How to Share Your Van Route on Social Media
Published 3 November 2026
Social media is where most customers ask the question every van operator knows: where are you today? Answering it one message at a time does not scale, and a post from this morning quickly goes stale. The fix is to give everyone one link that is always right, and then put that link everywhere.
Start with one permanent link
Your RouteServe link looks like routeserve.app/your-van and never changes. When your route is live it shows a map of where you are. When you pause or end your route it shows that you are not out serving, and nothing about where you were. That one link can sit in every profile and every post for the whole season, so you never have to update it. See the how it works page for the full flow.
- Bio link. Put your RouteServe link in the website field, and say what it is: "See where the van is right now".
- Stories. On days you are out, post a story and add your link. A short note such as "Out until 6pm" works well.
- Pinned post. Pin one post that explains how to find you and shows the QR code, so new followers see it first.
Add your link to your page's website field and to the About section. Pin a post at the top of the page with the link and a line such as "Tap here to see where we are right now". Local community groups are often where people ask about vans, so when it is allowed, drop your link into relevant threads rather than typing street names.
If you keep a WhatsApp Business profile, add the link to the website field. If you have regulars who message you directly, a saved reply that contains your link answers the most common question in one tap. Share it in any community or broadcast list you already run, with permission from the people on it.
Make the QR code do the work offline
Not everyone follows you on social media. A QR code on the van, your menu board or your A-board catches the people who do not. Once someone has scanned it, they can save the link to their home screen. Our guide on QR codes on your van covers how to place and test it.
What to post, and how often
You do not need to post constantly. A rhythm that works for many operators looks like this:
- One pinned post that never changes and explains how to find you.
- A story or short post on days you are out, if you have time.
- A post when something changes, such as a new area, a special or an event.
The live map covers the "where are you now" question, so your posts can be about the things that make people want to find you: flavours, specials, events and the people behind the van.
Keep your privacy in mind
Sharing your location live is only helpful while you are trading. Because RouteServe only shows your position while your route is live, and removes it the moment you pause or end, you can share the link freely without revealing where you park up. Avoid posting photos that show your home street or depot.
Local touches
Mention the places your customers know. A line such as "Usually near the park gates on Saturdays" helps people plan, and the live map confirms it on the day. If you work in a city we have a guide for, such as ice cream vans in Leeds or Glasgow, it can give you ideas for local posts. The same approach works for pizza vans and street food traders.
Quick checklist
- Add your link to your Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp profiles.
- Pin one post that explains how to find you.
- Post a story when you are out.
- Put the QR code on the van for people who do not follow you.
- Read how to get more customers for more ideas.
Try RouteServe free for 30 days
Give customers one permanent link and QR code that shows where you are right now. No customer app and no commission. After your 30 day free trial it is £9.99 a month or £99 a year.