10 Tips for Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is an annual shopping holiday celebrated in the United States on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It is a day dedicated to supporting small, independent businesses that are the backbone of our communities. Small businesses create jobs, pay taxes, and contribute to the local economy. By shopping at small businesses on Small Business Saturday, we can help them thrive and continue to impact our communities positively.

How did Small Business Saturday Start?

Small Business Saturday started as a campaign launched by American Express on Nov. 27, 2010, to help small businesses gain exposure and to inspire consumers to shop within their communities during the holiday season. The day became official in 2011 when Washington State mayors, governors, senators, and President Obama shared their support for Small Business Saturday, and the #ShopSmall initiative was born. 

Why you should Shop Small on Small Business Saturday?

Here are some financial impacts that small businesses contribute to their communities. 

• Small businesses create jobs. They are the most prominent job creators in the United States, employing over  61.7 million people.
• Small businesses pay taxes, spending billions of dollars yearly, which helps fund essential government services.
• Small businesses contribute to the local economy by spending their money locally, which helps to boost the economy and create more jobs.
• Small businesses are unique. They offer an outstanding shopping experience you can't find at big chain stores.

How can Small Businesses thrive during Small Business Saturday? 

Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support small businesses across the United States. If you are a small business owner, there are a few things you can do to prepare for Small Business Saturday and make the most of this important shopping day. Here are ten tips:

1. Start planning early.

The earlier you start planning, the more time you will have to prepare for Small Business Saturday. This includes developing a marketing plan, creating promotional materials, and scheduling staff. Planning will allow you to:

• Partner with local social media influencers or bloggers who align with your brand's values and target audience. Leverage their reach and influence to promote your products, services, and special offers through engaging content like product reviews, giveaways, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business.
• Use guerilla marketing tactics to create buzz, such as scavenger hunts, flash mobs, and temporary street art installations.

2. Create a robust online presence.

Many shoppers will research businesses online before they make a purchase. Ensure your website is up-to-date and mobile-friendly and that you are active on social media. Host a social media challenge or contest encouraging user-generated content related to your brand and the holidays. For example, a clothing store could ask participants to share their favorite holiday outfits using a specific hashtag, or a coffee shop could challenge customers to create holiday-inspired latte art. These challenges boost engagement, increase brand visibility, and generate user-created content that can be repurposed for marketing.

3. Offer a Personalized Holiday Gift Guide or Shopping Experience.

Provide a curated gift guide or personalized shopping recommendations tailored to customers' interests and preferences. This can be done through a quiz, questionnaire, or simply by understanding your customer base and suggesting relevant products. Personalized recommendations enhance the customer experience and increase the likelihood of purchases.

4. Promote your participation in Small Business Saturday.

Let your customers know you are participating in Small Business Saturday by using the hashtag #ShopSmall on social media and posting flyers or banners in your store.

5. Partner with Complementary Businesses for Cross-Promotion.

Partnering with local businesses can help you reach a wider audience and cross-promote each other's products and services. Collaborate with non-competing companies in your community to cross-promote each other's products or services. For instance, a bookstore could partner with a local cafe to offer discounts on coffee with book purchases, or a gift shop could team up with a florist to create holiday gift baskets. Cross-promotions expand your reach and tap into new customer segments.

6. Organize a hands-on workshop or interactive event related to your products or services.

Hosting an event, such as a product demonstration, a workshop, or a live music performance, can help you attract shoppers to your store on Small Business Saturday.

7. Train or Hire Additional Staff.

Ensure your staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help customers on Small Business Saturday. Delivering a great customer experience is crucial during this time and can help generate repeat customers. We recommend reading Hiring Temporary Employees In Today's Economy if you need support hiring and paying seasonal employees.

8. Extend your store hours.

Consider extending your store hours on Small Business Saturday to accommodate shoppers who cannot shop during your regular business hours.

9. Embrace Traditional Marketing Channels with a Modern Twist.

Reinvigorate traditional marketing channels with a modern twist. For instance, send out personalized holiday postcards with QR codes linking to exclusive offers or distribute flyers made from recycled materials with discounts or surprise giveaways. Combining old and new techniques can be surprisingly effective. 

10. Follow up with customers after Small Business Saturday.

After Small Business Saturday, follow up with customers who made purchases and thank them for supporting your business. Offer them discounts or rewards for loyalty and encourage them to revisit your store. Building customer relationships can help you create a loyal customer base and grow your business over time.

Small businesses can get creative and implement unique strategies to drive awareness for holiday sales and attract more customers during the bustling shopping season. So, mark your calendars for Small Business Saturday, November 25, 2023, and shop at your favorite local businesses. 

You'll be glad you did!

Also, are you looking for additional ways to participate in Small Business Saturday or scale your small business? We've got plenty of resources for business owners.