8 Top Social Media Tips to Grow Your Local Shoe Repair Business
- Hookle
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Table of Contents
Bonus Tip: Manage All Your Socials in One App
In today's digital world, even traditional, locally-based businesses like shoe repair shops can attract more customers with a smart social media presence. Whether you're restoring high-end leather shoes, fixing zippers on boots, or shining up worn-out heels, social media gives you the tools to showcase your work, build trust, and bring new customers through your door.
With social media you can showcase your work, build trust, and get new customers
The good news? You don’t need to be a marketing expert to get started. These practical tips are designed specifically for local cobblers and shoe repair professionals - easy to implement, with real results.
Before we dive into the tips, let’s cover the basics of social media marketing and which platforms work best for a business like yours.
What is Social Media Marketing for Shoe Repair Businesses?
Social media marketing means using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Google Business Profile to promote your services, engage with your community, and grow your customer base.
For shoe repair shops, this could include:
Posting before-and-after repair photos
Sharing shoe care tips
Promoting seasonal offers (like winter boot repairs)
Highlighting happy customers or unique repair jobs
The goal isn’t just to sell - it’s to build a local brand, stay visible, and become the go-to name for shoe repairs in your area.
What Platforms Are Best for Shoe Repair Businesses?
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 shoe businesses, here are the top platforms we recommend focusing on.
Facebook: Great for building a community, sharing updates, and promoting offers.
Instagram: Perfect for visual content like before-and-after repair photos and videos.
Google Business Profile: Essential for being discovered on Google Search and Maps locally. Keep your profile updated to appear in local search results.
TikTok: If you’re up for short, creative videos, you can show off complex repair processes or quick tips in a fun and catching way.
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.
Top 8 Tips for Your Shoe Repair Business
Ready to bring more customers through your door? These practical social media tips are tailored for local shoe repair businesses like yours. Let’s get started!
1. Post Before-and-After Repair Photos
Who says your videos need to be complex? Take a cue from Kev the Shoe, who keeps it simple with a 5-second clip showing before-and-after images of repaired shoes, set to catchy music.
A split image or short video can instantly impress potential customers
It’s quick, effective, and showcases real craftsmanship. A split image or short video like that can instantly impress potential customers and build trust in your skills.
2. Use Local Hashtags
Cobble Stones Shoe Hospital above published a textbook example of how to use local hashtags effectively - like #DallasShoeRepair - to reach nearby customers.
Take a similar approach by using hashtags such as #YourCityShoeRepair or #LondonCobblers, along with broader ones like #ShoeRepair, #Cobblers, and #BeforeAndAfter to increase your visibility both locally and within your niche.
3. Share Quick Shoe Care Tips
Nelson, who proudly calls himself the best shoemaker in Nigeria on TikTok above, shares a brilliant tip on how to fix a crack in your shoes. It’s a quick, valuable clip - and the high engagement says it all.
Offer similar value in your own short posts - like how to waterproof suede, remove salt stains, or polish boots. Tips like these build trust and keep your audience coming back for more.
4. Show Behind-the-Scenes Content
Anthony's Shoe Repair shared a behind-the-scenes look at tearing down a customer’s high-value riding boots - a great example that gained strong engagement.
Snap photos or short videos of your workshop, tools, or shoes mid-repair
Snap photos or short videos of your workshop, tools, or shoes mid-repair. These glimpses into your process make your business feel more relatable, skilled, and trustworthy.
5. Use Google Business Profile
This one’s a must! A complete Google Business Profile helps local customers find and trust your shoe repair shop quickly. It’s often their first impression - so make it count!
Clearly list your opening hours, services (like sole repairs, heel replacements, or leather conditioning), and contact info. Add photos of your shop and your work, link your social media, and ask happy customers to leave reviews - those stars build trust fast!
Keep your profile fresh with regular updates
Share updates about seasonal services, shoe care tips, or snapshots of your latest repair work. You can publish directly using Google’s tools, or save time with an app like Hookle, which lets you post to Google and all your social channels at once.
Haven’t set up your profile yet? It’s free, simple, and one of the best ways to boost your local visibility. Get started here.
6. Introduce Yourself
It doesn’t have to be fancy - as long as it’s authentic. A great example is The Whiskey Cobbler, who simply introduced himself and shared what his business offers.
People like buying from people
People like buying from people. Post a short “Meet the Cobbler” story with your photo and a bit about your background. It helps build connection and trust with your audience.
7. Post Consistently
Running a shoe repair shop means busy days helping customers, fixing soles, and keeping things running smoothly - leaving little time for social media. The trick? Plan ahead.
Start with a simple content calendar
Set aside a bit of time each week - or even just once a month - to plan and create your posts. Batching content in advance keeps your business visible online without the daily scramble.
Even better, use a tool like Hookle (as mentioned earlier and shown above) to schedule posts across all your platforms - so your online marketing keeps working while you focus on repairs and serving your customers.
8. Show Off Your Workshop
Take inspiration from Ramos Shoe Repair, who shared a simple 40-second clip of their shop - tools, shelves, and all. It gave followers an honest look into their daily work and boosted credibility.
Let customers see where the magic happens! Even if your workspace isn’t spotless, a real, hard-working environment shows authenticity and skill. A quick video like this can make your shop feel approachable and real.
Manage All Your Socials in One App
Running a shoe repair shop means juggling customer service, handling daily repairs, and staying active online - all at once! A strong social media presence helps you showcase your craftsmanship, attract new customers, and build trust in your local community.
Hookle is a social media management app designed for busy shoe repair shops
Managing social media can feel overwhelming, but an app like Hookle makes it easy. Hookle is an AI-powered social media management tool built for small businesses like yours. It lets you create, schedule, and manage posts across multiple platforms - including your Google Business Profile - all in one place.
Don’t just take our word for it - try it yourself. Download Hookle for free and put your shoe repair shop on the map today!
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