Small Business Saturday started on November 27, 2010, by American Express as a movement to encourage support of local small business. In 2011, the US Senate officially recognized Small Business Saturday.
If you own a small business, the Small Business Saturday movement is an opportunity to generate sales and make new connections within the community.
On Small Business Saturday in 2016, 112 million shoppers showed their love for their favorite spots and spent a reported $15.4 billion at small businesses.
Source: American Express
Join the movement
Communication is key! Spread the word to your customers about the benefits of shopping local. Utilize social media, marketing materials, websites and email campaigns to get your business out in the community. Provide information to your customers and encourage them to share and Shop Local!
Successful Business Ideas
Utilize Social Media
Social media is an effective way for a business to use online marketing to reach potential customers.
- Set up social media platforms and make sure they include your contact information. Post content about your business, specials and/or promotions. Remember to engage your followers and provide them with relevant topics.
- Follow some #hashtag trends such as #SmallBusinessSaturday or #ShopSmall #ShopLocal for some inspiration. Remember to tag your own social media posts as well so your brand can join the conversation!
Create an Email Campaign
Email campaigns are a great way to inform your customers about promotions or new products or services you have to offer.
- Set up an email campaign that can be sent out to your customers reminding them to shop locally.
- Include exclusive deals for Small Business Saturday that your customers can use.
Create Marketing Materials to Spread the Word
Create marketing materials such as brochures, business cards or flyers regarding your involvement in Small Business Saturday. It will make your business look professional as well as inform the community about your services and products.
- Make sure your logo is included in all marketing materials.
- Keep your materials clean and simple. Stay focused on the promotion of your business for Small Business Saturday.
Update your Website
A website is your online marketplace. If you don’t have a website, get one set up.
A 2015 study performed by Verisign reported that 84% consumers believe that small businesses with websites are more credible than ones without an online presence.
- Make sure your website is updated with products, services, and information that are displayed in a user-friendly way.
- Utilize Google. Make sure your business and website are listed on Google. Google is the most popular search engine in the world. Listing your business on Google can help potential customers locate you.
Best small business ideas to Promote Small Business Saturday
- Offer special pricing, promotions or some specific incentive to shop on Small Business Saturday. Encourage customers to use this day to repurchase or get to know the great products you have to offer. Incentives are key!
- Encourage window shopping. Get customers attention on Small Business Saturday. Signs, balloons or even offer something free they can receive by just coming inside. The point is to get them in the door to see your products. Make this day feel special and it will become special to your customers.
- See if your business can partner with another business or charity for Small Business Saturday. You can double the message potential and business opportunities. By partnering with others for this day you also offer your support to another business for Small Business Saturday. This will also allow you to increase your presence as well as support other local small business!
Small Business Advice
Supporting the Small Business Saturday movement is an investment in your business as well as other local businesses and your community.
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Askin & Hooker is a local Sparta law firm specializing in all aspects of business law. They are a big supporter of local small business in Sussex County, NJ.
For any small business advice, visit our Business Law page.