Every year during the Christmas season, Small Business Saturday is observed to honor all small, local companies. Even if they could get what they need elsewhere, Americans are urged to shop small and purchase locally on the fourth Saturday in November, whether online or in a physical store. This is the day, more than any other day of the year, for small business owners to reach more clients.

Let’s examine how Small Business Saturday originated and how you may benefit from it using specific Small Business Saturday ideas.

Why is Small Business Saturday important?

For a very long time, small companies have been regarded as the lifeblood and center of the American economy. Successful small companies strengthen local ties, raise property values, and support the local economy by keeping money in the area. Small companies contribute to local taxes, so any money spent there supports local amenities like parks, schools, and emergency services.

Small company owners should take advantage of Small Business Saturday to make some extra money before the year is up. According to the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, about 110 million customers nationally “shopped small” on Small Business Saturday 2019 and spent a total of $19.6 billion at independent neighborhood shops and eateries.

Small Business Saturday ideas you can use to sell more this year

You can reach your customers on SBS in dozens of ways, but these Small Business Saturday ideas are the most effective:

1. Own your identity as a small business

There are several methods to connect with your consumers on Small Business Saturday, but the following suggestions are the most successful:

Customers want to support small businesses this year, so be sure to emphasize that fact in everything you do. Describe how and why you started, in your own words. Inform your clients of how you support neighborhood initiatives. Tell people what makes your goods and services unique and tailored. Just don’t be afraid to describe how you differ from big-box retailers. It is known as your brand narrative.

You must define your brand’s narrative before you can use it to attract more customers. Your brand narrative encapsulates who you are in general. Combining the following:

• The people behind your business and their values;
• The purpose of your business or the problem you’re trying to solve for customers;
• Your relationship with your customers and how you interact with them;

2. Craft a compelling Small Business Saturday offer or discount

To make your company stand out from the competition, a strong offer is crucial.

Consider your audience and what could appeal to them. What is the specialty of your shop? Has anything in the past proven to be very successful?

Whatever you choose, be sure that it is something that your company can provide.

The following are some offerings that you might wish to think about:

• 15 percent discount on all new items
• Free coffee and cookies for guests while they shop
• Gift with any purchase over $50
• 20 percent off your next purchase when you spend $40 or more
• Free wrapping

3. Send out an email series

With the aid of email marketing, you may immediately contact your clients and potential clients.

When someone subscribes to your email list, they are interested in what you have to offer and want to help you out.

Use a “Small Business Saturday” email template from Constant Contact to promote supporting local businesses (you can see all the templates at the end of this post).

Inform people of the benefits of supporting local businesses in your neighborhood. To promote Small Business Saturday, you might provide a unique deal or special content.

Think about collaborating with other nearby companies to promote one another. Inform your email subscribers about local stores they may visit on Small Business Saturday.

Send out three emails in a row to remind consumers to buy with you. These emails are a fantastic method to remind individuals and prompt them to take action in favor of your company during this hectic time of year:

• Email 1: Send an announcement email as soon as possible. Let them know that Small Business Saturday is coming up and why they should shop locally. Include the details about your offer.
• Email 2: Send a reminder email a week before. Remind them of the deadline and your offer, so they don’t forget.
• Email 3: A day or two before Small Business Saturday, send a last-chance email, so they don’t forget to shop with you and use your offer.

4. Reach interested customers on social media

You may reach even more prospective consumers by using social media as a tool.

Start by posting on social media comparable content that was utilized in your email series. Promote the concept of supporting small businesses by using the material and offer you’ve included in your email campaign.

Similar to how you did with your email series, create a series of three social media posts: an announcement, a reminder, and a last-chance reminder.

5. Keep the momentum going

Don’t underestimate the significance of follow-up in the week after Small Business Saturday, no matter how hectic the day may be.

A quick thank you note may go a long way, and it won’t take much time to make one. If you shot a lot of pictures, you might upload an album on Facebook, or you might just choose the finest one to show your admirers.

Keep your content straightforward by using anything like We appreciate everyone who visited #ShopSmall on Saturday. We value your assistance and look forward to seeing you soon!

Your aim should be to remind them of their wonderful experience with you and get them to come back soon in every follow-up letter you send. To personalize the thank you note, incorporate an image. Also, provide an incentive to get them back into your business before the year is through.

Conclusion

Small Business Saturday is held on November 28 this year, which is between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This year is the ideal time to boost sales and make up for losses incurred as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. Choose the strategy that is most appropriate for your company from effective marketing and SEO to teaming up with other local companies to increase your chances of success on Small Business Saturday.