buying a product; they are buying your brain. They are buying the feeling that their legal problem, their tax mess, or their home loan is in safe hands.
Social media is the best tool ever invented to prove you know what you’re talking about before a client even picks up the phone. But you have to stop posting generic "Happy Monday!" graphics. They are a waste of space.
Instead, focus on the problems your clients have at 2:00 AM. - A family lawyer shouldn't post about "The Importance of Legal Advice." - They should post: "What happens to the house if we separate but I paid the deposit?"
When you answer specific questions, you aren't just "posting content"—you are proving your value. This is how you start getting real enquiries rather than just collecting empty likes from people who will never buy from you.
Use Simple Video to Build Instant Trust
I know, I know. You hate being on camera. Most professional service owners I talk to in Brisbane would rather do their own dental work than film a video.
But here’s the reality: People hire people they like and trust. If a potential client sees a 30-second video of you explaining a complex topic in plain English, they feel like they already know you. The "stranger danger" is gone.
You don’t need a film crew or a studio in Fortitude Valley. Your iPhone and a quiet office are enough. We’ve found that you can get more customers by simply answering one client question per week on video.
The 1-Minute Rule for Professionals: 1. The Hook: Start with the question (e.g., "Can I claim my home office on tax this year?") 2. The Answer: Give the 2-3 main points. Keep it simple. 3. The Call to Action: Tell them what to do next. "If you're unsure, give our office a call."
Stop Trying to Be Everywhere
One of the biggest mistakes I see is a small firm trying to manage Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and whatever the new app of the week is.
If you are a B2B professional (like a commercial lawyer or recruiter), LinkedIn is your goldmine. If you deal with the general public (like a real estate agent or a local vet), Facebook and Instagram are usually better.
I get asked all the time about new platforms like Threads. For most professional services, my advice is usually to wait. You can read our guide on new platforms to see if it's worth your time, but for 90% of you, mastering one or two platforms is much better than being mediocre on five.
The "Local Authority" Strategy
Professional services thrive on local reputation. If you’re a physio in Indooroopilly, you don't care if someone in Perth likes your post. You want the person five minutes away to see it.
To do this, you need to talk about Brisbane. - Mention local landmarks or events. - Share photos of your team at a local coffee shop. - Talk about local regulations or issues affecting Queenslanders specifically.
When Google and social platforms see that you are relevant to a specific location, they are more likely to show your profile to people in that area. It builds a sense of community that makes people want to support you over a big national firm.
What This Will Cost You (Time and Money)
Let’s be honest about the investment. If you do this yourself, it will cost you about 2-3 hours a week. If you hire someone to do it for you, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 a month for a decent local agency.
Warning: If someone offers to do your social media for $200 a month, they are going to post generic, boring junk that will actually make your business look worse. It’s better to do nothing than to look cheap and unprofessional.
How long until you see results? Social media is a slow burn for professional services. It’s not like a Google Ad where the phone rings instantly. It usually takes 3 to 6 months of consistent posting before you start hearing clients say, "I’ve been seeing your videos lately, so I thought I’d give you a call."
Your 3-Step Action Plan
If you want to stop wasting time and start getting more bookings from social media, do these three things this week:
1. Audit your profile: Does your bio clearly state what you do and where you are? Does it have a link to your website or a phone number that works? 2. List 10 questions: Write down the last 10 questions clients asked you in person. These are your next 10 posts. 3. Pick one platform: Choose the one where your clients actually hang out and commit to posting twice a week. Consistency beats quality every single time.
Bottom Line: Is it Worth It?
For most Brisbane professional services, yes—but only if you do it with a focus on sales, not vanity. If you aren't getting enquiries, you're just playing on the internet.
At Local Marketing Group, we help Brisbane businesses cut through the noise and actually make money from their marketing. We don't care about "viral" posts; we care about your bottom line.
Ready to get more phone calls? Contact us at Local Marketing Group and let’s talk about a strategy that actually works for your business.