How To Get Last-Minute Sales Using Social Media Stories
December is officially here, and that means it is CRUNCH TIME for shoppers!! They are scrambling to check names off those lists and scrolling their phones every second looking for inspiration for the perfect gift, checking out local events and trying to find the perfect store with the perfect gifts.
This is exactly why now is the perfect moment to show up in Stories.
Instagram and Facebook Stories feel personal, they’re fast, and easy to consume. They’re where people make quick decisions… including last-minute holiday purchases (so don’t forget to add those links!)
Here’s how to turn your Stories into a simple, powerful sales tool this week.
1. Add Urgency That Makes People Act
Nothing moves last-minute shoppers faster than limited time or limited quantities.
Use urgency that feels real and helpful, not pushy.
Try things like:
Stocking Stuffers under $10, $15, $20 ect
Countdown stickers for last day to order
Low inventory updates
Reminder Stories for holiday deadlines
Behind the scenes of your team packing the last few orders
The goal is to help people act now instead of “thinking about it later” and forgetting.
2. Show What You Sell… in Action
Stories thrive on movement and real moments. Instead of a static product photo, show your item being used, unboxed, gifted, or wrapped.
A candle glowing on a table
A bracelet being clasped on a wrist
A hot chocolate bomb dropping into a mug
A tourism experience shown through a 5-second clip
When people can visualize how it feels, they buy faster. Make it impossible for them to want to hit Buy Now!
3. Make It Effortless to Click and Buy
Holiday shoppers do not want to search. Give them a direct path.
Use link stickers, product tags, location tags, or “Order Now” buttons so they can purchase in two taps.
You can link to:
Gift cards
Booking pages
Holiday bundles
Pickup orders
Digital downloads
People convert when the steps are simple.
4. Use Social Proof to Build Instant Trust
Last-minute shoppers want reassurance. Show them that other people love what you sell.
Share:
Customer photos
Reviews
Messages
Unboxing videos
Your most engaged Story from last week
Create a highlight bubble called “Holiday Reviews,” so your trust-building content lasts all month.
5. Keep Showing Up
December is wild. You’re busy, tired, and probably wrapping orders at midnight. But the truth is… sales happen when you consistently remind your audience what you offer.
Stories don’t need to be fancy. Post little updates like:
What’s still in stock
Behind the scenes of your day
A friendly face-to-camera check-in
One gift idea
A quick thank you
The Story that feels small to you might be the exact moment someone decides to buy.
You don’t need a big marketing push to get sales right now. You just need to show up clearly and consistently in the place people are actually watching… your Stories.
Your next sale could be one swipe away.