Small Business Saturday 2012 is the first Saturday after Thanksgiving and this year it falls on November 24. This initiative was started by American Express in the year 2010 to help the small business owners across the US. If you are a small business owner, the upcoming holiday season could likely make or break your year. Therefore, take maximum advantage of it this year to increase your sales and profits. Remember, you have to do everything in your power to woo the local shoppers on this day. It could mean big sales for you, provided that you are prepared to meet the demand of your local community. Here are a few tips that we have put together to take advantage of Small Business Saturday.
Strategies for Small Business Saturday 2012
Use social networking channels– Start promoting your small business participation at least a couple of weeks in advance on Twitter and Facebook. You can announce the special deals and offers to your followers ahead of time. To gauge the effectiveness of your social media promotions, you can reward loyal followers by offering them coupons that they can redeem before Christmas or New Years.
Make use of the free online advertising tools – To participate in Small Business Saturday, you do not have to accept American Express. All that you have to do is log on to the Small Business Saturday’s website and take advantage of the free online marketing tools. You will also get complimentary signage, banners and other promotional tools for your business. On your facebook business account, you should like the Small Business Saturday to get frequent updates from the site.
Let your local community know about your participation– There is nothing wrong in online advertising and promotions, however, you should be aware of the fact that not everyone would be comfortable with online transactions. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and let your consumers know about this event through flyers in store, or placing advertisement in prominent local newspapers and any other way.
Plan marketing strategies with other small business owners on your street – When one business owner gives a business, it goes without saying that you need to return the favor. The small business owners should support each other on a regular basis. This will help to create a community in which the business will not grow but thrive.
Consider hosting special events for children – You along with other small business owners who are into similar business should plan to hold special events for children. This is one way to attract crowds and spread word about your business to the locals.
Are you participating in american express Small Business Saturday events on November 24th 2012? Please share your experiences and proven strategies with us.
