Small Business Saturday 2018 is right around the corner. It is the time when everyone’s eyes are on small businesses. There are major initiatives supported by the Government to encourage people to shop small and local. With so much things going on from all types of small businesses, it is nearly impossible to continue and bring something new and different to the table.
Small Business Saturday is a chance for every small business to make their mark and enter into the buzz. In fact it is not only about sales, but it gives your small business lots of opportunities. Small Business Saturday helps you to increase your business’ revenue as well as build long-term relationships with your customers. Last year, almost 95 million people went out to support their local businesses.
Every small business wants to take benefit from this Small Business Saturday. Here are some of the best tips that you can follow to make this Small Business Saturday a success for you.
- Reveal Your Small Business Saturday Participation
Let your local customers know that you are participating in Small Business Saturday. There are also some free online marketing tools available helping you to spread the word through social channels, email marketing, advertising and direct mailing.
- Host an Event
Create an event for Small Business Saturday promotions in your local community. If you can’t do so, join your local community businesses and create an event with their collaboration. Throw a party or fair on the street. Showcase your products and inspire people to participate in your party. If you are short on funds, get a business loan and cover the expenses.
- Make Small Business Saturday a Special Event
Decorate your local community and storefront with the banners, balloons, signage to invite your community to participate in the event. Offering free food, setting up a music concert can also help attract the people.
- Extend Your Working Hours
If you are a retail business and your opening hours are 10 am to 9:30 pm, extend your opening hours to a little more so your customers can visit you in late hours as well. This strategy really works if you collaborate with other business in your community on opening and closing times. Share your opening hours on different channels.
- Use Cross-Promotion Strategy
Collaborate with other small business in your community and find new ways that can help benefit both businesses to promote the initiative communally. You can also consider partnering on Small Business Saturday event and offer discounts to your customers who bring receipt from your partner small business.
- Use Local Media Channels
As the newspaper is a traditional medium of print information, place an ad of your Small Business Saturday promotions in your local newspapers. You can also use radio and television to place an ad announcing that you are participating in Small Business Saturday. Encourage their media team to visit your store show the public what you are offering them.
- Use the Power of Social Media
Social media has become an integral part of modern society connecting people with similar interests and increasing the digital footprints of a brand. Use social media strategies that attracts people to your page and provide them the best product knowledge through your postings with appropriate hashtags such as #smallbusinesssaturday #smallbusinessaturdayUS #shoplocal #shopsmall #smallbizsat
- Offer Discounts
Like any other sales day Small Business Saturday is also a great even to offer discounts and deals to your customers. You can use offers like buy one get one free, 20% off discounts, free gifts as well as coupon discounts to attract more customers to your store.
- Stock Up On Your Best Selling Products
Before the season arrive you need to stock up on your best selling products. But for that you need to understand your customers’ demand. Plan ahead of event and create a list of your best selling products and stock up on them before the Small Business Saturday.
- Improve Your Other Marketing Efforts
Promoting your products or service only on social media is not enough. You need a solid marketing strategy to spread the word through web. Take your time and create a marketing strategy that can bring more customers to your store or website. It is recommended to consider creating a comprehensive marketing campaign, because it will surely draw customers to your store.
If you are a retail business owner and looking for business loans to fund your Small Business Saturday efforts, a business loan from Merchant Advisors can help. For more details, please give us a call on our toll free number (833) 827-4412. Alternatively, get your free online quote by filling our online application form, if you’re ready to apply for business loan.
