Marketing for online stores
Where to find customers, what to post, and simple ways to turn followers into customers — with a free 30-day plan.
The best platforms in Canada
People browse food, beauty, fashion, homes and events on Instagram before they buy, and Reels reach people who don’t follow you yet.
- Switch to a free professional account
- Write a one-line bio — what you sell, where — and add your website link
- Post three Reels this week and answer every comment and DM
How often: 3–4 Reels a week, plus Stories most days.
Email & text list
Your list is yours — no algorithm decides who sees it. A short monthly message with an offer brings past customers back.
- Add a sign-up box to your website (offer something small for joining)
- Ask permission to email or text at checkout
- Send your first short update this month
How often: One or two messages a month.
Many families and older customers still look for local businesses, events and recommendations on Facebook.
- Create a Page with your hours, phone, website and photos
- Join three local community groups — and be helpful first
- Ask happy customers to recommend you on your Page
How often: 2–3 posts a week; check your groups daily.
TikTok
TikTok shows videos to people based on what they enjoy, not how many followers you have — so a new business can travel far, fast.
- Set up a business account with your logo and website link
- Film three short videos (15–30 seconds) on your phone this week
- End every video with one clear step, like “Message us to order”
How often: 3–5 short videos a week.
In the United States
Start with Instagram, TikTok, Email & text list.
In Nigeria
Start with WhatsApp Business, Instagram, TikTok.
Post ideas
- Unboxing and packing videos
- The product in use, not just on a table
- Customer photos (with permission)
- Limited drops with a countdown
A 30-day plan
Week 1
- Instagram: switch to a free professional account
- Instagram: write a one-line bio — what you sell, where — and add your website link
- Email & text list: add a sign-up box to your website (offer something small for joining)
- Put the same name, phone number and website link on every profile
Week 2
- Email & text list: ask permission to email or text at checkout
- Facebook: create a Page with your hours, phone, website and photos
- Post idea for Instagram: unboxing and packing videos
- Ask five happy customers for a Google review — send them the direct link
Week 3
- Reply to every comment and message within an hour during opening hours
- Run one simple offer for new customers, with an end date
- Instagram: post three Reels this week and answer every comment and DM
- Post idea for Email & text list: the product in use, not just on a table
Week 4
- Look back: which posts brought messages, calls or sales? Do more of those
- Message three people who asked about prices but didn’t buy
- Plan next month’s posts in one sitting