8 Best Social Media Tips to Grow Your Local Shoemaker Business
- Hookle
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Table of Contents
Bonus Tip: Manage All Your Socials in One App
Running a local shoemaking business is no easy feat - but with the right social media strategy, you can build awareness, attract new customers, and keep loyal clients coming back.
With the right social media strategy, you can build awareness & attract new customers
Whether you’re crafting custom leather boots or repairing worn soles, the key to growing in today’s market is having a strong online presence. In this blog, we’ll walk you through practical social media tips that are tailored specifically for shoemakers.
But before we dive in, let’s go over the basics of social media marketing and the best platforms for shoemakers like you.
What is Social Media Marketing for Shoemaker?
Social media marketing is the use of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Google, and TikTok to promote your shoemaking business, connect with customers, and grow your brand.
For local shoemakers, it’s about more than just selling shoes - it's about showcasing your craftsmanship, telling the story behind each pair, and building trust. Whether you're repairing old favorites or creating custom footwear, consistent posting and engagement help you stay visible and relevant.
What Platforms Are Best for Shoemakers?
The best platforms for shoemakers are Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Google Business Profile. These channels are perfect for sharing before-and-after repairs, behind-the-scenes content, customer testimonials, and special offers.
Start with a few platforms - master them first, then grow from there
If you're just starting out, focus on a couple of platforms first. Learn what works, stay consistent, and grow from there.
Managing multiple platforms can take time - but social media management tools like Hookle make it easy. With simple scheduling and automation, you can stay active online without taking time away from your craft.
8 Practical Tips for Your Shoemaker Business’s Social Media
Here are some actionable tips to help you improve your social media presence and create a trusted, engaging experience for your customers - both online and in-store.
1. Show Before-and-After Repair Takes
A great example comes from Shoe Shine, who shared behind-the-scenes video repairing a customer’s shoes originally bought from a supermarket. The upper was high-quality leather, but the sole had worn out quickly. A great example of before and after the full transformation - cleaning, resoling, and restoring the pair to better-than-new condition.
Nothing highlights your skills better than a good before-and-after
Nothing highlights your skills better than a good before-and-after. Whether it's a simple heel fix or a full rebuild, share photos or quick videos of your repair work. These posts are not only visually satisfying - they also build trust and prove the value of your craftsmanship to potential customers.
2. Share Behind-the-Scenes
Beckett Simonon does this brilliantly by taking their audience inside their workshop - showing where the magic happens. From tools on the bench to artisans at work, they beautifully present the space and process behind their handcrafted shoes.
Invite your followers into your world with photos or short clips
You can do the same. Invite your followers into your world with photos or short clips of you stitching, shaping, polishing, or finishing leather. Showing the process builds appreciation for your craft and helps people understand the skill and care behind every pair you make.
3. Use Google Business Profile
A complete Google Business Profile helps local customers find and trust your shoemaker business quickly - it’s often the first thing they see when searching for repairs or custom footwear nearby. So make it count!
List your opening hours, address, and contact details clearly. Add photos of your best work - before-and-after shots, custom creations, or your workshop in action. Link your social media profiles and encourage happy customers to leave reviews - those 5-star ratings build credibility fast.
Keep your profile active with regular updates
Post updates like seasonal shoe care tips, recent repair work, or special offers. You can post directly to Google, or save time with tools like Hookle that let you schedule and publish across Google and all your social channels from one simple app.
Haven’t set up your profile yet? It’s free, easy, and one of the most powerful ways to grow your business locally. Don’t miss out - get started here!
4. Post Shoe Care Tips
Carmina Shoemaker recently shared a fantastic clip with tips on how to clean delicate museum leather shoes - a great example of offering unique, thoughtful advice for proper shoe care.
Shoe care tips provide value and also position you as a trusted expert
You can do the same by sharing tips based on materials, weather, or season. For instance, explain how to waterproof boots for winter, clean suede safely, or store leather shoes during the summer. These kinds of posts not only provide value - they also position you as a trusted expert and keep your social media active and engaging.
5. Share Your Story
Khal Design from Lagos shared a powerful story about her journey into shoemaking - full of persistence, passion, and personal growth. The post was heartfelt, authentic, and incredibly engaging. The comments? Full of love and support.
YES! - your story matters
Your story matters. Share how you got started, what challenges you've faced, and what drives your passion for shoemaking. People connect with people - and your story can inspire trust, loyalty, and real connection with your audience.
6. Show Your Unique Craftsmanship
Bakers Shoes gave a great example of standing out by showcasing their talented designer, Steve, drawing directly onto a shoe last - a traditional and highly skilled technique rarely seen today. It’s a powerful reminder that craftsmanship is your superpower.
Don’t be shy about showing off the details that make your work special. Whether it's hand-stitching, shaping leather, or restoring vintage soles, give your audience a peek at the expertise behind every pair. These moments not only educate but also help customers appreciate the real value behind your service.
7. Use Hashtags that Matter
Aldanondo y Fdez, a shoemaker in Barcelona, shared a simple yet powerful post about shoes - using local hashtags like #Barcelona to connect with nearby customers.
Use Local and Niche Hashtags to Reach the Right Audience
Do the same by adding local and niche hashtags like #shoerepairhelsinki or #handmadeshoes to your posts. Then combine them with broader tags like #leathercraft or #shoemakerlife to expand your reach beyond your neighborhood.
The right mix of hashtags helps people discover your craft - both around the corner and around the world.
8. Stay Consistent with a Content Schedule
Consistency matters - just like getting every stitch and polish right in your shoe repairs. Posting regularly keeps your business visible, builds trust, and reminds your community that you're the go-to shoemaker in town.
Create a simple content plan to stay on track. Even setting aside 30 minutes a week to schedule a few posts can make a big difference. You’ll always have something to share - whether it’s a recent repair, a customer story, or a care tip.
Keep showing up for your local community by posting regularly
Bonus Tip: Managing all your socials doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Tools like Hookle (shown above) help you plan, schedule, and post across platforms from one easy mobile app. Let's talk about this in the next section!
Manage All Your Socials in One App
Running a shoemaker business means juggling repairs, custom orders, customer service, and marketing - all at the same time. A strong online presence is essential for attracting new clients, building trust, and growing your brand.
While it can feel overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. That’s where social media management tools like Hookle come in.
Hookle is built for busy shoemakers like you
With Hookle, you can easily plan and schedule posts ahead of time. Staying consistent and visible on social media becomes effortless - without the extra stress. Powered by AI, Hookle helps you create, schedule, and manage posts across all your channels - including your Google Business Profile - from one simple app.
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!
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