How to Use Social Media to Drive Foot Traffic to Your Shop

In an age where online shopping is just a click away, getting people to actually visit your physical shop can feel like a challenge. But here’s the good news: social media isn’t just about building your brand online—it’s a powerful tool for getting real customers through your door.

Whether you run a boutique in Bath, a bakery in Birmingham, or a salon in Sheffield, the right social strategy can turn digital engagement into real-world footfall.

At Socially Spotted, we’ve helped countless UK shops use social media to boost in-store visits, create buzz, and build a loyal local following.

Ready to see your shop busier than ever? Here’s your step-by-step guide to using social media to drive foot traffic—starting today.

1. Optimise Your Social Media Profiles for Local Discovery

Before you start posting, make sure your social media profiles are working for you:

• Complete every detail: Fill out your address, opening hours, contact info, and website or booking link on every platform. This makes it easy for people to find and visit you.
• Use local keywords: Mention your town, neighbourhood, or region in your bio and posts. For example, “Independent bookshop in York” or “London’s best vegan bakery.”
• Add your business to Facebook Places: This allows customers to check in, tag your location in posts, and find you in local searches.
• Geotag your posts: Always tag your location on Instagram and Facebook. This helps your posts appear in local discovery feeds and maps.

Tip:
Check your Google Business Profile and other directories to ensure your details are consistent everywhere. Inconsistent info can confuse customers and hurt your local SEO.

2. Share In-Store Exclusives and Time-Limited Offers

Give your online followers a reason to visit in person:

• In-store only promotions: Offer discounts, freebies, or “today only” specials that require a visit to your shop.
• Flash sales: Announce limited-time deals or exclusive products available only to walk-in customers.
• Social media code words: Post a code word or hashtag that customers must mention in-store to unlock a reward.
• Printable or digital coupons: Share coupons on your social channels that can be redeemed at your physical location.

These tactics create urgency and excitement, motivating your online audience to take action offline.

Example:
A Manchester coffee shop posts, “Show this Instagram Story at the counter today for a free cookie with any coffee purchase.”

3. Run Contests, Giveaways, and Check-In Campaigns

Contests and giveaways are fantastic for boosting both online engagement and real-world visits:

• Check-in to win: Encourage customers to check in at your shop on Facebook or Instagram for a chance to win a prize.
• Photo contests: Ask visitors to snap a photo in-store (maybe at a branded selfie wall) and tag your business for a chance to win.
• Referral rewards: Offer incentives for customers who bring friends or family to your shop and share their visit on social media.

These campaigns not only get people through the door but also generate user-generated content that promotes your shop to a wider local audience.

4. Leverage Location-Based Targeting and Local Ads

Social media platforms offer powerful tools to reach people near your shop:

• Location-based ads: Use Facebook and Instagram’s geo-targeting to show ads to users within a certain radius of your store.
• Promote local events: Create Facebook Events for in-store happenings, workshops, or launches—these show up in local event searches and notifications.
• Targeted offers: Send mobile coupons or special deals to users who are physically close to your shop.

This ensures your promotions reach the people most likely to pop in.

5. Partner with Local Influencers and Businesses

Influencer partnerships and cross-promotions can expand your reach and drive new visitors:

• Work with local influencers: Invite them to visit, review, or host a live video at your shop. Their followers are often based in your area and trust their recommendations.
• Collaborate with neighbouring businesses: Run joint events, bundle offers, or social media takeovers to tap into each other’s audiences.
• Share community stories: Highlight local collaborations, charity work, or customer spotlights to build goodwill and attract attention.

Example:
A Bristol florist teams up with a nearby bakery for a “Mother’s Day Gift Bundle,” promoted on both businesses’ social channels.

6. Showcase Real Experiences and User-Generated Content

Nothing builds trust like seeing real people enjoying your shop:

• Share customer testimonials and photos: Repost customer images (with permission) and reviews to your feed and Stories.
• Create a branded hashtag: Encourage visitors to use your hashtag when posting about their visit, then feature their content on your channels.
• Highlight in-store moments: Post behind-the-scenes videos, staff introductions, or “day in the life” clips to humanise your brand and make your shop feel welcoming.

User-generated content acts as authentic word-of-mouth marketing and inspires others to visit.

7. Host and Promote In-Store Events

Events are a proven way to draw crowds and create buzz:

• Workshops, demos, or tastings: Share teasers and behind-the-scenes prep on social media to build anticipation.
• Live broadcasts: Use Facebook Live or Instagram Stories to stream events, product launches, or Q&As, encouraging viewers to join in person for exclusive perks.
• Event hashtags: Create a hashtag for your event and encourage attendees to use it, amplifying your reach.

Events give people a reason to visit now, not later.

8. Use Local Hashtags and Community Engagement

Maximise your local visibility with smart hashtag and community strategies:

• Location-based hashtags: Use hashtags like #LondonCoffee, #ManchesterMakers, or #[YourTown]Eats to appear in local searches.
• Engage with local groups: Join and participate in local Facebook Groups or community forums, sharing advice and updates (without spamming).
• Support local causes: Share posts about local charities, events, or news—showing you’re invested in the community builds loyalty and encourages visits.

9. Create Shareable In-Store Photo Ops

Give customers a reason to snap and share their visit:

• Selfie walls or branded backdrops: Set up a visually appealing spot in your shop for photos.
• Fun props or seasonal displays: Rotate your displays to keep things fresh and encourage repeat visits and shares.
• Hashtag stickers: Place your Instagram handle or hashtag on mirrors, counters, or product displays to prompt tagging.

These tactics turn your customers into brand ambassadors, spreading the word to their friends and followers.

10. Track Your Results and Refine Your Strategy

Don’t forget to measure what’s working:

• Monitor foot traffic: Use customer counts, POS data, or even simple tallies to track in-store visits after campaigns.
• Check social analytics: Look at engagement, reach, and clicks on location-tagged posts and ads.
• Ask customers: Find out how they heard about your shop—social media mentions are a good sign your efforts are working.

Use these insights to double down on what drives the most visits and tweak your approach over time.

Real-World UK Examples

• **#Warksmas inarwickshire: A social media “A to Z” of local businesses reached 175,000 people, driving Christmas shoppers to independent retailers and generating thousands of likes, shares, and in-store visits.
• Kingdom of Fife’s #TasteofFife: An integrated social media and app campaign connected food lovers with local producers and shops, using interactive trails and influencer partnerships to boost footfall and community spirit.
• Next and ASOS: These UK retailers use Instagram Stories, influencer collaborations, and location-based ads to connect with local audiences and drive both online and in-store sales.

FAQs:

How can I use social media to get more people into my shop?

Share in-store exclusives, run contests, use location-based ads, partner with local influencers, and encourage user-generated content to motivate followers to visit in person.

What social media platforms work best for driving foot traffic?

Facebook and Instagram are top choices for UK shops, thanks to their local targeting, event features, and visual content options. TikTok and Twitter can also be effective for certain audiences.

Should I use paid ads to boost in-store visits?

Yes—location-based ads on Facebook and Instagram are highly effective for reaching nearby customers and promoting events or offers.

How do I measure if social media is bringing people into my shop?

Track foot traffic after campaigns, ask customers how they heard about you, and monitor social media analytics for spikes in engagement and reach on location-tagged posts.

Conclusion

Social media is more than just a place to showcase your products—it’s a bridge between your online presence and your physical shop.

By optimising your profiles, sharing exclusive offers, running engaging campaigns, and connecting with your local community, you can turn digital followers into loyal, in-store customers.

At Socially Spotted, we help UK businesses unlock the full potential of social media to drive foot traffic, build buzz, and grow sales. Start implementing these strategies today—and watch your shop become the place everyone in town wants to visit.