Small Business Saturday is November 24 this year, and as it grows in popularity, your specials need to grow as well. Being open for the day is simply not enough anymore. As more and more people learn about Small Business Saturday and make an effort to shop local, you need to show them why it’s worth it.
Here’s a list of 10 creative ways you can make an even bigger impact this year with your customers on Small Business Saturday:
Extend Small Business Saturday
It’s not too late to plan a holiday celebration revolving around Small Business Saturday. Make it an entire weekend, Friday-Sunday, with giveaway prizes and contests. This might even encourage some Black Friday shoppers to do their shopping at your business instead.
Build Interest
Get everyone on board in your town. Send flyers to your local neighbors asking them to pass on the word about Small Business Saturday to their out of town friends. Ask other local businesses such as dentists and doctors’ offices to put a flyer in their waiting room as well. Check with your chamber of commerce to see what they’re doing and whether you’re eligible to be included in their marketing.
Get Attention
Hire a winter character, and not Santa unless your town really doesn’t already have one. The problem with Santa is that he’s very common and because of that might not be much of a draw. Pick someone unique and inclusive – Frosty the Snowman (it will be fun for those of us in Florida who don’t normally get any snow!), for example. If there’s no Frosty to rent, perhaps one of your employees would be willing to dress up as a snowman so patrons can take photos! Or create a backdrop in your store for a fun family photo session.
Gift Your Swag
Include a useful giveaway item with every purchase. Since they are busy buying gifts for everyone in their life, you can give your shoppers a gift as well. If you have a surplus from trade shows or other events throughout the year, this is the perfect time to use up all your giveaway items.
Share the Fun
Offer a percentage off for a friend that the person can take with them. A “Get a Deal, Give a Deal” type of card, where they can pass savings on to a friend at a later date.
Show Appreciation
Send a thank you card to everyone who shops on Small Business Saturday. Whether it is an e-card if you collect email addresses or handwritten if you have address information, a thank you card is a great way to remind your customers a week later about your store, and encourage them to come back in for any last minute shopping.
Offer Yummies
Offer cocoa, coffee, and baked goods to keep shoppers energized. Get them from other local businesses, of course! You could also hand out business cards for the other businesses who provided the food items, to encourage people to visit their shop after yours.
Help Them Give Back
Host a “Secret Santa” where your patrons can pay it forward to the next guest. Or, you can ask them if they would like to purchase an item to be donated to a local shelter or school.
Offer VIP Benefits
Create VIP shopping hours for your loyal customers. Whether you open early with free coffee or stay open later on Saturday, your VIP customers will enjoy the opportunity to shop without all the crowds.
Be Part of a Great Cause
Partner with a charity to double the impact of Small Business Saturday. The people who shop on Small Business Saturday do so because they know it makes a big impact on their community. When you advertise that a percentage of all profits for the holiday season will go to a local charity, people will be happy to know that their purchases will make even more of a difference.
What are some fun and creative ways you market Small Business Saturday to your customers?
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