Small Business Saturday Is Just Days Away: 4 Ways to Maximize Your Holiday Sales
By Marina Boeira
The countdown is on: Small Business Saturday is just a few days away! The Saturday after Thanksgiving is your chance to attract shoppers ready to support local businesses and kick-start the holiday shopping season. Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar store, an online business, or a mix of both, now is the time to prepare for a successful day.
Here are four steps to boost your Small Business Saturday (SBS) sales and keep the momentum going throughout December.
1. Create Last-Minute Buzz to Attract Shoppers
With only days left, creating urgency is key to driving customers your way.
- Social Media Blitz: Ramp up your social media presence with daily countdown posts, eye-catching visuals, and hashtags like #ShopSmall and #SmallBusinessSaturday. Highlight your top deals and remind followers that time is running out.
- Email Campaigns: Send a series of emails highlighting exclusive SBS offers, limited-time discounts, and free shipping. Use subject lines like “3 Days to Save Big!” or “Shop Small & Save This Saturday!”
- Google My Business & Local Listings: Update your profile with SBS hours, special promotions, and in-store events to attract local foot traffic.
Pro Tip: For online-only businesses, emphasize online exclusives and free shipping offers.
2. Enhance the Shopping Experience (In-Store & Online)
Standing out during SBS is all about delivering a memorable shopping experience.
For Stores with a Brick-and-Mortar Location:
- Festive Atmosphere: Decorate with holiday lights, window displays, and festive music to set a cheerful vibe. Offer free hot cocoa or cookies to create a welcoming environment.
- Exclusive In-Store Deals: Encourage visits with in-store-only discounts, buy-one-get-one (BOGO) offers, or free gift-wrapping services.
For Online-Only Businesses:
- Website Optimization: Update your homepage with banners promoting SBS deals. Ensure your site is mobile-friendly for shoppers browsing on their phones.
- Flash Sales & Limited-Time Offers: Use countdown timers to create urgency for online purchases. Promote flash sales and exclusive discounts available only on SBS.
Pro Tip: Highlight “Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store” (BOPIS) to drive customers to your location.
3. Leverage Digital Tools to Drive Sales
Make use of technology to engage customers and boost sales on SBS.
- SMS Marketing: Send text messages with exclusive offers, discount codes, and last-minute reminders. SMS is a powerful tool for driving immediate action.
- Online Contests & Giveaways: Engage followers with a quick contest, like sharing a photo of their favorite purchase for a chance to win a gift card or discount.
- Collaborate with Other Small Businesses: Cross-promote with other local or online businesses to expand your reach and attract new customers.
Pro Tip: Service-based businesses can offer special SBS packages or discounted rates on services booked over the weekend.
4. Turn Small Business Saturday Success into December Momentum
Don’t let the excitement stop after SBS, use it to boost your sales for the rest of the holiday season.
Tips for Sustaining Momentum:
- Capture Customer Data: Collect emails and phone numbers from SBS shoppers in exchange for a discount on future purchases. Use this data for targeted holiday marketing.
- Holiday Loyalty Programs: Reward SBS shoppers with double loyalty points or exclusive discounts for December purchases. Promote a “12 Days of Christmas” campaign with daily specials to keep them coming back.
- Personalized Follow-Ups: Send thank-you emails or SMS messages to SBS shoppers with a special coupon for their next visit. Personalized notes can encourage repeat business.
- Promote Gift Guides: Create and share holiday gift guides via social media, email, and your website. Highlight last-minute stocking stuffers and gift ideas to drive December sales.
Pro Tip: Online businesses can offer digital gift cards, holiday bundles, or subscription boxes as convenient gift options.
Final Thoughts
With Small Business Saturday just days away, now’s the time to take action. By creating buzz, enhancing the shopping experience, leveraging digital tools, and planning for long-term engagement, you can turn SBS into the kick-start of a successful holiday season.
Get ready, plan your strategy, and make the most of the holiday rush. Happy selling, and best of luck this Small Business Saturday!
About Marina Boeira – She is the Assistant Director for the Florida SBDC at UWF in Panama City Beach, which provides no-cost business consulting to small businesses. With over a decade in management for a Fortune 500 delivery company and experience as small business owner, Marina joined the SBDC to help other entrepreneurs achieve their goals and strengthen her community. She holds a BS in Organizational Management and Entrepreneurship from Gulf Coast State College.
