As the holiday season approaches, amidst the hustle and bustle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there’s another significant event that shines a spotlight on the backbone of many communities – Small Business Saturday. This annual observance celebrates the contributions of local entrepreneurs and encourages consumers to support small businesses in their neighborhoods.
What Is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday is a dedicated day for recognizing and supporting the small businesses that form the cornerstone of local economies. It provides an opportunity for communities to showcase the diversity and creativity of their small business owners, from boutique shops and family-run restaurants to independent artisans and service providers. By patronizing these enterprises, consumers help sustain the vitality and distinct character of their neighborhoods.
When Is Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday takes place on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving each year, positioning it between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. In 2023, Small Business Saturday falls on November 25th, serving as a timely reminder to shift our focus from large retailers to the unique offerings of local establishments.
How Was Small Business Saturday Started?
The inception of Small Business Saturday can be traced back to 2010 when American Express launched a campaign to promote small businesses in response to the economic challenges faced by entrepreneurs during the recession. The initiative gained momentum through grassroots efforts, with local organizations, public officials, and small business owners rallying together to raise awareness about the importance of supporting independent ventures.
The U.S. Senate officially recognized Small Business Saturday in 2011, cementing its status as a nationally celebrated event. Since then, the observance has grown into a cherished tradition, encouraging consumers to “shop small” and fostering a sense of community pride and solidarity.
Benefits of Small Business Saturday
For small business owners, their business is not just a business — it’s an extension of who they are. Supporting the local businesses within your community not only keeps those businesses alive, but keeps the communities they serve thriving, as well. Small Business Saturday is an annual event that encourages consumers to shop at local small businesses, and it offers numerous benefits for both business owners and the community.
One of the biggest benefits of Small Business Saturday is the positive impact it has on the local economy. American Express estimates that for every dollar spent at small retailers, $0.67 stays in the community. This means that by supporting small businesses, you are directly contributing to the economic growth and sustainability of your community.
Small Business Saturday also brings in a significant number of shoppers. According to the National Retail Federation, Small Business Saturday 2022 came second only to Black Friday in terms of the number of in-person shoppers. More than 63 million people turned out to shop at physical locations, and another 58 million shopped online. These numbers highlight the growing popularity and importance of Small Business Saturday as a main player in the Cyber Week shopping trends.
Furthermore, a new survey from Drive Research indicates that 36% of Americans plan to shop this Small Business Saturday. While not as many consumers shop on Small Business Saturday as they do on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it still holds significant weight in terms of consumer interest and support for local businesses. In fact, last year shoppers showed up to support small businesses with nearly $18 billion in sales.
Supporting small businesses also has broader implications for the community. By shopping at local establishments, you are contributing to the creation of new jobs for the residents of your city. Small businesses often hire locally, providing employment opportunities and boosting the overall economic well-being of the community. Additionally, supporting small businesses can help elevate minority entrepreneurs, promoting diversity and inclusivity within the business landscape.
In conclusion, participating in Small Business Saturday offers a range of benefits. It supports the local economy, keeps communities thriving, and creates new job opportunities. Additionally, it allows consumers to show their support for small businesses and contribute to the success of local, independent companies. So, mark your calendars and join in the celebration of Small Business Saturday to make a positive impact in your community!
5 Fantastic Small Business Saturday Ideas
Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity for party retailers to boost sales and attract new customers.
1. Update and optimize your website:
Add a banner promoting your sale to pages across your site. This will ensure that visitors are aware of your Small Business Saturday promotions as soon as they land on your website.
Switch up your homepage content to mention Small Business Saturday. Highlight the importance of supporting local businesses and encourage visitors to shop with you on this day.
Use a live chat feature to alert visitors of Small Business Saturday promotions. This will create a sense of urgency and make it easier for potential customers to engage with your business.
2. Create Small Business Saturday offers:
Buy one get one free deals for people shopping with (or for!) friends. This will encourage group shopping and increase the average order value.
Offer discounts for same-day appointments. This can be a great way to attract last-minute shoppers who need party supplies or decorations on Small Business Saturday.
Bundle services into packages and offer them at a discounted rate. This will appeal to customers looking for convenience and value.
Create holiday gifts out of products or services, and offer a discount or free service to those who purchase the gift. This will incentivize customers to choose your business for their holiday gift shopping.
Provide a free gift with every purchase. This small gesture can leave a lasting impression and encourage repeat business.
Offer a discount for signing up for your blog, newsletter, or providing contact information. This will help you build your email list and engage with potential customers.
Include a coupon for holiday services with each purchase. This will encourage customers to return and use your services again in the future.
Run limited-time offers to encourage shoppers to act fast around Small Business Saturday. This creates a sense of urgency and can drive sales.
3. Host a Small Business Saturday event:
Kickoff Event: Invite customers to a special event to mark the start of Small Business Saturday. Offer exclusive discounts, refreshments, or entertainment to make the event memorable.
Host a Contest: Organize a contest that encourages customers to visit your store or website. This can be as simple as a social media contest or an in-store scavenger hunt.
Host an Auction: Partner with other local businesses and organize a charity auction. This not only supports a good cause but also attracts customers to your store.
Have a Digital Raffle: Utilize social media platforms to run a raffle for your customers. This can help increase engagement and generate excitement for Small Business Saturday.
4. Use multiple marketing strategies:
Update Google My Business with your Small Business Saturday promotions. This will increase your visibility on Google Maps and search results.Utilize social media on Small Business Saturday. Run a Small Business Saturday Instagram giveaway, write a blog post that is relevant to your target audience, and promote it across social media platforms. Leverage existing social media groups, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, to promote your special offers and sales. Cross-promote email offers with social media posts.
Run a Small Business Saturday email promotion. Send an email promoting your in-store event or sale, send a coupon for email subscribers to use on Small Business Saturday, send a round-up of the businesses you’ll be supporting on Small Business Saturday, and create and send a holiday gift guide using products and services from local businesses.
Use paid ads. Try local PPC ads that advertise your Small Business Saturday in-store or online deals. Take this weekend as an opportunity to refresh your PPC keyword strategy by bidding on terms that include “small business Saturday” in them. Consider using display ads that include Small Business Saturday creative elements.
Use local media. Produce a round-up of stores in the area that you recommend for shoppers, write an article on the history of your business, or write an opinion piece on the importance of Small Business Saturday. Enlist the help of your clients by asking them to share their positive experiences with your business.
5. Collaboration ideas:
Partner with a charity. Donate a portion of your Small Business Saturday sales to a local charity. This not only benefits the community but also increases customer loyalty and brand reputation.
Team up with other businesses. Collaborate with complementary businesses to cross-promote each other’s Small Business Saturday offers. This can help you reach new audiences and increase foot traffic.
Work with local influencers. Partner with influencers in your area who have a strong following and ask them to promote your Small Business Saturday offers. This can significantly increase your reach and generate buzz for your business.
Create a local shopping guide. Collaborate with other local businesses to create a guide highlighting the best places to shop on Small Business Saturday. Distribute this guide at your store or online to help shoppers navigate the local business scene.
Enlist the help of your clients. Ask your loyal customers to promote your Small Business Saturday offers on social media or share their positive experiences with their online networks. This word-of-mouth marketing can be incredibly powerful and cost-effective.
By implementing these five fantastic Small Business Saturday ideas, party retailers can drive sales, attract new customers, and make the most of this special day. Remember to plan ahead, promote your offers effectively, and provide a memorable shopping experience to ensure a successful Small Business Saturday!
In conclusion, Small Business Saturday serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that individual choices can have on the livelihoods of small business owners. Let’s join hands in championing the spirit of entrepreneurship and make Small Business Saturday a memorable celebration of community, creativity, and commerce.
Join us in celebrating Small Business Saturday on November 25th, and together, let’s make a difference in the lives of our local entrepreneurs and our communities.
