Using Social Media to Announce Special Offers and Last-Minute Deals
Picture this: It’s a rainy Wednesday afternoon and business is slow.
You’ve got extra stock or a new service you want to push, and you need to reach customers—fast.
What’s the quickest way to get the word out and fill those empty slots or clear those shelves?
For UK businesses, social media is your best friend when it comes to announcing special offers and last-minute deals.
With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok, you can reach hundreds or thousands of local customers in minutes, turning a quiet day into a sell-out.
At Socially Spotted, we’ve helped countless UK brands use social media to create buzz, drive urgency, and boost sales—sometimes in just a few hours. Here’s how you can do it too.
Why Social Media Is Perfect for Flash Offers and Deals
Social media is more than just a place to post pretty pictures.
It’s a real-time marketing tool that lets you connect with your audience instantly.
According to a BT study, nearly a third of UK small businesses now generate more sales from social media than from any other channel, including their own websites.
Whether you’re running a flash sale, a weekend discount, or a last-minute event, social media lets you:
- Reach customers instantly, wherever they are
- Create urgency and excitement with time-limited offers
- Target specific audiences, from loyal followers to new locals
- Track engagement and measure results in real time
Crafting Irresistible Offers That Drive Action
Before you hit “post,” think about what makes your offer truly special.
Is it a limited-time discount, a buy-one-get-one-free, or a special bundle?
The more exclusive and time-sensitive your deal, the more likely people are to act fast.
Tips for crafting great offers:
- Make it clear what’s included and how much customers save
- Use phrases like “Today Only,” “Ends at Midnight,” or “Limited Stock” to create urgency
- Add a unique code or mention that it’s a “social media exclusive” to reward your followers
Use Eye-Catching Visuals and Creative Content
Your offer needs to stand out in a crowded feed.
Use bright, bold images or graphics to showcase your deal.
Short videos, GIFs, or carousel posts are especially effective for grabbing attention and showing off multiple products or services.
Ideas for creative content:
- Before-and-after photos for services (like haircuts or cleaning)
- Quick video demos of products on sale
- Animated graphics highlighting the discount or deal
- User-generated content from happy customers who’ve taken advantage of past offers
Create Urgency with Time-Limited Announcements
Urgency is your best friend when it comes to last-minute deals.
Use countdown timers in Instagram Stories or Facebook posts to visually remind customers that time is running out.
Phrases like “Hurry!” or “Only a few left!” can make all the difference.
How to build urgency:
- Add countdown stickers to Instagram Stories
- Pin your offer post to the top of your Facebook page for maximum visibility
- Use bold calls to action: “Order by 4pm for 20% off!” or “First 20 customers only!”
Announce Offers Across Multiple Channels
Don’t limit yourself to just one platform.
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even TikTok or WhatsApp can all be used to reach different segments of your audience.
Schedule your posts for times when your followers are most active—often early mornings, evenings, or weekends.
Best practices:
- Post simultaneously on Facebook and Instagram for maximum reach
- Use Facebook Events or Instagram countdowns for special promotions
- Share Stories and Reels for extra visibility and real-time engagement
Target the Right Audience
The more relevant your offer, the better your results.
Use social media’s built-in targeting tools to reach local customers, specific age groups, or people interested in your products.
For last-minute deals, focus on your most engaged followers and those who have interacted with your brand recently.
How to target effectively:
- Use Facebook’s audience targeting to narrow by location, interests, or demographics
- Boost posts to reach new potential customers in your area
- Retarget website visitors or email subscribers with exclusive social media deals
For more tips, see WebFX’s guide to social media promotion.
Go Live to Build Real-Time Excitement
Live video is a powerful way to generate buzz and answer questions on the spot.
Use Facebook Live or Instagram Live to announce your deal, show off products, or even run a live countdown to the end of your offer.
This interactive approach can drive immediate engagement and sales.
Live video ideas:
- Unveil a new product or limited-time offer
- Host a Q&A about your sale or services
- Show behind-the-scenes prep for a special event or flash sale
Offer Social-Only Discounts
Reward your followers with exclusive deals they can’t get anywhere else.
Share a discount code or special offer only on your social media pages to encourage people to follow and engage with your brand.
Examples:
- “Show this post in-store for 15% off today only!”
- “Use code INSTA20 at checkout for a surprise discount”
This not only drives immediate sales but also helps you track which platforms are most effective for your promotions.
Collaborate with Influencers and Local Partners
Partnering with local influencers or complementary businesses can expand your reach and add credibility to your offer.
Influencers can share your deal with their followers, while cross-promotions with other brands help you tap into new audiences.
Collaboration ideas:
- Joint giveaways with a neighbouring café or shop
- Influencer “takeovers” to promote your flash sale
- Co-branded posts highlighting both businesses’ special offers
Use Stories, Reels, and Shoppable Posts
Instagram Stories and Reels are ideal for time-sensitive promotions.
Use features like countdown stickers, polls, and swipe-up links (if available) to drive action.
Shoppable posts let customers buy directly from your feed, shortening the path from discovery to purchase.
Tips:
- Post multiple Stories throughout the day to keep your offer top of mind
- Use product tags so followers can shop instantly
- Share user-generated content of customers enjoying their purchases
Monitor and Optimise Your Campaigns
Track the performance of your posts and ads to see what’s working.
Use insights from Facebook and Instagram to monitor reach, engagement, and sales.
Adjust your approach based on which types of content, timing, and platforms drive the best results.
What to track:
- Number of clicks or redemptions on your offer
- Engagement rates (likes, comments, shares)
- Sales generated from each platform
Follow Up and Build Loyalty
After your offer ends, thank your customers for participating.
Share photos or testimonials from happy buyers to build social proof and encourage future engagement.
Consider offering a “thank you” discount to new followers or running regular flash deals to keep your audience excited.
Real-World Example: UK Businesses Winning with Social Media Offers
A recent BT study found that 28% of UK small businesses now generate more sales from social media than from any other channel.
For example, local retailers often use Instagram Stories to announce “today only” deals, while cafés post Facebook updates about lunchtime specials to fill tables on quiet days.
By using urgency, targeting, and creative content, these businesses turn social media engagement into real revenue.
FAQs:
How do I announce a last-minute deal on social media?
Use bold visuals and urgent language like “Last Chance” or “Ends Today.”
Post across multiple platforms, use Stories and countdowns, and consider going live for extra excitement.
What’s the best time to post special offers on social media?
Early mornings, evenings, and weekends often see the highest engagement.
Check your social media insights to find when your audience is most active.
Should I use paid ads to promote my offers?
Yes, boosting posts or running targeted ads can help your offer reach more local customers, especially if you want to drive quick results.
How do I track the success of my social media deals?
Monitor engagement (likes, comments, shares), clicks, and sales.
Use unique discount codes or links to measure redemptions from each platform.
Can I offer exclusive discounts to my social media followers?
Absolutely! Social-only discounts are a great way to reward your followers and encourage more people to engage with your brand.
Conclusion
Social media is the fastest, most effective way for UK businesses to announce special offers and last-minute deals.
By creating urgency, using eye-catching content, targeting the right audience, and leveraging features like Stories and live video, you can turn a single post into a surge of sales.
At Socially Spotted, we help businesses across the UK make the most of every opportunity—so the next time you have a flash offer or last-minute deal, let social media do the heavy lifting and watch your business grow.