How To Make Your Small Business Saturday A Success
Thanksgiving is almost here and, with it, the hustle of the holiday season. The pumpkin pie is sometimes still on the table when those early Black Friday deals go live!
Jammed in between the major deal days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday is a shopping day that means a little more: Small Business Saturday.
What Is Small Business Saturday And When Is It In 2023?
Founded in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting the small businesses that help communities thrive. It is always held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year, Small Business Saturday is on November 25, 2023.
In the years since founding Small Business Saturday, American Express estimates that consumers have spent an estimated $163 billion at small businesses across all 12 Small Business Saturdays combined. Make sure you’re ready to stake your claim in that profit this year!
How To Prepare For Small Business Saturday
The most important thing you need to do before Small Business Saturday is to get the word out that you’re participating!
Create posts for all of your social media channels and email your newsletter subscribers letting them know to come shop on Saturday. Hang signs in your windows and around your store announcing the event. See if your local Chamber of Commerce or Business Alliance is coordinating any town-wide activities or promotions and sign up to participate.
If you’re a merchant that accepts American Express, you can download official Shop Small® assets that you can use for social media posts and printable posters. Also, be sure your eligible store is included on the official Shop Small® map.
Small Business Saturday Tips And Tricks
When the day comes around, get into the festivities! Make your store warm and welcoming to encourage local shoppers to visit. Consider offering snacks and drinks or hosting live music. Make it a day to celebrate!
If you are offering any sales or promotions, be sure to announce them and be clear about what they are. Share your current offers on social media — Instagram Stories are a great place for these! In your social posts, be sure to showcase some of your bestsellers, too. According to a survey by UPS, 61% of US shoppers said they prefer local and small businesses because of their unique products — so be sure to show them off.
While shoppers are in store, encourage them to sign up for your email list and follow you on social media if they aren’t already. You can even offer a bonus deal or a small free item if they sign up. Once they follow you or join your email list, you can target them with future promotions. If your seasonal promotions are already planned out, consider listing upcoming sales on a flyer and handing it out to customers on Saturday.
A pro tip to almost ensure a returning customer? When they buy something on Small Business Saturday, give them a coupon that’s good for their next purchase!
Turning Small Business Saturday Into A Successful Holiday Season
With Small Business Saturday behind you, the holidays have only just begun. What are your next steps?
Set up an email newsletter series (that includes all of your new customer contacts!) for the countdown to Christmas with sales, gift ideas, and important information like limited hours or shipping deadlines.
Create a gift guide on your store’s webpage to inspire ideas for shoppers — and be sure to email out a link to it in your newsletter and share it on social media. Gift guides are a fantastic way to show off your top products and grow your business locally.
Finally, take the time to look at your store’s results from Small Business Saturday to see what you can learn. What promotions generated the most sales? What did shoppers say made them stop in? What products were top sellers? Use the information and analysis to start making a plan for next year.
Wild Ivy Media Helps Drive Year-Round Success
Give your small business an extra boost this holiday and prepare for a profitable 2024 with Wild Ivy Media. From writing that gift guide mentioned above to coordinating your social media content to strategizing your brand story, we’re here to help your business grow and thrive. Reach out today at hello@wildivymedia.com!
