Summer is officially over, and while we still have a few weeks until the holiday season is in full swing, now is the time for small business owners to come up with a strategy for a Successful Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 as a way to give local businesses a boost by drawing shoppers’ attention between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two of the biggest shopping days of the year. For many small businesses, it’s a great opportunity to reconnect with customers and increase their sales, not just on that day but throughout the year.
This year, Small Business Saturday is on November 30. If you are a small business owner, check out these easy ideas for setting your business up for a successful Small Business Saturday and a great holiday season.
Check Out Your Online Presence
While plenty of customers may pop into your store because they happened to notice it while they were walking by, far more people are going to want the opportunity to check you out online first. Make sure your website does a good job of not just reflecting your business’s products and services but also its “personality,” and check that any promotions or sales are prominently displayed. While you’re at it, verify that your business’s physical address, contact information and hours are all correct.
Consider Extending Your Hours
If you typically close in the early evening, consider staying open a few extra hours on Small Business Saturday, especially if your business is located in an area with restaurants, movie theaters or other venues that are open later. This is a great way to increase foot traffic and boost sales.
Give Staff a Refresher Course on Customer Service
One of the biggest benefits that employees of local small businesses enjoy is working in a laid-back, make-yourself-at-home environment. However, this relaxed attitude can easily lead to complacency, especially if foot traffic tends to be light. Prepare for Small Business Saturday by giving staff a refresher course on providing excellent customer service, from greeting every customer who walks in the door and answering questions to keeping shelves stocked and providing a fast checkout experience.
Don’t Think Like a Major Retailer
On Black Friday, customers expect to see rock-bottom prices at big-box retailers. As a small business, it’s easy to make the mistake of thinking that you have to match the prices and mirror the strategy of those major retailers. However, it’s important to remember that while customers may wait in line for hours for a $59 television at the retailer around the corner, the focus of Small Business Saturday is different: it’s not about getting everything for the lowest price possible, it’s about supporting the local economy and finding unique gifts that aren’t available anywhere else. So, go ahead, hand out some coupons, run a sale, but don’t worry about providing Black Friday-esque discounts.
Make Your Business Cards Work Harder
Giving your business cards to your customers is a simple, effective way to make your small business memorable. With the Soundwave Art™ App, you can make those little cards work harder by linking them to a video clip or audio file of your choosing. When your customer scans your business card with the Soundwave Art™ App, your clip will automatically play. As a bonus, you can change your video or audio clip at any time, making it easy to create customized messages throughout the holiday season.
This year, make the most of Small Business Saturday by creating a customer-focused experience that will boost your sales and foster a strong connection with your community.
