Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best skate shops in the world use strategically to attract customers.
We know you're busy running your skate shop and the thought of managing 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 customers to your shop.
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 skate shop owners.
Get the content idea list made for skate shop owners
A lot of skate shops 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 skate shop
We have studied dozens of skate shops’ social media accounts when building strategy pack for skate shops - here is what seems to always work.
Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Customers in Your Skate Shop |
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High-Quality Skate Gear Photos | Visually appealing images of skateboards, gear, and accessories can make potential customers excited about the products, encouraging them to visit the shop. |
Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the workshop, product assembly, and staff builds trust and creates a connection with the audience. |
Customer Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from real customers provide social proof and encourage others to try the skate shop. |
Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and sales can attract new customers looking for deals. |
User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by customers (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity. |
Local Collaborations | Partnering with local skaters or skate parks can introduce the shop to a broader, local audience. |
Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming skate events, competitions, or workshops can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal gear or holiday promotions can attract customers looking for special items during those times. |
Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to visit. |
Trick Tutorials | Sharing tutorials of popular skate tricks can intrigue skate enthusiasts and motivate them to visit the shop for gear and advice. |
New Arrivals Updates | Regularly updating followers with new arrivals keeps the shop top-of-mind and encourages spontaneous visits. |
Behind-the-Scenes Staff Stories | Featuring stories about the staff members creates a personal connection and humanizes the brand. |
Skate Maintenance Tips | Sharing tips and tricks for maintaining skateboards can engage followers who are skate enthusiasts and DIYers. |
Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or eco-friendly products appeals to environmentally conscious consumers. |
Customer Spotlights | Featuring regular customers 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 customers. |
Some skate shops make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best skate shops in the world. Replicate them now!
How can skate shop owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your skate gear are essential.
Skaters shop with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the products look fresh, 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. Skaters appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your skate shop. Behind-the-scenes photos, staff 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, events, or new arrivals. 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 skate shop “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your skate shop, 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 skate shop owners.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
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 skate shop. 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 skate shops on social media
Our team has crafted this list featuring highly specific, budget-friendly content ideas tailored for skate shops, with practical tips to keep costs low and effectively leverage social media.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your skate shop.
Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
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Smartphone Skate Photos | Use natural light by taking photos of skateboards and gear outside during the day. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
Customer Testimonials | Ask satisfied skaters to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a small discount or free accessory as a thank-you. |
User-Generated Content | Encourage customers to share their skateboarding photos by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your skate shop on Instagram. |
DIY Trick Tutorials | Film short, simple tutorials of popular skate tricks 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 shop setup or introduce the team during slow hours. |
New Arrival Posts | Design simple, eye-catching graphics for new arrivals using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a high-quality photo. |
Staff Spotlights | Feature staff members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the shop. |
Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite skate brands or suggestions for new products. |
Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local skate 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 skate park cleanups or partnerships with community organizations. |
Customer Spotlights | Highlight loyal customers with their favorite gear. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your skate shop. |
Skate Setup Photos | Create attractive setups using inexpensive items like grip tape, stickers, and props from dollar stores. |
Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as recycling old boards or using sustainable materials. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the shop prep work, such as assembling skateboards or organizing gear. 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 accessory. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free set of bearings. |
Seasonal Gear Posts | Highlight seasonal gear and accessories using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the product to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best skate shops in the world!
There are skate shops that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for skate shops
Investing in top-notch social media content for your skate shop might be worth it because many other shops won't bother, giving you a chance to really stand out, grab people's attention, and build a loyal community of skaters.
Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Customers |
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Live Skateboarding Tutorials | Hosting live or recorded skateboarding tutorials where pro skaters teach viewers new tricks can create a sense of community and attract a global audience of skate enthusiasts. |
Interactive 360° Shop Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your skate shop, including the workshop and gear sections, can provide a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice people to visit in person. |
Limited Edition Gear Drops | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal gear available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
Pro Skater Meet-and-Greets | Offering exclusive meet-and-greet sessions with professional skaters can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth buzz. |
AR Gear Previews | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology in your shop where customers can see a 3D representation of gear can enhance the shopping experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
Themed Skate Events | Hosting themed skate events, such as a Halloween skate night or a retro skate jam, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
Skate Challenge Contests | Organizing skate challenge contests (e.g., best trick competition) can create viral moments, attracting competitive skaters and spectators. |
Collaborative Pop-Up Shops | Partnering with other local brands or skate shops to host pop-up events can introduce your shop to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your shop, the skaters you support, or the personal journey of your team can create an emotional connection with customers. |
Interactive Gear Customization | Allowing customers to choose designs for custom skateboards via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to try the creations they helped design. |
Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as sustainable skateboard materials or recycling programs, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
Mobile Skate Clinics | Operating a mobile skate clinic in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your main shop later. |
Subscription Box Service | Offering a subscription service where customers receive monthly skate gear and accessories can create a loyal customer base. |
Immersive Skate Workshops | Hosting workshops where customers can learn advanced skateboarding techniques from pro skaters can attract skate enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
Flash Mob Skate Sessions | Organizing flash mob skate sessions in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous skaters looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for skate shops on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many skate shop owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new customers to your shop.
Content Type | Why It Never Works for Skate Shops | Do This Instead |
---|---|---|
Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the skate shop appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your products, staff, and local skaters to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, customer testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with skating or the shop confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your products, skating events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your shop's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your shop 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 skating, community, and your shop'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 customers looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your customers 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 shop can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local skaters, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential customers. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value customer input. |
Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your shop 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 followers 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 customers and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for customers 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 skate shop. |
Make your skate shop more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best skate shops in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your skate shop
We understand that as a skate shop 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 a skate shop 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 tailored for skate shop 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 skate shop. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small skate shops on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your skate shop's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your skate shop's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your skate shop could make more money!
Most skate shop owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.