Finally there’s a day to celebrate you, the small business owner. Actually, Small Business Saturday has been around since 2010. Started by American Express and falling on the Saturday after Thanksgiving every year, the day was created to drive awareness of and customers to small businesses. The day’s purpose is to remind consumers to “Shop Small” at local, independent businesses instead of in big-box stores. Even though Small Business Saturday is November 30, you still have time to make some last- minute marketing strategies so your business can participate in the Small Business Saturday movement:
- Start by visiting the Shop Small resources site to download personalized and general marketing materials for your small business. You can get logos to incorporate into your own materials, banners to print and even a Small Business Saturday welcome mat and bags to give to shoppers. Make sure you hang a sign in your store showing you are part of the movement and add the Shop Small logo to your website, email marketing and even printed flyers.
- Check out the Small Business Administration’s Web chat on holiday marketing tips for some great ideas on how to make the most of the event. For instance, you could partner with other local businesses on that day to share resources or create your own local event. Other ideas include offering sample products or gift ideas making shoppers lives easier.
- If you’re not sure how to best use social media to spread the news, download the Twitter kit for Small Business Saturday and get tips on, among other things, writing effective tweets and launching exclusive promotions.