The second annual Small Business Saturday® is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. Sponsored by American Express and supported by dozens of small business organizations, the event will be held on November 26 this year – the Saturday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Small Business Saturday has galvanized Americans in support of small, independently owned local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and invigorate neighborhoods across the country. The day was created in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more demand for their products and services.
American Express is offering many free business tools and a planning checklist to help business owners take advantage of the event. There is free in-store signage, including posters that can be printed out for countertop display, and a larger sign for window display. If your business has a Facebook page, you can download the free Shop Small badge to place on your page. Amex is also offering templates for emails and Facebook posts, and sample tweets. You can create a video for your business using the free My Business Story tool from Google and American Express, and then feature it on YouTube.
You can also create a special offer or experience for your customers. Here are some ideas for what you can do:
- Feature holiday merchandise
- Provide a flat discount or gift with purchase
- Offer special services such as free gift wrapping
- Host a guest appearance from a designer, author, or other guest
American Express is offering a special incentive: a $25 statement credit offer for Cardmembers who register their Card and spend $25 or more at any qualifying small business that accepts the American Express Card. Business owners can let their customers know that if they registered their American Express Card, they can take advantage of the offer at their store on November 26.
More details on this cool event are available at www.smallbusinesssaturday.com.
