Mark your calendars! Small
Business Saturday is around the corner! An American
shopping day held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (after Black Friday and
before Cyber Monday), this annual event encourages shoppers to do their holiday
shopping at small and local businesses — like yours!
Small Business Saturday is anything but
small and all about community. It was founded by American Express
in 2010 as a way to celebrate and promote the local businesses that make
America’s neighborhoods so great. Due to the big response, in 2011 it became
recognized as an official shopping holiday.
This
year Small Business Saturday falls on November 29th.
No matter what type of business you are
in, it pays to participate! Take advantage of this unique opportunity to
promote your business and boost sales for your business.
Encourage
your customers to Shop Small®.
Encourage your customers to shop your
business by creating memorable marketing materials that promote your business
and invite customers to Shop Small®.
1.
Extend
an invitation. Create an in-store event to attract
new and old customers to come to your business. Send out simple customized
invitations. You can also promote online by creating
an event on Facebook.
2.
Let
it fly. Put up a flyer in your store window that reminds shoppers
of the date and encourages them to shop local. Not only is it a great way to
support your community, but it is also a great way to boost your brand image.
3.
Gear
up on giveaways. Plan a special giveaway that reminds
your customers to shop at your establishment all year long. Customized 2015
calendars, personalized pens, and custom-printed t-shirts are all great,
functional gifts your customers can use every day of the year.
4.
Create
special offers. Increase the incentives with special
one-day discounts and promotions that will improve foot traffic into your store
location. Giving away gift certificates for every $XXX spent is a smart way to
encourage repeat business.
5.
Give
them something to smile about. Create even more excitement for your
local small business by doing something unique to generate attention. Have a DJ
play music in the store. Hire a magician or clown. Serve free coffee in the
morning. Display balloons outside your store and give away free
cake.
6.
Be
social. Social media played a critical role to the first Small
Business Saturday’s success. Be sure to follow the movement on Facebook and
hashtag #SmallBusinessSaturday on Twitter.
Regardless of whether you are a retail
store or restaurant, a beauty salon or a bakery, Small Business Saturday is a
fantastic opportunity to reach out and show your community that small
businesses matter. The only “wrong” way to participate is to not participate at
all.
Be sure, too, to check out the free
materials American
Express provides to assist you in promoting this fantastic and
meaningful event.
Thing big. Shop small.
Have
you celebrated Small Business Saturday in the past? Are you planning to
participate this year? We want to know! Please tell us your story below.
