Sure, Black Friday may have more marketing power, but small business owners can have their own chance to shine during Small Business Saturday on November 26. Unfortunately, many holiday shoppers aren’t even aware that Small Business Saturday happens. So how can you make the most of this important business opportunity?
Here are seven tips for a successful Small Business Saturday.
Amp Up Your Social Media Presence
Social media can be an incredibly powerful tool for small businesses. Use your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages to advertise for Small Business Saturday and encourage shoppers to support local products. You could even offer promotions through social media—such as 10 percent off for followers or a contest that shoppers can enter by retweeting a post.
Have an Enticing Offer
Black Friday deals are known for being “doorbusters.” While you may not be in a position to offer as big of a discount as the big box stores, you can still have a few enticing offers to get shoppers in the door. Consider running short discount windows (“Everything half off for the first hour of the day”) or “buy one, get one” deals that make visiting your shop even more enticing than usual.
Create Bundled Gift Items
Bundled deals are a great way to move more product and still offer your customers a great price. For instance, pair home décor items in a packaged deal and include an extra enticing decorative element, like a fresh orchid or other small indoor plant.
Make a Creative Window Display
Depending on your shop’s location, you can likely count on significant foot traffic on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Make sure holiday shoppers don’t just pass by your store by assembling a creative window display. You can feature some of your more popular products alongside an attractive element, like carefully arranged plants or flowers.
Upsell
Think of every sale as an opportunity to sell more. Whether it’s suggesting complementary products to a shopper or offering a small discount if they join your email distribution list, find a way to upsell your customers and get the most out of every sale.
Contact Local Media
Get your local television, radio and newspaper in on the fun by announcing promotional deals in the weeks leading up to Small Business Saturday. The more you can get the word out, the better. Work with other local businesses to promote a town-wide event.
Offer a Free Gift
A “free gift with purchase” is a great way to get customers in the door to check out the rest of your inventory. The possibilities are endless and you can easily find a free gift to offer that customers will want, but won’t break the budget.
One final bonus tip: enhance your store’s offerings on Small Business Saturday by selling orchids in your store! They never go out of season or out of style.Order them online today.
