![Thrift Store: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-1_afc25faa-9085-460c-9413-b23f9e5bf7fe.png?v=1715865483&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best thrift stores in the world use strategically to attract customers.
We know you're busy running your thrift store 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 through your doors.
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 thrift store owners.
Get the content idea list made for thrift store owners
A lot of thrift stores 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 thrift store
We have studied dozens of thrift stores’ social media accounts when building our strategy pack for thrift stores - here is what seems to always work.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Get New Customers in Your Thrift Store |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Product Photos | Visually appealing images of unique items can catch the eye of potential customers, encouraging them to visit the store. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showcasing the sorting, pricing, and display processes 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 visit the thrift store. |
| Specials and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, and sales events 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 influencers or businesses can introduce the thrift store to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming events, such as donation drives or themed sales, can attract new visitors interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal items or holiday-themed merchandise can attract customers looking for special finds during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to visit. |
| DIY Project Shares | Sharing DIY projects using thrifted items can intrigue craft enthusiasts and motivate them to visit the store for supplies. |
| New Arrivals Updates | Regularly updating followers with new arrivals keeps the store 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. |
| Thrifting Tips | Sharing tips and tricks for finding the best deals can engage followers who are thrifting enthusiasts. |
| 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 thrift stores make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best thrift stores in the world. Replicate them now!
How can thrift store owners make great content on social media?
What to Prioritize
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your thrift store items are essential.
People shop with their eyes first. Make sure the lighting is good, the items look clean, 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 thrift store. 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 unique finds. 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.
An example of our marketing pack for thrift store owners
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 thrift store “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your thrift store, 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 thrift store 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 thrift store. 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 thrift stores on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, budget-friendly content ideas tailored for thrift stores, complete with practical tips to keep costs low and maximize your social media presence.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your thrift store.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Product Photos | Use natural light by positioning items near windows during daytime. Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Customer Testimonials | Ask satisfied shoppers to leave a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a small discount or a free item as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage customers to share their thrift finds by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your store on Instagram. |
| DIY Upcycling Videos | Film short, simple tutorials on how to upcycle thrifted items 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 new arrivals 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 a captivating photo. |
| Staff Spotlights | Feature staff members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting in the store. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite thrift finds 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 thrift finds. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience at your store. |
| Styled Product Photos | Create attractive displays using inexpensive items like props from dollar stores. Use natural light and your smartphone camera. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as upcycling or reducing waste. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the sorting and pricing 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 gift card or a special item. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a discount coupon. |
| Seasonal Item Posts | Highlight seasonal items using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the item to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best thrift stores in the world!
There are thrift stores that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for thrift stores
Investing in high-quality social media content for your thrift store can be a game-changer. Many other stores might not put in the effort, giving you a unique opportunity to stand out, capture attention, and build a loyal customer base.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Customers |
|---|---|
| Virtual Thrift Hauls | Hosting live or recorded thrift hauls where you showcase new arrivals and unique finds can create excitement and attract a global audience eager to snag one-of-a-kind items. |
| Interactive 360° Store Tours | Offering virtual 360° tours of your store, including special sections and hidden gems, can provide a unique shopping experience and entice people to visit in person. |
| Limited Edition Collections | Creating buzz with limited edition or seasonal collections available for a short time can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat customers. |
| Personal Shopper Experience | Offering an exclusive shopping experience where customers can book a session with a personal shopper can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth. |
| AR Try-On Features | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology where customers can virtually try on clothes can enhance the shopping experience and attract tech-savvy customers. |
| Themed Shopping Events | Hosting themed shopping events, such as a vintage night or a sustainable fashion day, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Thrift Challenge Contests | Organizing thrift challenge contests (e.g., creating an outfit under a certain budget) can create viral moments, attracting fashion enthusiasts and spectators. |
| Collaborative Pop-Up Events | Partnering with other local businesses or influencers to host pop-up events can introduce your store to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your items, the people who donate, or the personal journey of your staff can create an emotional connection with customers. |
| Interactive Style Polls | Allowing customers to vote on social media polls for items they want to see in the store can make them feel involved and eager to visit and purchase the selected items. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as upcycling workshops or sustainable sourcing practices, can attract environmentally conscious consumers and media attention. |
| Mobile Thrift Pop-Ups | Operating a mobile thrift store in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new customers who may visit your main store later. |
| Subscription Box Service | Offering a subscription box service where customers receive curated thrift items monthly can create a loyal customer base. |
| DIY Workshops | Hosting workshops where customers can learn how to upcycle or repurpose thrifted items can attract DIY enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Thrift Events | Organizing flash mob thrift events in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous shoppers looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for thrift stores on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many thrift store owners make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or bring in new customers to your store.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Thrift Stores | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make the thrift store appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your unique items, staff, and store 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 thrift shopping or your store confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your store, unique finds, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your store's quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your store 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 thrift shopping, community, and your store'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 store can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, 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 store 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 store. |
Make your thrift store more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best thrift stores in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your thrift store
We understand that as a thrift store 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 thrift store 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 thrift store 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 thrift store. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small thrift stores on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your thrift store's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your thrift store's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your thrift store could make more money!
Most thrift store owners don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
