Get your Business Ready for Small Business Saturday

Posted in Business Tools & Resources | 16 comments

Shoppers, small business owners, and everyone are dashing towards the holiday season. With this year’s Small Business Saturday just around the corner on November 26, small business owners are already anticipating to make the most of this day.

Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers and people everywhere to patronize brick and mortar, small and local businesses. This event held on the Saturday after US Thanksgiving, has become a sales powerhouse for small businesses.

If you run a small business, you still have time to get ready and make the most of this day. Remember, Small Business Saturday is not simply a one-day event or a holiday event; it is more of spreading your business brand and reaching more customers.

Here are easy strategies to ensure your Small Business Saturday is as profitable as possible.

1. Expand your day

Make this day convenient for your customers. If you regularly open your store at 10 am, this is the day to open it earlier. Alternatively, you can choose to extend your closing hours for two hours. Announce your stores’ participation in Small Business Saturday and your hours of operation for that day.

2. Plan a store special

Think of something that will make shoppers stay longer. For instance, restaurant owners can have a cooking or food tasting event, a craft store can share a DIY-activity, a gym owner can offer a quick trial class, beauty store retailers can have a special makeup workshop, etc. You can also invite local artists to perform.

By creating a memorable Small Business Saturday experience, customers will remember you throughout the holidays and even throughout the year.

3. Set the mood

Put up marketing materials such as posters, display decals, and signs to promote the day. Place countdown reminders in your store windows or door to excite customers. Also, set the mood to create a buying atmosphere that suits the holiday season.

Shoppers usually associate your brand with emotions and with their senses, so give them an experience that will make them shop and keep your business in mind.

4. Cooperate with local businesses in the community

Work with other small businesses in your village or town. So instead of competing, why not encourage everyone to promote “local first” that will make people in the community check the stores around the neighborhood. Co-promote your products or services. For instance, a buyer made a purchase at a local store, then he or she qualifies for a meal coupon in a local restaurant. By cross-promoting, your business will get more publicity and foot traffic.

5. Make an impact

Small Business Saturday is perfect to show your generosity. Consider partnering with a charity of your choice and give a portion of your sales made that day. You can even encourage shoppers to make a purchase and send gifts to a local cause. Also, don’t forget to thank shoppers for patronizing your business. Even a simple handwritten note tucked in their shopping bag will do.

6. Keep customers coming back

Make Small Business Saturday meaningful for your new and loyal customers alike. For instance, you can serve refreshments or complimentary gift wrapping that day. There are more options aside from the usual discounts, gift bundles, and buy-one-get-one offers.
Don’t forget to build your customer database. Politely ask shoppers to share their contact info so you can stay in touch with them year round.

7. Prepare your team

Don’t forget to remind your staff that they are part of this shopping experience. Assign everyone to their specific duties and stations. Check if you need to hire seasonal staff this day and for the holidays. From greeting to saying thank you to customers, make sure that everyone gets involved proactively. Shoppers remember the kind of service they receive from small businesses, so ensure to provide them with the best.

Small Business Saturday is created for small business owners like you. Plan, prepare and take advantage of this day to bring in more customers to your store, that just for a day but even beyond the holidays.

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