Small Business Saturday (SBS) is almost here!
It was created by American Express, in 2010, as a way to encourage people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses. On Nov 27th, 2021, we will be celebrating the 12th annual Small Business Saturday. We encourage everyone to shop small and make a difference by visiting local stores this holiday season.
Supporting Small Business Saturday is important because:
- It keeps small businesses open and helps them stay open
- It gains national attention around the benefits of supporting small businesses
- More than 1,400 individuals and organizations sign up as Neighborhood Champions
- Every 67 cents of a dollar spent at a small business stays in the local community
At DirectLync, small business success is something we truly believe in and support. Because of this, we wanted to make sure that all of our small business clients are prepared for the holiday. So, we are helping you wow your crowd and show them the successful small business you have established. Below we have listed 10 tips for you to input in your business for the day!
1. Set a Marketing Plan
Include your goals, content, channels, and timeline in your plan so you can schedule ahead. Staying on top of your content for an event is very important.
2. Communicate with Your Customers
Reach out to your customers and prospects about the holiday with engaging emails, social posts, videos, etc. Spread the word by communicating effectively.
3. Stack up on Business Cards
SBS brings networking opportunities to your fingertips! Have your business cards available to share with customers.
4. Extend Your Hours
Change your regular business hours and extend them for an hour or two. Staying open longer can drive more traffic to your store, plus you never know who will walk in.
5. Update Your Website
Add an event banner or even a discount code for people attending SBS. Updating your website gives you another channel to reach your audience.
6. Utilize Social Media
Give attention to your social accounts and share content for announcing the event, deals or promotions, and keep posting throughout the day.
7. Collaborate with Others
Join forces with other local businesses to celebrate. Hold an event to showcase what your companies have to offer. Encourage people to attend by promoting a deal between your businesses. It even allows you to reach your partner’s audience and vice versa.
8. Go Live
Share what is happening by posting live pictures, videos, and case studies of customers who are in your store. Everyone loves video content!
9. Incentives for Referrals
Encourage your customers to share your brand by offering a reward or gift when they bring in a new customer or share their purchase on social media.
10. Think Beyond Saturday
Make a plan to engage with new customers you got from Small Business Saturday. Marketing platforms like DirectLync can help you continue the communication and organize your campaigns.
Implement these into your business today!
Look back and reflect on what was successful and what didn’t work. When it comes to marketing, trial and error are huge. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and test new plans.
