ompWith Black Friday approaching fast, this markedly sends shopping herds to superstores and malls. So how can independent shops get a piece of the pie? The answer is Small Business Saturday, because of American Express. In 2010, the company got savvy during the recession and sought out to support local business. Small Business Saturday was born and grew into a #shopsmall movement to strengthen communities as well as small businesses.
What is Small Business Saturday?
Since Small Business Saturday started, U.S. customers have reported spending an estimated total of $85 billion at independent retailers and restaurants.
Small Business Saturday will be Nov. 24, 2018, the day after Black Friday. It’s a time for stores and restaurants to promote their products and services, uncommon treasures, artisan work and culinary prowess. If your business is not already on the Shop Small map, log in to American Express to participate. They also provide useful downloads for posters, social media, circulars and customizable graphics to draw shoppers in-store and online.
Is your store, restaurant or business Small Business Saturday ready? Into the Blue has created a checklist to help you maximize your holiday shopping season beyond Black Friday into Saturday, Sunday and beyond.
Define your promotional plan
What will you offer… Discounts? New products? Gift wrapping? Host a tasting event? Promote a great mall escape? Decide what will drive more customers to your store or business. Simultaneously, showcase your individuality while crafting your marketing as a refreshing alternative compared to huge retailers.
Create your marketing tool kit
Reward current customers as well as alert them early. Shoppers emphatically plan ahead at this time of year. By inviting them early, you increase your competitive edge. Not everyone is marketing early, so make your brand stand out in that aspect.
Go digital and traditional
Start with in-store signage and contacting your current customers with a preview by email, text and social media. You can grab consumers’ attention early as a result of in-store signage along with direct mail.
Prepare early
Prior to Small Business Saturday, encourage customers to sign up to receive invitations, email or text alerts on your holiday merchandise, events and promotions.
Personalize your marketing
Send private invitations by mail and make them special. Act like a personal shopper by making your mail personal – hand signatures, hand addressing envelopes. You can even send personal recommendations they individually may love. Rally your staff to help and reinforce the personal nature of your business.
Take advantage of social media
Host a friends and family shopping experience by encouraging current customers to bring others to share in the #shoplocal experience.
Into the Blue can help you to build powerful campaigns for any goal your business has. Let us do the work to elevate your brand, email [email protected].
