7 Small Business Saturday Promotion Ideas for 2025

What is Small Business Saturday?

Small Business Saturday is one of several events that signal the start of 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 29 this year.

Your small business should be prepared to capitalize on opportunities related to this event, making inroads with new customers while nurturing existing relationships with those who return. The additional revenue will help your business end the holiday season strong, propelling it toward a fruitful new year. If you haven't prepared yet or are looking 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

Big retailers and other businesses ramp up their communications in advance of Black Friday, and you must do the same in anticipation of Small Business Saturday. This way, your customers will remember not to spend their entire gift budget the day before. Encourage word of mouth and reward their loyalty with a discount or other incentive, and consider these ideas to ensure they patronize your business on the big day: 

• Let them know you’ll be fully stocked with popular gift items.

• Cross-promote your products with other small businesses.

• Invest in paid social media campaigns.  

• Build an email marketing funnel campaign that leads up to Small Business Saturday.

2. Extend Store Hours

Because Small Business Saturday falls during a busy holiday weekend, it's essential to accommodate your customers and prospects by extending your store hours. Ensure that you display signage with the modified hours and inform your customers through every available touchpoint, including social media and email.

Customers and prospects alike will appreciate the heads-up. 

3. Make Direct Contact with Customers

Most of the foot traffic you receive on Small Business Saturday will be local, so it's important to cater to customers in your community. Raise awareness of your upcoming activities by mailing coupons and other special exclusives to consumers who live within a few miles of your business.

If you maintain a customer mailing list, consider providing exclusive deals and discounts to your most loyal patrons who support you throughout the year.

4. Invest in Extra Advertising

While in-store signage and mailing materials to local customers will help get the word out, it's crucial to invest in other forms of advertising during the period. Consider these impactful methods that are suitable for virtually every budget, including:

• Billboards 

• Online advertising

• Social media campaigns

• Newspaper 

• Radio 

• Television 

5. Offer Special Discounts or Promotions

Consumers, particularly during the holiday shopping season, are on the lookout for deals, making it a great way to attract customers and prospects. Consider offering discounts and promotions that are valid for a specific period during the holidays or are exclusive to Small Business Saturday.

If you've previously run special discounts and promotions, review your past efforts to see what worked and refine your approach accordingly. 

6. Reward Participation 

Offer something special to your customers and prospects that is so irresistible that they have no choice but to visit your business. There are several tried and true tactics to reward shopper participation, including:

• Doorbusters

• A gift with the purchase of a certain amount

• Giveaways

Word will spread quickly in your community. Make this a tradition, and customers will reward you with their loyalty throughout the year, not just on Small Business Saturday.   

7. Hold Contests

Contests build excitement and intrigue, especially when offering 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 to ensure repeat visits.

Be sure to include contests, giveaways, and other incentives in your Small Business Saturday marketing initiatives to maximize their impact. 

Maximize Your Tax Savings with Professional Support

The right Small Business Saturday promotional initiatives will increase profits and set your business up for success in the new year. But don't stop there. The optimal tax strategy supports your business activities throughout the year, ensuring peace of mind and a minimal tax liability. Keep more of your hard-earned money from Small Business Saturday with tax-deductible, expert support from 1-800Accountant, America's leading virtual accounting firm.

Our affordable, full-service accounting solutions are designed for small businesses like yours, including tax preparation, bookkeeping, and tax advisory. This gives you the confidence to leave tedious, time-consuming do-it-yourself tax work behind, empowering you to focus on what you do best: growing your business.

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our small business experts to get started.