If you're a small business, the Super Bowl of sales is just around the corner. Do you have your Small Business Saturday marketing ideas lined up and ready to go? If not, don't worry. There are ways to ensure your business scores a touchdown.
Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity for small business owners to double down on their marketing strategies and find new customers by using eye-catching content. Learn how to get the most out of the small business event of the season.
How to Get All Eyes on Your Business
Last year, mom-and-pop shops went beyond playing seasonal music overhead and festively decorating storefront windows on Small Business Saturday. They took a more personalized approach to their marketing to make genuine emotional connections with customers, according to CBS News Money Watch. Strategies like hosting VIP store parties with special guests, offering direct-from-store merchandise delivery and fundraising for heartwarming community efforts drove traffic and consumer engagement.
From Black Friday through Small Business Saturday and into Cyber Monday, competition is steep. Even the smallest local businesses tend to get in on the action, so brainstorm how to make your business stand out. Here are some ideas to get the wheels turning.
Host an Event
Use video advertising to give customers a visual sneak peek of you and your team preparing for a special gathering. Your video ad should be fun and get customers excited about the event.Introduce potential customers to your team while they are making cookies, dressing up in festive attire or setting up decorations before opening the doors.
Whether your e-commerce business hosts an open house at a local pub so customers can meet the staff, or your office decks out the sales floor for an exclusive Saturday night party complete with hors d'oeuvres, it's personal outreach (not sales pitches) that will resonate during a time when many business owners are only broadcasting promotions.
After the event, follow up with another video thanking your customers for sharing their holiday season with you. Express gratitude. By building your brand authentically with multiple touch points, consumers will think of you — and of the great time they had at your event — again in the coming months.
Partner on a Fundraiser
Pick a local charitable organization that aligns with your brand values and partner on a fundraiser. You'll be doing good and getting your name in front of the attendees. When customers need your service or product, they'll want to choose you because your company has proven to be a positive influence. People like to support businesses who support others.
To promote this type of effort, use mobile display targeting on social to reach both your customer base and the charity's supporters. During the event, distribute goodie bags with coupons or email coupons to participants if the fundraiser is online. After the festivities are over, launch a retargeting program to keep your sales flowing well after the holiday season.
No matter what Small Business Saturday marketing ideas you implement to wow your customers, take advantage of the buzz to boost brick-and-mortar traffic or online clicks. Your customers will appreciate your creative efforts and continue to engage with your brand in the new year.
