How to Make the Most of Small Business Saturday

Retail shops do most of their business during
the holiday season — which kicks off the day following Thanksgiving, famously
known as Black Friday. Did you know that small businesses have a major
shopping holiday as well? It’s called Small Business Saturday and it falls on
the Saturday following Thanksgiving each year.

American Express is credited with the creation
and promotion of Small Business Saturday and they’ve made it easy for all small
businesses to get involved in their own way.

Here are some tips that will help you to make the most of Small
Business Saturday as a small business owner:

1. Clean Up

Make
sure your shop is clean, decorated, and not lacking any major repairs. If
you do have any eye sores, or potential liabilities be sure to resolve
them ahead of time. Having a clean and safe shop will help ensure your customers will enjoy their visit and that they will possibly become regular customers.

2. Sign Up

Go online and sign
up for Small Business Saturday and get your free promotional items — this
even includes customized graphics to be used on your social media
accounts.

3. Stock Up

Review
your inventory and stock up on popular items. Have one item that you can’t
seem to keep on the shelves? Be sure to have extra on hand for this day.
You might want to use this item in your advertising leading up to Small
Business Saturday when it will be available again.

4. Promote

Promote
Small Business Saturday on your social media accounts. Use the provided Small Business Saturday graphics and assets to include in your social media posts. Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to make use of your social media followers and your online customer base.

5. Offer Deals

Consider
offering some special Small Business Saturday giveaways or discounts. This
could be as simple as an extra punch on their frequent shopper card and
complimentary cookies when they step in your shop. Think out of the box!

6. Stay Open

Extend
your hours to make the most of the day. This doesn’t need to be a
permanent change, but try to make the most of Small Business Saturday.
Since its promoted by many other small businesses people will likely be
out and about to shop around locally, and just by being open you might get
new customers.

7. Express Yourself

Promote
what makes your shop unique. You aren’t here to compete with big box
stores — make the most of what makes you different. People often
appreciate quirks, so expressing what makes your business stand out will be sure to help strengthen your brand image.

Although Small Business Saturday is a major
event for small business owners, it is important to look at it as a
starting point, to remind customers to keep your shop in mind throughout the
holiday season. Consider offering a flyer with promotions happening throughout
the season, and ask them to spread the word to their friends and family.