8 Top Social Media Tips for Gift and Souvenir Shops

Hookle
May 22
6 min read

Tell the Story Behind Your Shop
Use Seasonal and Local Hashtags
Create a “Gift Guide” Series
Show Off Your Amazing Team
Share Behind-the-Scenes Content
Showcase Your Shop and Products
Use Google Business Profile
Consistency Is the Key

Bonus Tip: Manage All Your Socials in One App

In today’s travel-driven world, gift and souvenir shops are more than just places to pick up postcards. They offer lasting memories and local treasures - and your social media presence can help bring those to life before customers even walk through the door.

A strong social media strategy increases visibility, foot traffic, and ultimately, sales.

Whether you're based in a bustling tourist hub or a quiet artisan town, a strong social media strategy can boost your visibility, attract more foot traffic, and increase sales. And if you're targeting international customers, be sure to use English in your posts.

In this blog, we’ll explore practical social media tips specifically tailored for gift and souvenir shop owners. These strategies are easy to implement and suitable for even the busiest business owner.

But before we jump into the tips, let’s start with the basics.

What is Social Media Marketing for Souvenir Shops?

Social media marketing for gift and souvenir shops means using platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Google to showcase your unique products, tell the story behind your shop, connect with travelers, and drive in-store or online purchases.

It’s not just about posting pictures or videos - it's about building a community of people who want a piece of your local culture.

The goal is to attract both locals and tourists by highlighting what makes your shop special, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, and being consistent in your communication.

What Platforms Are Best for Souvenir Shops?

Not all platforms are created equal - especially for local businesses. Your location, products you sell and cultural differences also play a big role in which platforms perform best.

However, based on what works for most shops, here are the top platforms we recommend focusing on.

Instagram: Great for visual content, short videos, and hashtags to reach tourists.
Facebook: Useful for events, promotions, and connecting with locals.
Google Business Profile: Essential for being discovered on Google Search and Maps locally.
TikTok: Ideal for showcasing quirky or fun items in short videos.
Pinterest: Excellent for product discovery, especially handmade or regional items.

Choose 1-2 platforms to start with, and expand as you get comfortable.The key is consistency - not trying to be everywhere at once. Having a hard time choosing? Check out our blog article on how to pick the right platform.

8 Social Media Tips for Gift and Souvenir Shops

Whether you sell locally made crafts, travel mementos, or unique gift items, the right online presence can boost your visibility, build customer trust, and bring more people through your door. Let’s explore practical ways to make your shop stand out and grow your business on social media.

1. Tell the Story Behind Your Shop

Mantel Portland from Orlando shared a simple yet beautiful clip about how she got started with her gift shop - set to inspiring music. A lovely, heartfelt story.

People connect with real, personal, and passionate stories

Tell your audience why you started, what keeps you going, or the challenges you’ve overcome. People connect with stories - especially when they’re real, personal, and passionate. A short video or even a photo with a caption can go a long way in building that connection.

2. Use Seasonal and Local Hashtags

Pinky Pilots shared this adorable pug post using local hashtags like #NewYork, #NewYorkCity, and #ChelseaMarket to connect with nearby audiences - great job!

Use location-based hashtags to help people discover your content

Want to do the same? Use location-based hashtags like #LondonSouvenirs, #SummerInParis, or #GiftShopFinds to help more people discover your content. Keep them fresh by updating with seasonal events and local happenings.

3. Create a “Gift Guide” Series

Typo Shop created a bunch of gift ideas in a Christmas gift guide - complete with festive music and well-chosen hashtags. A great example of seasonal marketing done right!

Make them visual, helpful, and easy to share

Curate themed guides like “Top 5 Gifts Under $20,” “Gifts for Travelers,” or “Souvenirs for Foodies.” Make them visual, helpful, and easy to share. These types of posts not only inspire buyers but also drive engagement and sales during the holidays.

4. Show Off Your Amazing Team

Pink Beach Shop Bajo from Indonesia showcased their team in a simple yet effective way - by turning team photos into a TikTok video. A fun, eye-catching approach!

Team representation puts a human face to your brand and builds trust

It puts a human face to your brand and builds trust. Share behind-the-scenes moments, introduce your staff, or highlight team milestones. Whether it's a quick photo montage or a casual video, showing the people behind your business helps your audience feel more connected.

5. Share Behind-the-Scenes Content

Mommy Klau shared a lovely behind-the-scenes look at how they handmake their personalised products as a small business. A great example - and the engagement speaks for itself!

Give your followers a genuine peek into your world

Unpacking deliveries, decorating your shop windows, or prepping for the day - these everyday moments give your followers a genuine peek into your world and help build a stronger connection with your brand.

6. Showcase Your Shop and Products

Buda Castle Souvenir from Budapest, Hungary showcased their shop and products in this lovely quick tour video, complete with welcoming music. A great example!

Encourage your customers to tag your business in their photos or use a unique hashtag. Then, repost their content (with credit). It’s authentic social proof - and saves you from creating all the content yourself!

7. Use Google Business Profile

Don’t skip this one! A complete Google Business Profile helps tourists and local shoppers find and trust your gift or souvenir shop - often before they even visit. It’s usually their first impression, so make it count.

Make sure your profile includes your shop’s details: opening hours, contact info, photos of your best products, and even links to your socials. Highlight what makes your store special - whether it’s local crafts, handmade gifts, or city-themed souvenirs.

Encourage reviews from happy tourists and visitors

Glowing reviews (with photos, if possible) go a long way in building trust and attracting new visitors. You can even gently remind shoppers in person or through a sign at checkout.

Regularly post updates with new arrivals, seasonal promotions, or behind-the-scenes content. You can update your Google Business Profile directly - or use a tool like Hookle to post across Google and all your social channels in one go.

Haven’t created your profile yet? It’s free, easy, and one of the best tools to boost local visibility. Get started here.

8. Consistency Is the Key

Running a gift and souvenir shop means handling everything from new stock arrivals to helping customers find the perfect keepsake - which doesn’t leave much time for social media. The secret? Plan ahead.

Start with a simple content calendar

Take a little time each week - or even just once a month - to plan and prep your posts. Batching content in advance helps keep your shop active online, even during busy seasons.

Let your marketing run on autopilot by using tools like Hookle (shown above) to schedule posts across all your platforms in one go. That way, your social media keeps attracting shoppers while you focus on your store and customers.

Manage All Your Socials in One App

Running a gift or souvenir shop means you're juggling a lot - customers, inventory, suppliers, and more. Social media shouldn’t add stress. That’s where social media management apps like Hookle come in.

Hookle is designed specifically for busy gift shop owners like you

With Hookle, you can create, schedule, and manage all your social media content in one place - even your Google Business Profile. Hookle is designed specifically for small business owners, making it easy to stay visible online while focusing on running your shop.

Whether you're posting a new arrival, promoting an event, or just keeping your brand active, Hookle helps you stay consistent and efficient. Let AI assist you in creating posts, choosing hashtags, and finding the best times to post.

Don’t just take our word for it - try it yourself. Download Hookle for free today and make social media one less thing to worry about!