Running a sale or special promotion? Social media is one of the best places to spread the word, but how you promote it can make all the difference. A well-executed campaign can boost engagement, drive traffic, and increase sales. But if your posts come across as spammy, rushed, or repetitive, you risk losing followers instead of gaining customers.
Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts to help your small business promote a sale the right way on social media.
DO: Build Anticipation in Advance
Let your followers know something exciting is coming. Tease your sale a few days ahead with sneak peeks, countdowns, or hints about what will be included.
Try this:
- “We’ve got something BIG coming this weekend… Any guesses?”
- “Set your reminders! Our summer sale starts in 3 days.”
DON’T: Post the Same Thing Over and Over
You want to keep your sale top of mind, but posting the exact same graphic and caption repeatedly will cause followers to scroll past. Mix it up with different post formats and messaging.
Instead:
- Use Stories, Reels, and Carousels to promote the sale in different ways.
- Share customer favourites or bestsellers included in the sale.
- Show the benefits of your product or service instead of just the discount.
DO: Use Clear, Eye-Catching Visuals
Your audience is scrolling fast. Use bold, branded graphics with clear messaging and imagery that makes people stop and pay attention.
Tips:
- Highlight the discount or promotion front and centre.
- Use high-quality images of your products or services.
- Stick to your brand colours and fonts to stay consistent.
DON’T: Forget to Include a Call-to-Action (CTA)
Your followers need to know what to do next. Whether it’s visiting your website, using a discount code, or clicking a link, always include a clear CTA.
Try this:
- “Tap the link in our bio to shop now!”
- “Use code SPRING20 at checkout before Friday.”
DO: Create Urgency and Scarcity
Sales that feel urgent get people to take action. Use countdown timers, limited-time language, or stock updates to encourage quick decisions.
Try this:
- “Only 24 hours left!”
- “Once it’s gone, it’s gone!”
DON’T: Oversell or Sound Desperate
It’s tempting to push hard during a sale, but avoid sounding too salesy. Focus on the value and quality of what you’re offering, not just the price drop.
Instead:
- Share reviews or testimonials to build trust.
- Show how your product or service solves a problem or improves your customer’s life.
DO: Follow Up With Post-Sale Content
Once your sale ends, don’t go silent. Share a thank-you post, customer highlights, or behind-the-scenes content to keep the momentum going and stay connected with your audience.
Try this:
- “Thank you for shopping our biggest sale yet!”
- “Here’s what you missed (but don’t worry—more coming soon!)”
Promote Your Sale with Confidence
Promoting a sale on social media is all about timing, creativity, and connection. Done right, it can boost your visibility, attract new customers, and strengthen relationships with your audience. If you want help planning your next social media sale campaign, SMR Social is here to support your small business with strategy, content creation, and expert guidance.