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10 Tips For Small Business Saturday!

Posted Nov 11, 2024

Let's Participate in Small Business Saturday

As Small Business Saturday approaches on November 30, I want to extend a personal invitation to each of you. This day, started by American Express in 2010, was meant to help small businesses like ours thrive—and it’s grown into a powerful tradition for communities nationwide.

I encourage you to join us to boost sales and celebrate and strengthen the unique connection we share with our customers. Our businesses are the cornerstones of our communities, and this is a chance to show the heart, resilience, and spirit behind what we do.

Let’s make this Small Business Saturday memorable! Thank you for your vital role in making our communities a better place. We appreciate you.

Here are some practical ways to make the most of Small Business Saturday:

  1. Offer Exclusive Deals or Discounts – Give your customers a reason to stop by with special offers available only on Small Business Saturday. Consider bundling popular items or services, offering a discount, or providing a gift with a purchase.
  2. Host a Small Event or Workshop – Engage your customers by hosting an in-store event, demonstration, or mini-workshop related to your business. It could be as simple as a coffee and pastry morning, a “meet the maker” session, or a quick tutorial.
  3. Collaborate with Other Local Businesses – Team up with nearby businesses to create a special promotion or “shop local” passport that encourages customers to visit multiple spots, adding value to the entire community experience.
  4. Prepare Limited-Edition Products – Introduce a particular item or service for Small Business Saturday. Limited-edition products create excitement and urgency, helping draw customers who want something exclusive.
  5. Promote Gift Cards – Gift cards are great for holiday shoppers looking for quick, thoughtful gifts. A small incentive, like 10% off or a bonus, can encourage more gift card purchases.
  6. Create Social Media Buzz – Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to share your Small Business Saturday plans ahead of time. Share behind-the-scenes stories, sneak peeks of deals, or videos inviting the community to stop by.
  7. Decorate and Make It Festive – Add seasonal decor to make your store feel festive and welcoming. Small touches like balloons, signs, or branded bags can create a memorable atmosphere.
  8. Collect Emails and Contacts for Future Promotions—Use the extra foot traffic to build your email list. Have a sign-up sheet or a digital form for customers interested in future events, sales, and updates.
  9. Prepare a Thank-You Gift for Shoppers – Hand out small, branded items or thank-you notes to every customer. A token of appreciation can leave a lasting impression and encourage return visits.
  10. Encourage Customers to Share Their Experience – Invite them to take photos and tag your business on social media. Creating a unique hashtag or offering a chance to win a small prize can motivate more engagement.

Each of these ideas can help you make Small Business Saturday a valuable and engaging day for your customers and your business!

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