As a brick and mortar local business, getting customers into the store might seem hard. How can you entice them to come to your shop instead of a nationally recognized big box store? Band together with other local shops and create a Small Business Saturday campaign. 93 percent of Americans believe it’s important to support small businesses. Take full advantage of nationally-known Small Business Saturday with these four marketing tips:
Get Social—Your target audience is on social media and looks for deals there. If you’re not on Facebook, create a brand page and ask people to like it. Advertise coupons, sales, deals, giveaways and more on social media. This will help your audience recognize your brand name.
Shop Small soiree—Small Business Saturday can be treated as an event. Have a little party for your business and celebrate shopping local. Whether it’s cupcakes and lemonade during the day, or chocolate truffles and wine at night, invite people to the store and offer snacks. People will be more likely to visit your store.
Giveaways—Persuade people to come to your store by doing a giveaway. Set up a fish bowl or any glass jar at the cash register. If they buy an item, then they’re eligible to register in a giveaway. Make sure to ask for their name, phone number and email address so you can contact the winner.
Shop Small passport—Work with other local businesses and create a Shop Small Passport. Create a punch card that includes all the local boutiques you’re working with and make it a game. When shoppers visit the store, they’ll receive a punch on their card. If they visit all the stores, as seen on the punch card, then they receive a prize. It’s fun, easy and gets people to visit all the local stores.
