Simple Social Media Tips for New Shop Owners

Quick-Start Guide: Social Media for Consignment and Resale Shops

Skip the overwhelm! Select 1 or 2 channels that fit your community and focus on easy, visual, and repeatable content. Consistency, not perfection, brings followers and customers.

1. Pick Your Main Platforms

• Facebook: Works for almost any age group. Post updates, events, photos, and respond to messages from shoppers and consignors.
• Instagram: Visual, quick, and easy for sharing inventory and store displays. Great for style and home shops.
• Optional: Try TikTok, Nextdoor, or local Facebook groups when you get comfortable, but don’t overwhelm yourself at first.

2. What and When to Post

• Post 3–5 times per week to start. Use a mix of:
• New arrivals (“Just in Lululemon joggers, $12!”)
• Sale alerts or pop-up events
• Behind the scenes (restocking, displays, prepping new inventory)
• Customer photos (with permission) or reviews
• Seasonal/decor changes (“Spring is here! Shop dresses under $15.”)

3. Making Photos Work for You

• Use natural light or well-lit displays.
• Show items with price and quick description ("Coach wristlet, $25").
• Include real people where possible (owner, staff, customers). Faces get more views and shares.
• Try photo collages to show more items at once.

4. Engage and Grow with Minimal Effort

• Reply quickly to comments and direct messages. Even a “thank you!” boosts your reach.
• Ask questions (“Which window should get our new display?” or “Would you like more 50% off days?”).
• Share customer tags and stories; reward shoppers who feature your store in their post (discount, entry in a small drawing, etc).

5. Run Simple, Free or Low-Cost Promotions

• "Like and Share/Friend Fridays" for a gift card or store credit.
• Promote sidewalk sales, new intake days, or donation drives.
• Boost the best-performing post to reach locals start with $10 and target nearby towns and your city.

6. Track What Works (and Skip the Rest)

• Ask each customer how they heard about you and keep tallies for each channel.
• Watch which types of posts get more likes, comments, or questions, and do more of those.
• Avoid paid services promising “followers” focus only on local reach and actual visits or contacts.

FAQ: Social Media for Consignment and Thrift Owners

Quick Checklist: Social Media Wins for Shops

• Claim shop pages on Facebook and Instagram
• Post new arrivals, sales, and store events weekly
• Engage with every customer tag or comment
• Experiment and stick with what gets results, not perfection
• Encourage reviews and tags in-store at checkout

Next Steps for Social Success

• Schedule your next week’s posts in advance
• Try one photo, one personal post, and one special each week
• Read our budget marketing guide for more local outreach tips