Small Business Saturday is a marketing campaign that the American Express credit card company created and promoted to entice consumers to shop for holiday gifts. This happens in the United States on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, one of the busiest shopping days of the year. It takes place between November 24 and November 30 because this Saturday always signifies the conclusion of November. American Express was the first to come up with the concept for Small Business Saturday in 2010. The initial goal of American Express during the Great Recession was to encourage consumers to “shop small” and support regional economies. November 25, 2023, will mark Small Business Saturday this year.
Small Business Saturday
The purpose of the yearly Small Business Saturday celebration is to entice customers to patronize small businesses both offline and online. This event, which takes place every November, offers a significant chance for small businesses to boost holiday season sales. American Express established Small Business Saturday in 2010 as a means of assisting neighborhood businesses in the wake of the Great Recession.
Every year in November, on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, there is a one-day celebration called Small Business Saturday. In 2011, after the Senate unanimously approved a resolution in favor of the day, the movement experienced significant growth. Over the last ten years, over $120 billion in purchases have been reported, and since that time, Small Business Saturday has expanded into a national movement.
Benefits of Small Business Saturday
#1. Special Offers
Small businesses provide unique goods and services. Customers are drawn to these distinctive goods because they give local communities personality. Selling unique products in the neighborhood keeps money flowing into the local economy.
#2. Exceptional Service
Customers of small businesses receive more from them than a simple good or service. Local businesses can offer personalized service, which is frequently impossible for big businesses. Customers are more likely to form personal relationships with the companies they patronize when they receive excellent service.
#3. Retain Local Currency and Growth of the Local Economy
Money circulation within a community promotes its growth. A robust local funding network makes it possible for residents and local businesses to support one another. Furthermore, by enticing consumers to support their neighborhood businesses, Small Business Saturday helps to boost the regional economy.
#4. Support Local Job Creation
Your community benefits when you shop at nearby businesses. Supporting these small businesses enables them to expand and hire more staff, resulting in the creation of more jobs and a thriving local economy.
#5. Increased Exposure and Brand Awareness
Small Business Saturday offers a further chance for small businesses to expand their customer base and increase exposure. In addition, Small Business Saturday aids in increasing consumer awareness of your company’s brand and its goods or services.
#6. Improved Customer Relationships
Small Business Saturday offers opportunities for neighborhood businesses to interact with and learn more about their customers. Also, Small Business Saturday offers chances for small businesses to boost sales and make more money.
American Express Small Business Saturday
American Express established the event in 2010 as a way to promote assistance for small businesses suffering from the Great Recession. Small Business Saturday was supported by a resolution that the US Senate adopted in 2011. Since then, the event has become more widespread, drawing attendees from all 50 states. The event’s goal is to draw attention to small businesses to prevent bigger corporations from stealing their customers from them.
This occasion aims to persuade customers to patronize small, regional businesses. That includes retail establishments and eateries in addition to other small businesses like hair salons, grocers, and service-based enterprises. Additionally, it encompasses online small businesses. To assist customers in finding local small businesses that they can patronize on Small Business Saturday and all year long, American Express provides an online search tool.
The Shop Small map features a range of companies that take part in the promotion through both in-person and online shopping. To assist businesses in saving money, American Express offers exclusive deals and promotions. In order to maximize Small Business Saturday sales opportunities, the company also helps small business owners identify consumer trends.
Small Business Saturday 2023
To participate in the 2023 small business Saturday, small businesses should implement the following strategies:
#1. To Participate in Small Business Saturday, Let Your Neighborhood Know
They must be aware that you are taking part in Small Business Saturday if you want to draw customers who will encourage them to Shop Small. Inform the neighborhood by contacting local media, posting on social media, putting up signs on your storefront, and emphasizing the advantages of supporting small businesses. Use #SmallBizSat and #ShopSmall as hashtags to gain more exposure.
Giveaways can be a surefire way to increase engagement and follower growth, especially since social media is one of the most effective marketing tools available to small businesses. Encourage fans to share posts or leave comments with the names of their friends to be entered to win a prize or gift card. Partner with one or two other local small businesses to give your brand an extra boost. By spreading the word to all of their customers, you will be able to reach a wider audience.
#3. Provide Online-Only Discounts
This year more than ever, not everyone will be able to stop by their local small businesses, but that does not preclude them from shopping small. Offering online promotions is a great way to take advantage of customers who want to patronize nearby establishments without physically going there. This year’s Small Business Saturday is likely to draw fewer customers to stores, so it makes sense to promote your best deals on that day while also extending special offers throughout the entire holiday season.
#4. Promote Small Business Saturday Deals and Events
Small Business Saturday has a unique feel thanks to the one-day promotions offered. Your customers are more likely to support your company on that particular day if they are aware that they can receive a discount or value-added service. It is an excellent way to attract new clients and give your current clients a reason to smile by receiving a discount.
#5. Create a Wonderful, Safe Shopping Experience for Customers
Customers should enjoy their experience when they shop in small businesses, especially when compared to big box retailers. The in-store shopping experience in 2020 will undoubtedly be different from what it was in the past; social distance and capacity constraints may result in some additional queuing, and you may have implemented new policies to protect your employees and customers. This year, it is especially crucial to provide customers who opt to shop in person with a unique and secure in-store experience.
#6. Make Your Customer Experience Unique
Small Business Saturday is a day when many businesses are open for business. You must find ways to personalize your customers’ experiences if you want to maintain the loyalty of your audience and compete with bigger businesses, which many customers find to be more convenient options.
#7. Adjust your SEO Plan
One of the most crucial tactics for a small business to employ is search engine optimization (SEO), as it aids customers in finding your website and learning more about your enterprise. Without effective SEO, your visibility to your audience will suffer, which may prevent you from making a lot of sales. Due to the prevalence of online shopping this year, SEO is more crucial than ever. Therefore, a significant portion of your sales will be dependent on your SEO techniques.
#8. Develop a Targeted Email Marketing Plan
One of the most effective marketing tools for creating anticipation before any promotion, sale, or holiday is email. Start a few weeks in advance of the big day. Segment your lists and concentrate on reawakening dormant customers. If your relationships have stalled, think about launching an email win-back campaign.
Your social media followers will know you will be participating in Small Business Saturday if you emphasize any special discounts or incentives. Look for ways to get your devoted customers excited. Share behind-the-scenes material as you prepare for holiday markets or other live events, or highlight some of your most coveted gifts. By participating in ongoing discussions on social media platforms, you can raise your visibility among holiday shoppers.
#10. Make Marketing Materials Quickly and Easily by Using American Express’s Resources
One of American Express’s objectives in organizing Small Business Saturday is to assist companies in becoming more visible. However, they are also aware that, particularly for very small businesses, the time required to develop specialized marketing materials can be prohibitive.
#11. Make Customer Service a Priority
First things first: one of the best ways to differentiate yourself from your more established rivals is by being able to offer a positive and personalized experience. Make sure you have plenty of customer service available, whether it is agents to take calls or participate in live chat to respond to inquiries immediately, or individualized, in-store assistance.
What Is the Idea Behind Small Business Saturday?
In 2010, American Express launched Small Business Saturday as a response to the Great Recession. Every year in November, this event takes place between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. to increase consumer awareness of small businesses and encourage them to participate in local commerce during the holiday season
Is Small Business Saturday in the UK?
Small Business Saturday UK was introduced in the UK in 2014 after the US version’s success. The most effective small business campaign in the UK, known as Small Business Saturday, encourages customers to support local businesses by shopping locally and on that first weekend in December. Since Thanksgiving is not observed in the UK, Small Business Saturday UK is observed on the first Saturday in December.
When Is Small Business Saturday 2023?
Small Business Saturday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Since the day’s inception, small businesses have benefited from it. Having a formal partnership with the Small Business Association (SBA), it attracted over 100 million customers in 2011. The UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada were among the numerous nations that also celebrated.
November 25, 2023, will mark Small Business Saturday this year. Every year, on the first Saturday in December, the UK celebrates Small Business Saturday.
What is the Meaning of Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday is a yearly shopping occasion that encourages customers to support small, neighborhood stores in their neighborhood. It takes place the Saturday following Thanksgiving and is frequently marked by in-store activities and discounts. American Express developed the event in 2010 to support small businesses during the busy holiday shopping season.
Why Are Consumers Excited About Small Business Saturday?
Small Business Saturday encourages consumers to shop locally, particularly during the holiday season. It serves as a great reminder to Americans to shop at neighborhood stores, restaurants, and services rather than big-box retailers.
Conclusion
Shoppers have a special chance on Small Business Saturday to support their neighborhood stores. It is important to keep in mind that this event aims to promote small-business shopping throughout the year, not just during the holidays. By making your purchases locally, you can support small business owners in keeping their doors open and generating jobs and tax revenue for your neighborhood. Participating in this event as a small business proprietor might help to increase cash flow during the holiday season.
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