Thu, March 28, 2024

Tips to make the most of Small Business Saturday

There are more than 33 million small businesses in the United States, and Saturday is a chance to celebrate them – and buy from them – during Small Business Saturday.

American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010 as a way to promote the impact small businesses have on local economies. Last year, 51 million people participated in Small Business Saturday, spending $20 billion according to American Express – an average of almost $400 per person.

Small businesses are especially popular with women and with Millennials. A Lending Tree survey found that 54 percent of women plan to participate in Small Business Saturday, as do 59 percent of Millennials.

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Get Beyond, a service for small businesses offers the following recommendations to help small businesses prepare for Saturday.

Embrace the Small Business Narrative

Take pride in being a local business – consumers want to support you and are curious about your story. If your business has traveled on a winding road to get to where it is today, don’t be afraid to share that anecdote. Build relationships with your customers, get to know them and they’ll keep coming back. If your business offers something that big box stores can’t – a personal touch, higher quality products, or local flair – it’s important to capitalize on that.

Use Social Media to Spread the Word

Don’t wait until November 26 to spread the word about Small Business Saturday – start sharing your message today. No matter the time of year, social media is one of the most effective ways to share your business’s story and get consumers excited about shopping locally. Show patrons how you’re getting ready for Small Business Saturday to make them feel like they are part of your success. Create a Facebook event to remind your followers when Small Business Saturday is and include details of anything special your business is planning for it.

Social media is a good way to generate interest in Small Business Saturday.

On the big day, highlight popular and fast-selling products, and don’t forget to share photos of your staff and customers. See what consumers are saying and join the conversation by leveraging hashtags like #ShopSmall, #SmallBusinessSaturday, #DineSmall, and #SmallBizSat.

Get Your Equipment Ready

Don’t let your sales be hindered by equipment malfunctions. Take the time to ensure all your technology is ready to go – everything from your website to your point-of-sale system. If you offer mobile and online payments, check to make sure everything is working properly, since many shoppers will also shop online that day. Get your website mobile ready so consumers can visit it while they’re on the go.

In addition to enhancing the customer experience, it’s important to take proper security measures. The rate of credit card fraud increases during the holiday season, so protect your business and customers by offering EMV chip technology and making sure your business is PCI compliant.

Incentivize Your Customers

You don’t need to go up against the big box stores and slash prices for Black Friday, but it’s a good idea to offer an incentive for customers to #shopsmall. Whether that’s by partnering with a charity to donate a portion of your Small Business Saturday sales, or by simply offering hot chocolate to get people in your door. Adding a bit of encouragement will go a long way.

Reward supporters who come in on the 26th by offering a discount to come back and shop or dine at your business throughout December – a special holiday discount, a free add-on, or a charitable donation.

Make Sure Your Business Info Is Up to Date

Take time to double-check the little details. Make sure your website and social sites are updated with your latest address, contact information, and, most importantly, operational hours. As businesses evolve and change, it’s easy to overlook these specifics, but they matter.

Your customers need to know when and where to find you, so don’t make it hard for them to find this information. If you’ll be extending your hours on the 26th or throughout the holiday season, be sure to make a note of that.

Shop Small and Celebrate Neighboring Small Businesses

Everyone has a connection to local businesses. Whether it’s a favorite childhood ice cream shop, the town diner, or an iconic bar, neighborhood businesses bring the community together. Don’t overlook your peers – partner with them to make Small Business Saturday a success. Encourage your customers to eat and shop at other businesses nearby, and they’ll do the same for you. There’s no time like the holidays to remember the joys of supporting your community and doing business together.

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