About Small Business Saturday

This year, Small Business Saturday is on November 25th.   American Express started it in 2010 in order for small businesses to gain exposure during the holiday shopping season.  #ShopSmall’s goal is to help boost sales on the Saturday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  According to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, more than 70,000,000 Americans are expected to shop this Saturday.  Further, 76% of these shoppers say they will do so to support Small Business Saturday merchants in their local economies.  Although, it is only a few shopping days away you still have time to prepare for it by using these simple ideas.

Tips for Small Business Saturday

HOURS

Increase your shopping hours.  A longer shopping day will mean more foot traffic which means more sales for you.  Be sure to let your customers know by advertising it through your social media platforms and web site.

WEB PRESENCE

Regarding web sites, be sure yours is ready for Small Business Saturday.  Your address, operating hours and contact information need to be displayed prominently.  The same is true for any promotions you are offering.  Review your site as if you are a new shopper that is viewing it for the first time.  Products need to be easy to find, described well and sorted logically.  Be sure your shopping cart is functioning correctly when something is added.  The checkout process needs to be seamless and creating an on line account has to be easy.   A well functioning web site will dramatically increase your customer retention rate and online sales transactions.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Be sure to promote other small businesses through social media.  Chances are others will reciprocate and promote you!  Don’t forget to use the #shopsmall hashtag!

PROMOS

Offer an in store promotion which is worthwhile to your shoppers.  Giving away one of the latest tech gadgets is an excellent traffic driver.  Plus, by getting people to sign up for a promotion, you capture their contact information and can use it with future promotions.  Again, let shoppers know about your promotion through your social media and web site communications.

Don’t Sell Yourself Short

Do not attempt to compete with the big box retailers by offering deep discount sales.  Remember folks are coming to your business to support you on Small Business Saturday.  Rather, consider handing out   freebie items such as hot cocoa or snacks while customers shop.  People love free stuff!

Last, use free promotional materials.  If you are an American Express merchant you can sign up through their website to receive marketing aids for use with your business location, web site and social media outlets.  If you are not an American Express merchant but belong to your local chamber of commerce, chances are you can receive promo items through the local branch’s web site.

These are a handful of ideas that will help make this year as well as future Small Business Saturday’s a rousing success for you.  Be sure to use them throughout the year too.  Good luck this Saturday and Happy Holidays from InStore Design Display! Finally, remember to #ShopSmall!