How to Profit from Small Business on Saturdays (Even If You’re Not a Retailer)

As the holiday shopping season approaches its official start, retailers are buzzing with small Business Saturday marketing plans and ideas. Held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (November 24 this year), it’s a day dedicated to encouraging consumers to shop at local independent businesses instead of the big chains.

But you don’t have to be a retailer or B2C business to benefit from Small Business Saturday. In this post, I’ll share what service businesses and B2B companies need to know to profit from this holiday.

Is it worth participating in Small Business Saturday?

Started in 2010, when the country was still in the depths of the Great Recession, Small Business Saturday quickly took off.

Over the years, business associations, nonprofit trade groups, municipalities and state officials have all supported the event – with impressive results. Last year, it was estimated that 108 million consumers shopped or dined at locally owned businesses on Small Business Saturday, spending approximately $12 billion.

Shopping at local small businesses helps keep income, tax revenue, and jobs in the community — a plus for both you and your local customers. In fact, 90 percent of consumers surveyed believe that Small Business Saturday has had a positive impact on their community.

Will your business benefit from Small Business Saturday? Going through your historical sales figures can help you decide. If your industry is one of those areas where November (or winter in general) is typically slow, such as construction, roofing or landscaping, Small Business Saturday is likely to bring in the flow. your money a real boost.

How can non-retailers participate in Small Business Saturday?

Here are some ideas for ways B2B businesses and services can make the most of Small Business Saturday:

• Advertise your services as a thoughtful gift. For example, consumers may want to give their loved ones a gift of monthly house cleaning, lawn care, or personal chef service.
• Sell ​​gift certificates or redeemable gift cards for services.
• Sell ​​subscriptions to ongoing services (such as monthly house cleaning or auto detailing).
• Discounts for customers who book a Small Business Saturday appointment for future service.
• Discount for B2B customers on Small Business Saturday orders.
• Promote services that people or businesses need during the holiday, such as catering, maid service, food delivery, or holiday home and office decor.
• Advertise services that people may not want now but will want in January. Think of common New Year’s resolutions, such as saving money, getting in shape, losing weight, or getting organized. You can get discounts for those committed to personal training, gym memberships, household organizing services, financial planning, or executive coaching on Saturday Small Business .
• Are you a contractor, remodeler or roofer? Discounts on contracts signed at the end of November for future work.
• Discounts for existing customers, free gifts, or free services if they renew their annual contract on Small Business Saturday.
• Host a Small Business Saturday customer event. Organize contests, awards and promotions.

How can your business make the most of Small Business Saturday?

Follow these steps to maximize the results of your Small Business Saturday efforts.

• Take advantage of free tools. Start by visiting Small Business Saturday Website, where you’ll find a wealth of information, marketing ideas, and free marketing materials that you can order. (Don’t delay: Free marketing materials are only available when supplies run out.) You can also download and customize posters, email templates, and social media posts in both English and Chinese. Spain.
• Build a marketing plan. Potential customers and customers may not expect a non-retail business to participate in Small Business Saturday. Let them know (and build anticipation) starting now. Use email marketing, social media, online advertising, and signage in your location. Promote offers on your website homepage and create special landing pages for each Small Business Saturday offer.
• Be prepared. The staff is well-suited to handle extra calls, customer visits or Small Business Saturday orders. The last thing you want is a losing business because customers have to wait too long for support. If possible, enable self-service shopping on your business website.
• Updated local listings. Check your listings on local search directories to make sure information like your business website address, street address, phone number, and operating hours is up to date for the holiday season.
• Get their info. Encourage first-time customers on Small Business Saturday to sign up for marketing emails and other communications so you can keep them engaged with your business throughout the holiday season. . . and last all year.

By collecting a payment or deposit now for services to be provided in the future, Small Business Saturday can boost your business’s cash flow during what can be a slow time of year.

Think you might need more working capital to complete your Small Business Saturday sale? The fund box can help. Learn more about signing up revolving credit limit.

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