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| Photo source: American Express |
Start preparing now for Small Business Saturday on November
25, 2017. Unlike Black Friday and Cyber Monday,
which are typically held at the big box stores, this is a day to celebrate
small business and encourage holiday shoppers to visit the brick and mortar businesses
that serve their local community. According to American Express, 112 million
shoppers spent a reported $15.4 billion at their local small businesses on
Small Business Saturday in 2016.
Tips for a Successful
Small Business Saturday
Create a Special
Offer
Use this day as an opportunity to reach not only your
current customers, but gain some new ones. Create a special offer that involves
a discount for one-day only or free samples with purchase. Make your customers
feel special by going above and beyond, enticing them to keep coming back
throughout the holiday season. While you want customers to visit your brick and
mortar store don’t forget your e-commerce customers. Create a special offer
that could be redeemed online as well.
Use the Tools
Provided by American Express
Since 2010, American Express has offered free marketing
materials to businesses promoting the holiday. The Shop Small® Studio offers tools and
templates for small businesses to create customizable marketing materials for
their retail shop, website and social media sites in less than two minutes. Visit
americanexpress.com/ShopSmall to find event ideas, inspiration and signage
templates available to help small businesses spread the word at no cost.
Get Social
Use all aspects of social media to engage consumers, but
make it about more than just a special offer. Think of creative ways to engage
with customers and friends the week leading up to Small Business Saturday.
Offer a special discount for liking the Facebook page, a drawing if the store
reaches a certain number of likes, or unique specials to those that check in
while shopping at your store. Use Instagram to post new products or specials
throughout the week. Tweet store discounts, new products and special store
hours for the day.
Make it a Party
Customers will want to be a part of your Small Business
Saturday event if you make it like a party. One idea is to create a countdown
in your store leading up to November 25th. Offer small incentives to get
customers in the door on the day of the event. Having samples, coupons and a
party atmosphere will really get people excited to be a part of this shopping
day.
Involve Entire
Community
Involving your community is a great way for local businesses
to promote each other, driving traffic to multiple stores. Many communities are
taking advantage of Small Business Saturday by having their own community-wide
promotion or special marketing efforts surrounding this day. Contact your CVB
or Chamber of Commerce to see if your city/town has any shop local, shop small
efforts to promote this day.
Make your business stand out in your community by preparing
for Small Business Saturday now.
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you build your sweet business.