![Shopping App: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-2_2014824b-3526-4cbc-86f0-7158e9319d53.png?v=1715865584&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best shopping apps in the world use strategically to attract customers.
We know you're busy managing your shopping app and the thought of handling social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new users to your app.
To help you out, we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for shopping app owners.
Get the content idea list made for shopping app developers
A lot of shopping apps manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for a shopping app
We have analyzed numerous shopping apps' social media strategies while developing our strategy pack for shopping apps - here is what consistently drives user engagement and growth.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Attract New Users to Your Shopping App |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Product Photos | Visually appealing images of products can entice potential users to explore the app and make purchases. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the product development process and team members builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
| Customer Reviews | Positive reviews and testimonials from real users provide social proof and encourage others to download and use the app. |
| Exclusive Deals and Promotions | Announcing app-exclusive offers, discounts, and flash sales can attract new users looking for great deals. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by users (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity to the app. |
| Influencer Collaborations | Partnering with influencers can introduce the app to a broader audience and build credibility. |
| New Product Announcements | Promoting new arrivals and exclusive product launches can attract users interested in the latest trends. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Promotions | Highlighting seasonal sales or holiday-themed products can attract users looking for special shopping options during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to use the app. |
| Style Guides and Tips | Sharing style guides or shopping tips can intrigue fashion enthusiasts and motivate them to explore the app's offerings. |
| Daily Deals Updates | Regularly updating followers with daily deals keeps the app top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous purchases. |
| Team Member Spotlights | Featuring stories about the team members creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
| Shopping Tips and Hacks | Sharing tips and tricks for getting the best deals can engage followers who are savvy shoppers. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or eco-friendly products appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. |
| User Spotlights | Featuring regular users creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into users. |
Some shopping apps make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best shopping apps in the world. Replicate them now!
How can shopping app developers make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your products are essential.
People shop with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the products look appealing, and the presentation is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your shopping app. Behind-the-scenes photos, team stories, and customer shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential customers excited, highlight any special offers, new arrivals, or seasonal sales. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new customers.
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your shopping app’s “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your shopping app, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for app owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficiently
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage customers to share their own photos and tag your shopping app. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for shopping apps on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, budget-friendly content ideas tailored for shopping apps, complete with practical tips to keep costs low and maximize social media engagement.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your shopping app.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Product Photos | Utilize natural light by photographing products near windows during the day. Enhance images with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Customer Reviews | Encourage satisfied customers to leave a quick video review on their phone. Offer a small discount or coupon as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Motivate customers to share their product photos by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your app on Instagram. |
| DIY Unboxing Videos | Film short, simple unboxing videos of popular products using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your daily operations or introduce the team during slow hours. |
| Daily Deal Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for daily deals using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and an appealing photo. |
| Team Spotlights | Feature team members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the office or warehouse. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite products or suggestions for new items. |
| Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Customer Spotlights | Highlight loyal customers with their favorite products. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience with your app. |
| Styled Product Photos | Create attractive settings using inexpensive items like tablecloths, props, and backdrops from dollar stores. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as using recyclable packaging or supporting local suppliers. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the product preparation or packaging process. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free product. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a discount voucher. |
| Seasonal Product Posts | Highlight seasonal products using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the product to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best shopping apps in the world!
There are shopping apps that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for shopping apps
Investing in high-quality social media content for your shopping app can be a game-changer. Many other apps might not put in the effort, giving you a golden opportunity to stand out, capture attention, and build a loyal user base.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Users |
|---|---|
| Live Shopping Events | Hosting live shopping events where influencers or experts showcase products can create a sense of urgency and community, attracting a global audience. |
| Interactive 360° Product Views | Offering 360° views of products can provide a unique and detailed shopping experience, enticing users to make a purchase. |
| Limited Edition Product Drops | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal products available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat users. |
| Exclusive Member Discounts | Offering exclusive discounts to app members can create a sense of exclusivity and encourage more sign-ups and purchases. |
| AR Product Try-Ons | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology where users can virtually try on products can enhance the shopping experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
| Themed Shopping Events | Hosting themed shopping events, such as a holiday sale or a back-to-school event, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Shopping Challenges | Organizing shopping challenges (e.g., creating the best outfit under a budget) can create viral moments, attracting competitive shoppers and spectators. |
| Collaborative Brand Pop-Ups | Partnering with other brands to host pop-up events can introduce your app to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your products, the artisans you source from, or the personal journey of your brand can create an emotional connection with users. |
| Interactive Product Selection | Allowing users to vote on new product releases via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to try the products they helped choose. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as sustainable packaging or ethical sourcing practices, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
| Mobile Pop-Up Shops | Operating a mobile pop-up shop in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new users who may download your app later. |
| Subscription Box Service | Offering a subscription box service where users receive monthly curated products can create a loyal customer base. |
| Immersive Product Workshops | Hosting workshops where users can learn about the products and how to use them can attract enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Sale Events | Organizing flash sale events with limited-time offers can create viral content and attract bargain hunters looking for unique deals. |
Content that never works well for shopping apps on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these strategies. We've seen many shopping app developers make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the competition or attract new users to your app.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Shopping Apps | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the app appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your products, team, and user experiences to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off users. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, user testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with shopping or your app confuses users and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your app, products, shopping tips, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your app's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your app positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on shopping, community, and your app's unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate users looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your users and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your app can bore users and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with influencers, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential users. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value user input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your app seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your users and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate users and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for users to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your app. |
Make your shopping app more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best shopping apps in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your shopping app
We understand that as a small business owner, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running your business are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically designed for small business owners like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your business. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small businesses on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your business's visibility online.
With our social media marketing pack, you can invest in your business's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your shopping app could make more money!
Most shopping app developers don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
