Social Media Post Tips for Vendor Booths and Small Retail

How to Make Your Posts Stand Out

Whether you’re using Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, a few simple tweaks can go a long way in boosting visibility and engagement for your booth. Here are some ideas to help you create standout content:

First, always share the store’s location, address, and hours in your description, and encourage followers to come visit. It’s easy for us to overlook adding that info, but if we reach someone who isn’t already following our individual page, they might not have this info handy, and you always want to make it easy for them.

Tip, to make this super easy for me, I use my iPhone’s “text replacement” feature found in keyboard settings to create a text shortcut I can use for this. I type pthours and it drops that full blurb in.

Types of Posts to Try:

1. Show Yourself with Your Products:

Take a photo or video of you holding one of your items, especially if it helps show what you sell. Photo carousel of multiple items, or a video of multiple items. Let people know who the creator is behind the products! This helps put a face to your brand and builds a connection with your audience.

* Tip: Mention where your products are available, and add a bit of background about what inspired you to create or include that specific item.

2. Customer Shopping Experience:

Post a candid photo or short video of someone browsing your booth (with permission, of course … use your spouse or child or even another vendor!). This gives potential customers a feel for what it’s like to shop in person.

* Tip: Mention what the shopper was looking for or admiring to make it more personal, such as “Caught someone checking out our handmade candles—these make perfect gifts!” Include the store location and hours, and tag their main social media profile as well to help spread the word. Use hashtags like #ShopLocal, or #GiftIdeas to connect with a wider audience.

3. “Shop the Look” Post:

Show how customers can pair your products with other items at your location (other vendors) to create a cohesive look or set. For example, if you sell handmade jewelry, pair it with a stylish top or accessory from another vendor to show how it completes an outfit.

* Tip: Tag the other vendor and mention where in the store customers can find both your items and the complementary products. Include phrases like “Shop the look—booth #X for the jewelry and booth #Y for the outfit!” This helps guide customers through the store and encourages them to visit multiple booths.

4. Booth Highlights from Other Vendors:

Share a photo or video featuring merchandise from another vendor’s booth that complements your own products. Tag the other vendor’s social media accounts and mention why their items caught your eye.

* Tip: Cross-promoting with other vendors not only supports each other but also expands your reach to their followers. Tagging boosts visibility for BOTH of your booths!

5. New Arrivals or Restocks:

Let your audience know when you’ve restocked popular items or brought in something new. Use an eye-catching photo of the product on display in your booth.

* Tip: Create a sense of urgency with phrases like “Just restocked!” or “Limited quantities available.”

6. Behind-the-Scenes Content:

Share what goes on before the products hit the shelves—such as crafting, setting up the booth, or packing orders. This adds a personal touch and builds interest in your brand story.

* Tip: Use Instagram Stories or TikTok videos to show the process, then tag @PaintedTreeWestchase so they can share your content, helping to reach a broader audience.

Making Your Posts Most Effective:

* Tag the main location page:

This notifies the main page and helps reach more shoppers.

* Include the Store or Event Location, Address, and Hours:

Make sure every post has this basic info. It makes it easier for new customers to find you, especially if they’re unfamiliar with your location.

* Use Relevant Hashtags:

Include hashtags like #ShopLocal #Handmade #houston #Westchase #Westheimer plus others relevant to your products. This can increase visibility beyond your immediate followers. Keep in mind Instagram now prefers no more than five hashtags.

* Encourage Sharing:

Ask your followers to share the post if they love supporting local artists or small businesses. This simple ask can greatly expand your reach.