The short version
- Post the real rack. A phone photo of what's in the shop today beats a catalog shot every time.
- Style one piece 3 ways. It shows the value of a single item and makes shoppers see themselves in it.
- Say when something is a one-off. A shop with limited sizes should say so, because it's true and it moves stock.
- Gift guides, events and restocks give you easy posts all year, and they're the posts locals save.
A boutique lives on foot traffic, and foot traffic now starts on a phone. Someone scrolls your Facebook Page on the way to lunch and decides if your shop is worth the walk. Your last post is the window she's looking in.
Boutique social media post ideas have to feel like your shop: a bit curated, a bit personal and always local. Here are 21 you can edit and post between customers.
What a boutique post needs to do
You aren't an online brand, and that's your edge. Your page should feel like a window display with a person behind it.
- Show a real piece, in your shop, in good light.
- Say what makes it a good pick: fit, fabric, how it styles.
- Include a size note or a limit: "3 left in a medium."
- Say where to find it: the front table, the back rack, the window.
New arrivals and restocks
New stock is your best news. Post it the day it's on the floor, and post it again when the first sizes run out.
Just landed
Just landed: [brand or category], including [item], [item] and [item]. Sizes [range]. Come see them before the weekend crowd.
Photo: The new rack or table, photographed wide.
Unboxing
Box day! We opened a delivery from [maker or city] this morning. [One item] is already spoken for, but there's more in the back.
Photo: An open box with tissue paper and a few pieces.
Back in stock
You asked about [item]. It's back in [colors] and sizes [range]. We only reordered [number], so message us if you want one held.
Photo: The item on the front table with a restock tag.
Last one
One [item] left in a [size]. It's by the front window if you want to try it on. When it's gone, it's gone.
Photo: The last piece on a hanger.
Meet the maker
Meet [maker], the person behind [brand]. [She/He] makes every piece by hand in [place]. We carry [number] of [her/his] designs.
Photo: The maker's tag next to the product.
Style one piece 3 ways
Shoppers hesitate because they can't picture the piece in their closet. Show them. One item, 3 looks, and a clear way to buy it.
The 3-ways post
[Item] 3 ways. 1. Casual: [what to wear it with]. 2. Dressed up: [what to wear it with]. 3. For [occasion or weather]: [what to wear it with]. In the shop in sizes [range]. Come try it on.
One dress, 3 looks
One [color] dress, 3 ways. Weekend with sneakers and a denim jacket. Date night with boots and a belt. Wedding guest with heels and a wrap. It's on the back rack in sizes [range].
Photo: A collage of the 3 outfits.
A scarf, 3 ways
One scarf, 3 ways: wrapped, draped, or tied to your bag. [Price]. In [colors] by the register.
Photo: A scarf tied 3 different ways on a mannequin.
Jeans for every fit
How [style] jeans fit 3 different ways: high waist, mid rise and cropped. Try any of them on and we'll tell you the truth.
Photo: The jeans on 3 hangers, side by side.
Layering for the season
[Cardigan or vest] layered 3 ways for [season]: over a tee, under a coat and as a dress topper. We have [number] colors in stock.
Photo: The piece folded on a table.
Staff picks and customer favorites
A recommendation from a person beats an ad. Let each of your team pick a favorite and say why.
Staff pick
[Name]'s pick this week: [item]. "I wear mine [number] times a week, and it still looks new." Come tell [name] what you think.
Photo: The staff member holding the item.
Best seller
Our most-asked-about piece this month: [item]. We had [number] and now we have [number]. If you want one, come before the weekend.
Photo: The item on the front table, with a few left.
Customer favorite
[First name] came back for a second [item] today. That's the best review we can get. Thank you, [first name].
Photo: The item on the counter (face optional, with permission).
Behind the buying
Here's how we choose what to carry: we try it on, we wash it, we ask 'would I wear this to [place]?' If the answer is no, it doesn't make the rack.
Photo: The owner holding up a piece in the stock room.
Local events and in-store happenings
A boutique is part of a street, and the street is part of a town. Posts that connect you to what's happening nearby get shared. See how to use local Facebook groups as a business to reach more neighbors.
Small Business Saturday
This Saturday we're open [hours] for Small Business Saturday. [Perk or deal] for the first [number] shoppers. Bring a friend and make a day of [street].
Photo: Your storefront with the open sign lit.
Trunk show or pop-up
[Maker or brand] is here [day] from [time] to [time] with their full line. Come meet [name], try everything on and ask your questions.
Photo: A rack set up for the event.
Street fair or market day
[Event] is on [street] this weekend and we're open [hours]. Park behind the shop and come see us when you're done.
Photo: The sidewalk sale rack out front.
Ladies night or class
[Day] at [time]: a free styling night with [name]. Wine, snacks and honest opinions. Message us to save a spot, because we're keeping it small.
Photo: The shop floor set up with chairs.
Gift guides and holiday shopping
People shop for gifts in a hurry and want a hand. Make it easy by sorting your best picks by who they're for. More holiday timing in holiday post ideas for small business.
| For | Post idea | Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Mom or grandma | A soft scarf, a candle, a cozy wrap | The 3 together on a table |
| Best friend | A statement necklace or tote | The piece on a mannequin |
| Teacher or coworker | A small gift under [price] | A gift bag at the register |
| Someone hard to buy for | A gift card, wrapped | The card tucked in a box |
Gift guide under a price
Gifts under [price] at [shop]: [item], [item] and [item]. All wrapped free. Come in by [date] and we'll help you pick.
Photo: 3 small gifts laid out on a table.
Wrap station
Free gift wrapping at the register this week. Bring a gift from anywhere, or pick one here. We're open late on [days].
Photo: The wrap station with ribbon and tissue.
Gift card reminder
Not sure what she'd like? A gift card works for any size and any taste. Pick one up at the counter or message us.
Photo: A gift card in a small box.
Holiday hours
Holiday hours: open [days and times], closed [dates]. Last chance to shop before [holiday] is [day] at [time].
Photo: A hand-lettered hours sign on the door.
A week of boutique posts
3 or 4 posts a week
- TueNew arrival or restockWhatever landed this week, shot in the shop.
- ThuStyle it 3 waysOne piece, 3 looks, one clear place to find it.
- FriWeekend planHours, an event or a gift-guide pick.
- SunStaff pick or thank-youA person, a favorite or a customer.
To write a month in an hour, try how to batch social media posts. If you're stuck, what to post when you have nothing to say has easy fallbacks.
What makes a boutique page look closed
Do
- Show what's actually on the floor.
- Name sizes and quantities, because they build urgency honestly.
- Put your hours on every holiday post.
- Reply to "do you have this in a [size]?" the same day.
Don't
- Copy a supplier's catalog photos.
- Post a sale from last season.
- Say "limited" when you have 40.
- Post only about discounts. People come for the finds.