The short version
- Your year runs on seasons. Post for the sport that starts in 3 weeks, not the one that's here.
- Fit and sizing help is your edge over online stores. Show it.
- Local teams, leagues and trails give you posts a chain can't write.
- 3 posts a week is plenty. Pair one season post with one tip and one local post.
A parent needs cleats by Saturday. A hunter needs boots before opening day. Both check a page first, and if yours looks quiet, they head to a big-box store.
These 16 ideas follow the seasons you already sell through. Swap in your sports and your town and post.
What works for a sports and outdoor shop
Shoppers want to know you carry the right size, the right brand and a person who knows the gear. Hardware and farm shops share this "ask the person behind the counter" strength, as in hardware store post ideas.
- Post 2 to 3 weeks before a season starts.
- Name sizes and brands you have in stock.
- Show an employee who plays or hunts or hikes.
- Give fitting hours or a sign-up message.
- Tie posts to local teams and trails.
Season opener posts
Spring sports sign-up
[Sport] sign-ups start [date] at [field or league]. We have cleats, gloves and bags in youth and adult sizes. Come in by [day] and we'll get your kid fit.
Photo: A wall of cleats with sizes visible.
Camp season check
Camping season is [number] weeks out. Check your tent for holes, your stove for leaks and your sleeping bag for smells. Bring anything in and we'll look at it.
Photo: A tent laid out in the parking lot.
Opening day gear
[Season] opens [date]. We have [licenses, ammo, blinds, boots] and a counter full of people who'd rather talk about it than sell it. Hours this week: [hours].
Photo: A boot display with a hunter's jacket hung behind.
Ski and board tune-up
Tune-up season is here. Drop your skis off by [date] for a wax and edge job. Back in [number] days, ready for the lift.
Photo: A ski on the bench with the wax iron.
Fit and know-how posts
Online stores can't measure a foot. You can. Make that the point. Photos of the fitting bench are simple to take, and how to take good photos with a phone can help.
Shoe fitting hours
Free running shoe fitting every [day] from [time] to [time]. We watch you jog on the treadmill and tell you what fits. No need to buy.
Photo: A fitting stool with shoes lined up.
Growing feet
Kids' feet grow fast. For youth cleats, check for a thumb's width of room at the toe. Bring your kid in and we'll check in 2 minutes.
Photo: A thumb pressed on the toe of a cleat.
Gear for the budget
Starting out in [sport]? You don't need the $[price] kit. Here's what to buy first: [item], [item], [item]. The rest can wait.
Photo: The 3 starter items laid on the counter.
How to break in boots
New boots? Wear them around the house for a few evenings first. Your feet will thank you on day 1 of the trip.
Photo: A pair of boots by the door.
Local team and trail posts
Sponsor shout-out
Good luck to the [team name] this season. We're proud to sponsor the [age group] team again. See you at the field.
Photo: The team holding a banner, with the coach's OK.
Trail report
We hiked [trail] on Sunday. It's [condition], with a few muddy spots. Pack [item]. See you out there.
Photo: The trail, shot by a staff member.
Used gear swap
Gear swap on [date] at the shop. Bring outgrown cleats, skates or jackets and trade up. We'll set out tables at [time].
Photo: A table of used gear with price tags.
Repair bench
Broken zipper, torn strap, loose reel? Bring it in. Most repairs take [time], and it costs a lot less than a new one.
Photo: A backpack on the repair bench.
Rental weekend
Renting [kayaks, snowshoes, tents] this weekend from $[price] a day. Call by [day] to hold one. We'll show you how to use it.
Photo: Rentals lined up outside the door.
Staff trip report
[Name] just got back from [trip] with a pack that held up. Here's what [he/she/they] would bring again: [item], [item]. Ask [name] about it in the shop.
Photo: The staff member's pack on the counter.
Clearance rack
Last season's [item] is on the back wall, up to [amount] off while sizes last. Everything is new with tags.
Photo: The rack with the sale sign.
Local event
The [event] is on [date]. We'll have a booth and a free [item] for the first [number] who stop by.
Photo: A booth with your banner.
A simple week of sporting goods posts
Pair a steady rhythm with the season. See a weekly Facebook posting schedule, and join local groups, as in using local Facebook groups. A shop with a small-town feel will like retail store post ideas too.
3 posts a week
- MonSeason postWhat starts in 3 weeks.
- WedFit or gear tipOne question you answer a lot.
- SatLocal postA team, a trail or an event.
What makes a sports shop page miss the season
Do
- Post 2 to 3 weeks ahead of each season.
- Say which sizes you have.
- Show the person who knows the gear.
- Take team photos only with permission.
Don't
- Post last season's sale after it ends.
- Show kids without a parent's OK.
- Give safety advice you can't back up.
- Compare yourself to a chain by name.