November 30, 2019, is the 10th anniversary of Small Business Saturday. It’s a day to support and honor what small businesses do for the community. For many small businesses across the nation, Small Business Saturday kicks off a bustling shopping season. Business Consumer Alliance is one of the biggest supporters of small businesses. Our members are primarily made up of small businesses and entrepreneurs who serve the community by contributing to the economy all while upholding ethical practices. Most consumers prefer to do business with small to medium-sized businesses. In preparation for November 30, BCA offers some tips on how you can participate in supporting Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Owners
Small Business Saturday is your opportunity as a small business operator to showcase your business. American Express, founder of Small Business Saturday, has a host of materials to help you promote the occasion and your business. From marketing materials to tips on how to promote your business, you can find resources to get you ready for November 30. Visit their Small Business Resource Center for more information.
Take some time to look over your website, social media pages, and review sites to make sure your information is current and customers know how to contact you.
Visit checkbca.org to ensure that your BCA Reputation Report is updated and to download your company’s unique dynamic seal for your website. Your BCA seal connects customers directly with your company report so they can review your rating, read reviews, and get background information on your business.
Prepare your staff for the busy shopping season. Let them know your expectations and encourage them by showing appreciation for their efforts. Beforehand, consider if operating hours will need to be extended, if work schedules need to be adjusted to cover any demands during this time, and make sure you are prepared to serve your customers.
Ensure that your policies regarding services, refunds, warranties, etc. are clear and displayed where consumers can read them.
Get your customers involved. Greet them, introduce yourself, and even encourage customers to take a selfie with you at your business or to tag your company in a photo on their social media account. When customers feel appreciated, they tend to return, so show your customers that you care about their business.
Shoppers
Without customers, small businesses could not thrive. Your patronage and support is key to their success. Do you have a favorite mom-and-pop store you love to visit? Is there a local restaurant that gets your mouth watering when you just think of their name? Show your support by spreading the buzz about them. It can be as easy as referring the business to someone, or leaving a 5-star review about your experience.
This November 30, seek out a new small business. You can find businesses that participate in Small Business Saturday in your area. Make sure you check out any specials, discounts, or sales local small businesses may be offering to take advantage of the savings. And don’t forget to let us know how your experience goes, by leaving a review at checkbca.org.
Reach out to small businesses in your area and encourage them to participate in Small Business Saturday. Let them know that signing up to be a member of Business Consumer Alliance has a wealth of benefits to help their small business thrive.
Let’s Do Our Part
With these helpful tips we can all make this year’s Small Business Saturday a success. We’d love to hear from you. Visit us on Facebook or Twitter and share how your holiday shopping experience is going.