Small Business Saturday Tips  

Hosted by Vince Ventura and Justin Shoup

Goals: Nov 25th 2017 and Small Business Saturday is just around the corner.  The closer we get to November 25, the more important it becomes to get the word out, if you plan to have a Small Business Saturday Sale.  Today we will talk about how to prepare for a competitive and successful Small Business Saturday online, in print, and in store.

 

• It’s your turn for profit

 

• Stay out of the way of Big Box stores, online only stores, and non-profit organizations.  You can have sales on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Giving Tuesday, but don’t pass up the resources available, and the space left for you on Small Business Saturday

 

• Many customers report customer service as a high priority.  Customers care about the experience as much as the price.  Small business is uniquely positioned to provide personalized experience and top notch service.

 

 

• Start Early

 

• It’s never too early to start marketing for a big Holiday sale.  Your competition and big box stores have already started Christmas displays.  Now is the time to start planning if you want to have a successful and profitable 4th quarter.

• Check out www.shopsmall.com.  This will redirect you to the official Small Business Saturday site where you can find images, and a lot of other useful materials to plan for a successful Holiday sale.

• Prepare your marketing materials.  Do you have Small Business Saturday on your website?  Are you planning an email?  Get an early start and either publish now, or if you have to work out the details, save a draft to come back to.

• Don’t forget about social media.  Talk about your sale early and often.  It takes quite a few reminders for people to take action, even on a sale.  Plan to talk about your sale a few times a week within your social media mix.

• Plan to send at least 3 emails between now and November 25.

• Ask for reviews on Facebook, Yelp, and Google. For consumers under age 35, who’ve always had easy access to peer reviews online, brand loyalty matters less than it does to older consumers. They trust friends and family the most — and have little use for traditional advertising as a source of product information. They are looking for real insights about products; they have no patience for stories that don’t speak directly to them.
• According to a recent study 64 percent of consumers indicated they will begin holiday shopping before the start of Black Friday week. And 29 percent will have completed most of it by then.

 

• Join Forces

 

• Become a small business Neighborhood Champion through The Small Business Saturday Website, and organize a street wide event

• Create a street wide passport, and encourage stopping to each and every store.

• Set up a Welcome Station for street visitors.

• Signage and Print
• • Sign up for custom marketing materials on the Small Business Saturday Site
  • • Free custom posters, flyers, bag stuffers

• Request a Shop Small® Kit* full of merchandise with items like tote bags, stickers, and more.

• Place signage inside, outside, and even stuff bags.

 

• Website Email and Social

 

• Plenty of custom images
• Custom Video
• Custom Website Badges

 

• Remember to tell your story!

 

• People want to support YOU!

• People want to support Small Business

• Often we can’t compete with the Big Box Discount, so make the community, your service, or your values the center of attention.

 

• Key Points

 

• It’s Your turn
• Prepare, and use the materials provided by Amex and Small Business Saturday
• Get the Shop Small Kit and market in print and in store
• Send email, and don’t forget social
• Tell your story