Small Business Saturday is a big deal and should be treated as such.  In order for small business owners to get a piece of that all-important “holiday pie”, detailed preparation and exciting promotions will be necessary.  We perused the web to find 10 expert tips to make your Small Business Saturday a rousing success.

1. “Go to the American Express website to create customizable marketing materials for your business. Get downloadable flyers, website badges, email templates and graphics to use on social media.” - Fivestars

2. “Don’t wait until the eleventh hour to prepare for Small Business Saturday. Create a game plan for how you are going to take on the holiday. It should include everything from the products or services you are going to promote to how you’re going to advertise. Get your employees excited by including them in your planning. Don’t forget to incorporate the Shop Small logo on your storefront display, your website and social media posts.” – SAP Concur 

3. “Dimira Teneva, consultant and content manager for e-commerce marketing platform Metrilo, suggests a few items for your checklist:

• Check competitor prices to make sure yours are competitive.
• Make sure you have enough staff members scheduled.
• Confirm any necessary deliveries with partners and vendors.” - NFIB

4. “Review customer service best practices. Service is part of what you’re selling, so you have to excel in this area. Go further than simply reminding employees what you expect of them. Be sure they’re well-versed in the promotions, specials, and go so far as to give them the power to make on-the-spot decisions regarding customer situations that might arise.” – When I Work

5. “Connect your business with the cause of local community support – not just support of your local business. Emphasize the fact that supporting your business and other local businesses is an investment in your community.” – Small Business Marketing Tools

6. “A great way to promote an upcoming holiday sale is to get other people to promote it for you. Small businesses should partner with each other to combine their resources and make the most out of their time and money. This allows them to reach different, larger audiences and increase the awareness of their businesses.” – Go Digital

7. “Talk to your local small business network to discuss ways to get involved and create excitement around this special day. You can even apply to be a Neighborhood Champion and serve as an ambassador for other businesses who want to get involved.” - Score

8. “Increase your hours. Even if your business usually follows a 9-5 routine most Saturdays, consider expanding your opening and closing times to accommodate the event. Don't forget to promote your Small-Business Saturday hours on your website.” – Inc.

9. “Craft a special offer. The basic message of Small Business Saturday is that consumers should support small, local businesses. But the campaign will only get customers to your door—it won’t make them shop. By creating a special offer, like a one-day sale or time-bound coupon, you can encourage customers to purchase now and then come back for the holidays and into the future.” - Sage

10. “Look at your website. Simply putting the Shop Small logo on your site isn’t enough to optimize it for Small Business Saturday. Also, think about posting a blog or a news bulletin about the event, and if you allow online shopping, consider your inventory. You want to make sure all your inventory items are updated and that you are offering all your promised discounts and promotions online as well as in-store.” – PCV Business Advising

Small Business Saturday can be a financial boon for owners and set you up for a remarkable holiday sales season.  Having the necessary cash flow to properly promote your campaigns is a must.  Click below to apply now for a merchant cash advance to help your company stand out this Small Business Saturday.