Growing Business & Community: Small Business Saturday strategies for businesses

By Jennifer Pauly

President

Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce

Small Business Saturday is on Saturday, Nov. 25. It’s time for our member businesses to think about what they can do to celebrate the day. Retail and restaurant businesses have traditionally celebrated this day with promotions and sales, but there is also an opportunity for service-based businesses to be a part of the day!

Even if your business is not open to customers on Nov. 25, you can create promotions the week of or partner with other businesses in a raffle. There are endless opportunities to be a part of the shop small / small business Saturday fun.

I’ve gathered a list of some things you can do to start planning Small Business Saturday.

•Make sure your digital assets are up to date! This includes your website and social media accounts. Is your address, hours of operation and what you offer current? Can customers contact you easily on those platforms? Take the time now to update necessary information.

•Make a social media plan! How are you going to show up on the social platforms your customers are on? Start taking content photos and videos that can be added to your social sites. Many of the sites have scheduling options so you can plan your content now, set it to run the dates you want, and you are all set! Add in #hashtags and interact with the comments! Keep the engagement going.

•Offer a special promotion. Offer a special discount or free gift with purchase on Saturday, Nov. 25. Create a raffle / giveaway / drawing for a gift certificate or basket full of products from your business. You can also offer a special coupon for a later date, encouraging customers to use the coupon during a slower month to spur sales at a later date. Encourage gift card purchases.

•Create an event. Make the day special by ordering balloons, setting up decorations or offering free refreshments. The festive atmosphere is sure to get everyone in a great mood! Set up an in-store demonstration that features your products or services.

•Partner up! If your business is a service business, this is a great way to share your services with a retail business that has the traffic on Small Business Saturday. Consider partnering with a nonprofit organization whose mission you support. This can help bring in a new demographic of customers.

•Extend your hours! Your hours of operation are important to think about for Small Business Saturday. Generally, shoppers are out a little earlier than normal, and shop later that day. Extend your day in the morning and evening to capture customers who are enjoying the day. Encourage your neighboring businesses to align their hours with yours.

•Get your staff on board! Educate your staff on why it is important to greet customers when they enter the business. Customers should also be thanked upon exiting! Your staff should have a positive attitude throughout the day.

•Track the day! It’s always important to compare your data to the year prior and take note of what you improved or where there is room for improvement. This will help you set the course for the following year.

Small Business Saturday is one of our favorite days of the year. If you are not sure how to make the day work for your business, contact us! We would be happy to help you make the day successful!

#shopsmall