This weekend marks the biggest retail weekend of the year. Will you be participating in Small Business Saturday? This has been a big day for small businesses since its inception in 2010 by American Express. This is a day where local businesses don’t just worry about offering discounts, but also providing amazing experiences, free item giveaways and unique incentive programs – all tailored for new and returning customers. According to Business Wire, shoppers reportedly spent $17.8 billion on Small Business Saturday in 2018! This Saturday will mark the 10-year anniversary of the nationwide event and is expected to be the biggest one yet. It’s important to make sure that you are more than prepared for the biggest retail weekend of the year.
Here are 5 helpful tips to ensure that Small Business Saturday is a success for you and your business.
List Your Business on the Shop Small Map
If you’re running a brick and mortar business than this can help you gain some foot traffic on Small Business Saturday. To get listed on the Shop Small Map, your business must be a qualifying American Express Card-accepting business. It can take time to get your listing approved but it can provide great exposure throughout the year!
Utilize Shop Small Signs and Supplies
You can order or download free signage templates on the American Express website. They provide customizable decals, signage, flyers, posters, survey cards, and more. These are good resources to promote Small Business Saturday and your business at the same time.
Provide Special Offers
Small Business Saturday falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Most customers will be searching for limited time offers/deals and it’s your opportunity to provide them with a special. This can come in the form of buy one, get one free deals, discounts, giveaways, and more.
Leverage Social Media
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other social media channels deserve extra attention for this event. Use hashtags like #ShopSmall, #SmallBizSat, and #SmallBusinessSaturday to attract online orders from customers searching for deals on social media.
Staff and Stock
Since Small Business Saturday falls on the busiest retail weekend of the year, it is important to prepare your business for the upsurge in traffic. The last thing you want is to be understaffed or sell out of high demand items.
Following these tips can help you prepare for and run a smooth operation on Small Business Saturday. This is a great time to remember the impact of small businesses throughout the country is unmatched – they account for 99.7% of all businesses in the United States!
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About Stingray Advisory Group LLC: Stingray Advisory Group LLC is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan and is a proud member of Local First and the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We help businesses grow. By creating customized solutions, we empower businesses and entrepreneurs with the tools to further their development.
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