7 Small Business Saturday Promotion Ideas for 2022

What is Small Business Saturday?

Small Business Saturday is part of a trio of events that kick off the holiday shopping season. It's meant to encourage consumers to take a break from the Walmarts and Amazons of the world and embrace the businesses that make up the backbone of their communities. Small Business Saturday always happens on the Saturday after Black Friday, which falls on November 26th this year.

Small business owners should be prepared to maximize opportunities during this critical day. The additional revenue helps businesses end the holiday season strong, propelling them toward a fruitful new year. If you have yet to prepare or are searching for additional tips, check out these great Small Business Saturday ideas to help get the word out and engage your new customers!

How to Promote Small Business Saturday

1. Get the Word Out

Ramp up your communications with existing customers, so they remember not to spend their entire gift budget during Black Friday! Encourage word of mouth among them and reward their loyalty with a discount. Here are some other ideas to help you raise awareness among customers and prospects.    

• Let them know you’ll be fully stocked with popular items.
• Cross-promote your products with other small businesses.
• Invest in paid social media campaigns.  
• Build an e-mail marketing funnel campaign that leads up to Small Business Saturday.

2. Extend Store Hours

Small Business Saturday takes place during a busy holiday weekend, so accommodate your customers and prospects by extending store hours. Make sure to display signage with the modified hours and let your customers know via every touchpoint available, including social media and email. They'll appreciate the heads-up. 

3. Make Direct Contact with Customers

Most of the foot traffic you receive on Small Business Saturday will be local. A great way to raise awareness is to mail coupons and specials to consumers who live within a few miles of your business.

And if you have an existing mailing list, consider providing exclusive deals and discounts to your most loyal customers who support you throughout the year. 

4. Invest in Extra Advertising

There are many ways to advertise before Small Business Saturday. We've identified great options for every budget. You can advertise via these impactful methods: 

• Billboards 
• Online ads
• Social media campaigns
• Newspaper 
• Radio 
• TV

5. Offer Special Discounts or Promotions

Everyone loves a deal, and your customers and prospects are no different. You can offer discounts and promotions that are good for a certain period during the holidays or are only valid during Small Business Saturday.

If you've run special discounts and promotions, look back to see what worked and amplify that approach. And make sure you keep track of what moves the needle in the aftermath of your efforts for Small Business Saturday 2022.  

6. Reward Participation 

Offer something special to your customers that is so irresistible that they have no choice but to stop in! Whether it’s doorbusters, a gift with a purchase of a certain amount, or a giveaway, you can find many ways to reward shopper participation. And word gets out fast. Make this a tradition, and customers will reward you with their loyalty.  

7. Hold Contests

Contests build excitement and intrigue, especially if you're giving away a unique prize. Hold contests on Small Business Saturday or tease a grand prize that will be given away at the end of the holiday shopping season.  

Work With The Pros

We hope these Small Business Saturday promotion ideas help! The right strategy for Small Business Saturday will increase profits and help you grow your business. The right tax strategy and services can help you go even further. Schedule a call with 1-800Accountant, America's leading virtual accounting firm, to learn what our suite of services can do for you!