So, the big brands have had all the exposure and love during the annual madness that is Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Shoppers have scoured the internet for bargains, and the big corporations have flooded their websites with promotions and attention-grabbing headlines. But what about the little guys, the “side hustlers,” the “I’m just starting out,” and the hidden gem of a business that’s right around the corner from you!
The truth is that these so-called “little guys” are actually not so little at all. They provide the UK with almost £72 billion in revenue each year and small business Saturday is just one of their chances to shine! Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses throughout the nation, launched by American Express in the UK in 2012, this event has grown substantially over the last decade, with an estimated 112 million customers shopping from local businesses in 2019 alone. Being part of this growing movement is a great way for small business owners to increase their exposure and receive much-needed support within their community.
According to a recent American Express survey more people are choosing to shop with small businesses & support them during the current challenging trading environment.
As an entrepreneur, it can be hard to balance multiple roles and responsibilities. However, Small Business Saturday is a great opportunity to promote your business and gain some extra customers. Whether you have a side hustle that you’re trying to grow or you’re the proud owner of a full-time small business, there are plenty of ways to make the most of this special day and the following are just a few marketing tricks to help you celebrate Small Business Saturday and promote your brand.
- Everyone loves a bargain! Offering discounts once a year on this special day can be an effective way of promoting your business and building customer loyalty. Consumers love deals and discounts, so making sure your products are competitively priced during this one-day event can help you stand out from the crowd.
- New products and services! Small business Saturday is a great opportunity for small businesses to launch a new product. Not only does the day focus on supporting local businesses, but it also provides an ideal stage for introducing something new to customers. As a small business owner, you should take advantage of this day and all the opportunities it brings! Launching a new product on Small Business Saturday can help attract more customers, create more sales, and build your brand’s reputation in the community.
- Be the host with the most! Hosting an event on this day can be incredibly beneficial for small businesses and allow them to reach a wider audience. It can give companies the opportunity to showcase their products and services, attract new customers, build relationships with existing customers, generate publicity, increase sales, and even create new business opportunities. By utilising this annual event as a platform for promotion, small businesses can gain a significant advantage in the marketplace.
- Partnerships! Are you a small business owner looking for ways to increase your visibility and success? Small Business Saturday is the perfect opportunity to partner up with other small businesses in your area. By joining forces for this annual event, you can leverage the collective power of your local business community to create a powerful promotional and shopping experience. Not only will this help your own business gain more exposure, but you’ll be supporting fellow entrepreneurs in your area too.
- The gift of giving! Doing good and giving to charity not only helps those in need, but it can also benefit your small business. Did you know that:
82% of consumers prefer companies that support and donate to charities
40% of UK Gen Z consumers prefer to buy from brands that donate to charity
91% of consumers expect businesses to address social and environmental issues
90% of all consumers purchasing decisions happen subconciously
The above statistics indicate that by injecting social impact into your brand identity and mission statement, you can capture consumer attention like never before, thus, establishing a meaningful relationship with your customers!
