SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Hey there Sunshines, Alexis here! 

Can you believe it’s already almost November?!! I know, absolute crazy sauce. As you may or may not know we’ve been focusing a lot on our marketing efforts over the past year and a half, and so for our November blog post (that we were just too excited to wait till November to post), we’re going to give you some of our insights on how you can do some marketing prep for Small Business Saturday... since, again, it’s like already Thanksgiving and all!  

So, Small Business Saturday! The Saturday immediately following Thanksgiving & the (cringey) Black Friday. My favorite part about Small Business Saturday is that it encourages people to get out into their local communities to support and celebrate the small businesses that make them so unique! 

So, as a small business, how can you get involved this year while also driving sales and expanding your customer base? Let’s dig in!  

First & Foremost, You’ve Got a Story to Tell!  

Every single one of you has a story! One that people would LOVE to hear! So let your marketing for Small Business Saturday tell that story, engage people in your journey – where you’ve been, where you are, and where you are going. This will make your brand feel more personal and humanize your business. People love to be a part of a journey that they can identify with, engage with, and know they are making a difference for a local small business. So, don’t be afraid to “toot your own horn!”  

What’s your Sales Strategy?  

This will vary based on what you sell and how you sell it, so let's break it down: 

For the Product-Based Brick & Mortars: 

• Team Up: Collaborate with nearby shops to create a buzz that attracts more foot traffic. Consider joint promotions or events that benefit all involved. 
• Host Pop-Ups: Bring in vendors who complement but don’t compete with what you’re selling. This not only diversifies what’s on offer but also introduces new customers to your store. 
• Go Mobile: If your location isn’t ideal for walk-ins, take your best products to community fairs or busy spots. Pop-up shops can be a fantastic way to meet new customers where they are. 

For Service-Based Businesses: 

• Partner Up: Link with product-based businesses for joint promotions or events. Hosting a pop-up for a complementary service can add value to both businesses. 
• Community Events: Get involved in local events where you can set up a booth or offer a mini-service. This is a great way to engage directly with the community and showcase what makes your service special. 

For Online Businesses: 

• Virtual Events: Consider hosting a Facebook or Instagram Live to engage customers in real-time. Use these platforms to showcase products, answer questions, and offer exclusive deals. 
• Collaborate Locally: Even if you're online, local collaborations can be golden. Team up with local stores or service providers to host events or pop-ups. 

Engage and Excite Your Audience 

In the days prior to Small Business Saturday, think about really turning up the volume on your social media outreach to create some buzz! Start with sneak peeks of your special offers or new products. Share behind-the-scenes videos showing how your products are made or what a day at your business looks like. Spotlight your staff—introduce them through fun posts or quick videos, highlighting how each plays a role in the magic of your business – people LOVE seeing the real faces behind the brand. Customer stories can also be marketing gold here; share testimonials or feature stories where your products or services have made a difference in someone's life. And don’t forget to engage directly with your audience through polls or ask them to share their favorite products for a chance to be featured on your page. Remember, every post is an opportunity to show why supporting local businesses, like yours, enriches the community. 

Don’t Just Sell, Tell! 

Your content should do more than just sell; it should tell a story that connects emotionally with your audience. Craft blog posts or social media content that dives into the 'why' of your business. Did you start your business to solve a problem you faced personally? Get on camera and share that. Maybe your product is inspired by local history or culture—tell that story in a way that captivates. Create a video tour of your workspace, highlighting how each element reflects your mission. Share user-generated content to show real people using your products in their daily lives. Use vivid storytelling to paint a picture of your business’s impact—like the local suppliers you support or the sustainable practices you use. This approach not only promotes your products but also builds a community around your shared values. 

Follow Up and Keep the Connection 

After Small Business Saturday, don’t forget to keep the momentum going by showing genuine appreciation to your customers. Send out personalized thank-you messages or emails highlighting the event’s success, thanks to their support. Share photos or videos from the day, tagging customers or reposting their content with their permission. Use this opportunity to ask for feedback through surveys or direct messages, showing that you value their opinions and want to improve their experience. Continue to engage your customers by sharing regular updates about new products, upcoming events, or behind-the-scenes content. Plan a customer appreciation day or launch a loyalty program to keep them engaged. By maintaining this connection, you ensure your business stays top of mind and builds lasting relationships. 

To Wrap It Up... 

Small Business Saturday isn't just another sales day—it's a celebration of local entrepreneurship and community spirit. By leveraging these tips, you can ensure your business not only participates but stands out. 

Let's make this Small Business Saturday a smashing success. Can’t wait to see you all killing it!