Small Business Saturday is coming up in two weeks and it’s not to early to prepare for it.
Experian Business Services recently listed 10 tips for preparing for the day, Nov. 26. Small Business Saturday started last year as way to encourage people to shop at local stores and to think about small businesses as an important part of their holiday shopping.
Here’s summary of the 10 tips offered by the credit agency:
1) Understand your customers. Learn as much as you can about your customers and potential customers so you can offer better products and services. Think what makes them unique, what offers they will most likely respond to, and where to target your ads and marketing efforts.
2) Find new prospects and create a local following. Think about your best customers and how you can find others like them. Focus your marketing efforts to that group.
3) Use Small Business Saturday resources. Check out the Facebook page for the day for useful resources and information. Contact other businesses in your area and band together to create joint campaigns for Small Business Saturday.
4) Build Your customer list. Start now by collect information from your customers and prospects. Your web site is one good place to start. Consider a customer survey to find out what your customers like and why they buy your goods and services. Develop a refer-a-friend program.
5) Create a buzz through direct mail or special holiday ads. The most effective way is to include some type of offer.
6) Engage customers through email. Holidays are busy times, so keep your emails clear and concise. But consider things like email coupons, a promotional “Five Day Sale” with reminders on the days left and thanks to existing customers with exclusive deals.
7) Build a Small Business Saturday campaign. Create a unique message that ties your business to the door and highlights the value you deliver to customers. You might consider customizing your website with a special banner or campaign offer. Consider direct mail marketing, promotions through Facebook or Twitter, or a special event.
8) Get social. If you haven’t set up a Facebook account. Do it now. Consider using Twitter or joining LinkedIn to help promote your business through word of mouth. Include your links or addresses in ads, correspondence and account statements.
9) Share knowledge, insights. Use things like a blog or Facebook to ask questions of customers, provide answers or guidance, and start a conversation. Encourage the shop local theme and share links to other Small Business Saturday offers.
10) Keep the momentum going. Small Business Saturday is just the beginning. Create a plan to keep the momentum going all year long. Continue to create email addresses, consider starting a newsletter, create a loyalty program, plan ongoing events and continue to use social media and look for prospects who look similar to your best customers.
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