Small Business Saturday is only a few short weeks away. How prepared is your Small Business for people to shop small?
Small Business Saturday was first presented by American Express in 2010 to promote local shopping on Thanksgiving weekend. It’s now become a staple of the holiday weekend, sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
When you spend a $100 at a local small business, $68 stays in your community. Small business owners know how important it is to cultivate a thriving local community that shops close to home. Last year shoppers spent more than $16 billion at small businesses on Small Business Saturday.
But just being open for business the Saturday after Thanksgiving isn’t enough to pull in that level of revenue. Succeeding during this shopping event takes planning, preparation and even a bit of teamwork.
Get ready for Small Business Saturday by doing the following:
1. Consider how you can get involved
Small Business Saturday isn’t just an event for boutiques. Consider how your restaurant, salon or other service business can take part. If you work with clients or customers on Saturdays, consider this a special day to wow them.
2. Register to participate
Registration isn’t required to participate, but doing so makes it easier for potential new customers to find you. It will put your business on the map of participating businesses in your area. Plus, you’ll get access to customized marketing materials to start spreading the word that you’re excited for Saturday.
3. Collaborate with neighbors
Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to get reacquainted with your small business neighbors and get to know newcomers. Get in touch with the businesses around you to make sure they’re aware of Small Business Saturday. If they’re planning to participate, think about ways to work together by offering complementary services or specials to your customers.
4. Tell your customers
Don’t forget about social media, your email list and your website! Let customers know about your Small Business Saturday activities well in advance of the event.
If you are looking for help with your Small Business Saturday event, schedule an appointment with an SBDC Counselor