Each year, Small Business Saturday presents a unique opportunity for local businesses to shine and connect with their communities in meaningful ways. If you’re looking to increase brand visibility, drive foot traffic, and strengthen community ties, having your business participate in this day could be a game-changer.
At BankProv, we’re proud to support small businesses that form the heart of our communities. As a financial partner to local entrepreneurs, we understand the challenges and triumphs that come with running a small business. Small Business Saturday celebrates the hard work, resilience, and creativity that small business owners bring to our towns, and we’re here to help make this day a success for you.
What is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday, held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, was created in 2010 to support and celebrate small businesses across the country. While the big-box stores and online giants kick off the holiday shopping season with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is a dedicated day for community members to shop locally and support the businesses that make their town special.
When is Small Business Saturday?
This year, Small Business Saturday falls on November 30, 2024. With holiday shopping in full swing, it’s the perfect time for small businesses to attract both new and returning customers looking for unique gifts and personalized service.
Why Should Businesses Get Involved?
Participating in Small Business Saturday provides numerous benefits for your business:
Boost in Revenue: Many customers are eager to shop local and support small businesses, especially during the holiday season. This day can lead to a significant spike in sales.
- Offer Bundled Deals or Discounts: Create special bundles of your best-selling items or a holiday discount to encourage larger purchases.
- Create Limited-Time Offers: Flash sales or “early bird” deals can help kick off the day with energy and incentivize people to buy.
- Promote Gift Cards: Offering incentives on gift card purchases (e.g., “Buy a $50 card, get $5 off your next purchase”) can boost sales during the holiday and bring customers back after the season.
Increased Visibility: Engaging in the national Small Business Saturday event helps amplify your brand’s visibility, as it connects you with local shoppers who may have otherwise overlooked your store.
- Use Social Media and Digital Ads: Advertise your Small Business Saturday offers using hashtags like #SmallBusinessSaturday and #ShopLocal. A targeted ad campaign can reach new customers in your area.
- Enhance Curb Appeal: Draw in customers with eye-catching window displays, signage, and lighting that highlight seasonal specials and sales.
- Offer a Social Media Giveaway: Encourage customers to share their purchases online. This approach boosts both online visibility and foot traffic.
Community Support: Small Business Saturday builds community spirit by encouraging people to support their local economy, which benefits everyone in the area.
- Collaborating with Other Local Businesses: Plan joint promotions or a “Shop Small Crawl” where customers can get stamps or tokens for visiting each participating business.
- Host a Local Event: Set up a special holiday event or invite a local performer to your store to add to the festive atmosphere, creating a fun experience for shoppers.
- Give Back: Consider donating a portion of the day’s sales to a local charity. Customers will appreciate knowing their purchases contribute to the community.
Customer Loyalty: Engaging customers on this day allows you to establish or strengthen relationships, potentially fostering loyalty that lasts beyond the holiday season.
- Offer an Exclusive Loyalty Discount: Give returning customers a special discount or reward points to use during the holiday season.
- Capture Contact Information: Ask shoppers to sign up for your email list, join a loyalty program, or follow you on social media to stay in the loop about future sales.
- Provide Personalized Service: Train your staff to make each interaction meaningful, from offering gift-wrapping services to helping customers find the perfect gift, so they remember your business long after the holidays.
Get Ready for Small Business Saturday with Our Marketing Guide
Preparation is key to making the most of Small Business Saturday. Our comprehensive marketing guide is packed with strategies to help your business stand out:
Build Hype Early: Start promoting the event on your social media channels and within your community now. Consider sharing stories of how your business is gearing up and giving sneak peeks of special offers or exclusive products.
Special Promotions & Offers: Whether it’s a “Buy One, Get One” promotion, exclusive products, or discounts, make your business a must-stop destination for holiday shoppers.
Collaborate Locally: Partner with neighboring businesses to create a festive atmosphere. You might plan a scavenger hunt, cross-promote products, or create a passport where customers get a stamp for visiting each participating business.
Leverage Social Media: Use hashtags like #SmallBusinessSaturday and #ShopLocal to join the national conversation. Share customer testimonials and stories to showcase your local impact and engage with your followers.
Optimize for Foot Traffic: Ensure your store signage, in-store layout, and checkout process are ready to accommodate an influx of customers smoothly.
For more tips and strategies, download our guide to get everything you need to make this Small Business Saturday a success!
Make this Small Business Saturday memorable by preparing your business to stand out. We’re here to help you create a plan that maximizes your reach and makes the day a win for both you and your community.