Small Business Saturday began in 2010 as a way to guide holiday shoppers away from the big-box stores and toward small, independently owned businesses.
Thirteen years later … well, it’s still around, and it still has the same purpose. It’s just bigger and better than before.
Held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, 2023’s Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 25. That means there’s still time to prepare, but no time to lose.
If you’re having a hard time coming up with ways to market your business on Small Business Saturday, don’t fret. You can borrow some of ours.
10 Small Business Saturday Marketing Ideas
#1: Order Your Free Resources
Small Business Saturday (SBS) is the brainchild of American Express, and the company provides plenty of free marketing materials to help you spread the word about your participation in the Shop Small movement. Download them here.
#2: Nail Down Your Deals
Inflation might be cooling, but it hasn’t cooled off completely, so deal hunting will still be rampant this holiday season. Find a few products or services that you can offer as doorbuster deals. (Just remember: You have to turn a profit, too. Don’t discount yourself to death!)
#3: Create a Buzz on Social Media
Don’t wait until the day of (or the week before) SBS to start teasing your involvement on social media. Make sure your fans and followers know what you have planned well ahead of time so they can add you to their list of places to visit.
#4: Design an Email Campaign
A targeted email marketing campaign that sends updates and reminders about Small Business Saturday can help you keep your customers in the know. Make sure you’re creating a proper email sequence that makes sense rather than just sending out “Come buy our stuff!” spam.
#5: Spruce Up Your Website
If your website isn’t quite up to snuff, now is the time to get all the bugs out before the SBS shoppers arrive. You should also consider teasing some of the deals on your homepage and updating your banner to reflect your participation.
#6: Plan an Event …
If you have a brick-and-mortar location, make the day festive with refreshments, holiday activities and fun things for the kids to do while their parents shop. If you’re online-only, contests, giveaways, games and entertaining livestreams are in order!
#7: … Or Join One
No time to plan an event? No problem! Check with your local chamber of commerce to see if your town has anything planned or get in touch with neighboring businesses to see if you could possibly piggyback on their party.
#8: Make Some Merch
In a season where wallets are wailing for relief and credit cards are suffering from exhaustion, receiving something for nothing is like a breath of fresh air. Give out branded merchandise like tote bags, coffee mugs or T-shirts. (Style points if you go completely off the rails like these businesses did!)
#9: Offer Before and After Specials
Not everyone is going to shop the day of the event, so don’t alienate your early birds and dillydalliers. Offer pre and post SBS deals to those who don’t want to deal with the crowds on Nov. 25.
#10: Keep Them Coming Back for More
The holidays will be over before you know it, and the extra boost in sales won’t last forever. Consider offering coupons, gift cards or discount codes with each purchase that can’t be used until after the first of the year. This will give your customers a nudge to return after the shopping season is over when you can best use the post-holiday pick me up.
Are You Ready for Small Business Saturday?
This time of year, the days fly faster than ever. Although there is still nearly a month before Small Business Saturday, there’s not a second to spare. Whether you use some of our ideas or create your own, it’s time to make a plan!
Whether you just need an extra pair of hands through the holiday season or are looking for a long-term marketing partner, Mischa Communications is up to the task. Let us know what you need!