15 Small Business Saturday ideas to bring in revenue
While the frenzy of Black Friday and the online surge of Cyber Monday are well-known to most, there's another shopping holiday that many businesses might be overlooking: Small Business Saturday (SBS).
Established as a counterpoint to the big-box retailers' dominance, Small Business Saturday emphasizes the importance of supporting local, independent businesses and small startups (like yours). But how can you ensure that your Small Business Saturday deals stand out amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season?
This guide offers tailored Small Business Saturday ideas that not only aim to boost your revenue on the day itself but also cultivate lasting relationships, ensuring customers return throughout the year.
1. Create Small Business Saturday deals
The allure of a good deal is a surefire way to drive foot traffic or website clicks. Consider implementing the following tactics at your business to up the ante and encourage bargain hunters to shop your sale:
Bundle complementary products or services at a special discounted rate, making the purchase a no-brainer.
Unveil limited-time promotions that are exclusive to Small Business Saturday 2024, giving customers the thrill of nabbing a one-day-only deal.
Woo the early risers by designing early bird specials, rewarding those who are first in line or first to click.
Rather than discounting, consider giving a free gift with a minimum purchase size.
2. Collaborate with other businesses
You know what they say: the more the merrier — especially when it comes to Small Business Saturday marketing. Partnering with other local businesses allows you to tap into their existing customer bases and expand your reach, creating a win-win scenario for all parties involved. You can collaborate with other small businesses by trying the following:
Initiate joint promotions or special deals, where a purchase from one business could lead to a discount or perk at another.
Cross-promote offers on each other's social media platforms to enhance your digital camaraderie.
Co-organize events like themed market days or collaborative workshops with similar businesses to stir community excitement and draw larger crowds.
3. Host a Small Business Saturday event or workshop
Hosting Small Business Saturday events or workshops provides value and creates memorable interactions that customers cherish.
By offering hands-on or immersive experiences, you not only showcase your products but also build deeper connections with your patrons — and give them the opportunity to connect with each other. Here are some ideas:
Offer in-store demonstrations or hands-on tutorials, letting customers "try before they buy" and demystify your products or services.
Arrange classes that align with your product range.
Invite local influencers, artists, or even craftsmen for meet-and-greets.
4. Enhance your online presence
In this digital age, a significant portion of shopping starts online — even if it ends in-store. An updated and active digital presence can serve as the first touchpoint for many potential customers, setting the stage for their shopping decisions. As you gear up for the day, be sure to:
Spruce up your website with dedicated Small Business Saturday banners or themes to immerse visitors in the occasion.
Jump into the social conversation using local hashtags, placing your business in the heart of the community chatter.
Initiate email marketing campaigns that shine a spotlight on your special promotions, directly engaging your subscriber base.
Also, it's a good idea to verify your business for SBS to enhance your visibility on the big day.
5. Offer loyalty rewards
The value of a returning customer often surpasses that of a new one. Recognizing and rewarding the commitment of your loyal patrons not only fosters goodwill but also gives them more reasons to shop. As you think about adding that extra touch for your regulars, consider the following:
Award double loyalty points for the day's purchases, giving them more bang for their buck.
Roll out deals that are exclusively designed for your returning clientele, making them feel seen and valued.
Tease upcoming products or collections, granting them early access or previews and keeping their excitement alive for future visits.
Introduce stamp cards as an engaging way for customers to track their purchases and work towards a reward.
6. Stand out with customer service
It's often said that people may forget what you said, but they'll never forget how you made them feel. In the world of business, this sentiment often rings true. Customer service can be a game-changer, turning casual shoppers into loyal enthusiasts. To ensure your patrons leave with a smile:
Offer thoughtful touches like gift wrapping services with purchases, adding a layer of convenience and care.
Surprise and delight them with free samples or bonus items with each sale. It's the little things that often leave the biggest impressions.
Cater to the early birds and night owls alike by extending your business hours, which can show adaptability and commitment to your clientele.
7. Queue up your Small Business Saturday posts
Social media is where conversations happen, buzz is created, and connections are forged. Curating content that resonates with your audience can amplify the reach and impact of your Small Business Saturday marketing. As you strategize your online engagement:
Stir up excitement by launching contests or giveaways on social media, giving your followers something to look forward to.
Provide an authentic glimpse behind the curtains by sharing behind-the-scenes preparations to build anticipation.
Host live sessions to create a real-time bond, be it addressing customer queries, showcasing new arrivals, or simply sharing the day's energy.
8. Take advantage of local media and influencers
While grassroots marketing has its charm, sometimes casting a wider net can significantly boost visibility. Leveraging local media and influencers can offer that expansive reach, placing your business on a broader radar. To make waves in the larger ecosystem:
Send out press releases that spotlight your unique Small Business Saturday deals to grab the attention of journalists and readers alike.
Build relationships with local influencers. By offering them exclusive deals for their followers, you tap into a ready audience while providing value to the influencer.
Exchange free merchandise for a promotional post on their stories or feeds.
9. Offer exclusive online or in-person only deals
Today's shoppers are omnichannel, moving seamlessly between online browsing and in-store purchases. Catering deals to each type of shopper can create a sense of exclusivity and buzz — and can help encourage online shoppers to come into the store (and vice versa). To capitalize on this dynamic:
Provide incentives such as early access, free shipping, or extended return policies for either segment to sweeten the deal.
For in-store promotions, consider offering a tactile or interactive experience that can't be replicated online, like a product demo or tasting session.
Leverage social media to tease upcoming deals or to let followers vote on the next in-store special to boost engagement and anticipation.
10. Encourage reviews
In the age of information, peer reviews can carry as much weight as personal recommendations. Positive feedback can boost your brand's image, while constructive criticism can offer areas for improvement. To cultivate a culture of feedback:
Offer incentives, like a small discount or bonus gift, to customers who take the time to leave a review.
After a purchase, send out friendly reminders or post-purchase emails nudging customers to share their experiences.
Foster a sense of community by actively engaging with reviews, thanking customers for positive feedback, and addressing any concerns proactively.
11. Opt for UGC
In the age of social media, nothing says genuine endorsement like user-generated content (UGC). UGC is akin to word-of-mouth marketing in the digital world. Not only does it showcase real-life interactions with your products, but it also instills trust among prospective customers:
Propel customer creativity by launching hashtag campaigns, making them brand ambassadors of sorts.
Narrate the real-life impact of your products by spotlighting customer testimonials or transformative stories.
Celebrate your customers by resharing their posts or stories, especially when they proudly tag or mention your business.
12. Hold a contest
Who doesn't love the thrill of a challenge or the allure of a prize? Contests are a dynamic way to fuel excitement and keep your audience engaged, all while subtly highlighting your products or services:
Pique digital interest by organizing enticing social media giveaways with prizes that are hard to resist.
Foster in-store enthusiasm with raffles, giving shoppers an added incentive to visit.
Invite creativity with photo contests, letting customers showcase their flair and bond with your brand.
13. Gamify the shopping experience
Transforming the conventional shopping experience into a game can lead to happy, engaged customers. Gamification can make shopping more interactive, fun, and rewarding, encouraging customers to interact with your brand in fresh, exciting ways. Try these tactics to gamify your sales strategy:
Jazz up the shopping process with activities like shopping bingo or in-store treasure hunts.
Introduce the element of surprise with spin-the-wheel discounts or other game-based offers, either in-store or online.
Engage customers with brand-centric quizzes, doling out rewards for correct answers or swift responses.
14. Introduce new products
Exclusivity is an age-old marketing tactic. By introducing new products or lines specifically on Small Business Saturday, you offer a unique shopping experience and create buzz around your releases. Build anticipation by trying the following:
Unveil products exclusive to Small Business Saturday.
Sweeten deals with introductory discounts for newly launched items, enticing even the unsure shoppers.
Allow pre-bookings, perhaps coupled with special offers or added bonuses for early birds.
15. Check on your finances before and after Small Business Saturday
Before diving into prep for this year’s Small Business Saturday, you must know where your finances stand. Tools like Expensify can be a lifesaver when it comes to mastering spend management for your small business. From tracking earnings to keeping an eye on expenses, Expensify can help you make sure everything is in order. Let’s break down the before and after:
Before the rush of Small Business Saturday 2024, use Expensify to ensure you clearly understand your financial landscape so you can set realistic goals and allocate resources effectively.
Post-event, delve into the details by peeking at Expensify’s comprehensive insights and reporting feature. This helps you understand the success of your initiatives while also allowing you to forecast and plan for future campaigns.
Common questions about Small Business Saturday
Still curious about what Small Business Saturday is all about? Check out our FAQs for some clarity.
What is Small Business Saturday and how does it work?
Small Business Saturday is a dedicated shopping holiday that falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and aims to promote and support local and independent businesses.
Small Business Saturday’s goal is to shift the focus from the mega-sales of large corporations seen on Black Friday and Cyber Monday and, instead, highlight the crucial role small businesses play in communities and economies.
How many people shop on Small Business Saturday?
In 2021, 51 million people across the United States shopped on Small Business Saturday. Exact numbers can vary each year, but the day continues to gain traction as more consumers recognize the importance of investing in their local communities.
Recover from your Saturday fun with Expensify
After the hustle and bustle of Small Business Saturday, there's a need for order, reflection, and future planning. That's where Expensify comes in.
Our intuitive platform streamlines the financial management process, ensuring that even amidst the busiest sales day of the year, you maintain a clear view of your earnings, expenditures, and overall business health. That way, you can sit back and enjoy your holidays stress-free.
Use Expensify to watch how your next brilliant campaign pays off
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