While most of your preparations should be done by this point, there is still time to make some last-minute adjustments to give yourself the best chance at a successful Small Business Saturday.
Clean Your Establishment
Many consumers are still hesitant to visit physical locations. This is a great opportunity to make a good impression with the cleanliness and safety of your store. Disinfecting surfaces is a priority these days, but there are several other areas to address when doing a deep clean.
- Dust all surfaces, including all furniture, appliances, baseboards, chair rails, blinds, window frames, fans, stair railings, pictures, mirrors, and light fixtures
- Spot clean switches, outlet covers, cabinet fronts, and doors
- Vacuum any carpets or rugs
- Sweep or vacuum hard floor surfaces and damp mop them
Schedule Additional Staff
While foot traffic may not be quite the same as years past, you’ll want to ensure you have enough people on to create a positive customer experience. Your approach to scheduling should be well organized to ensure proper staffing.
- Consult with your staff
- Try to accommodate time-off
- Offer incentives for working extra hours
- Hire temporary help
- Post and confirm the schedule in staff meetings
Freshen Up Your Website
Make sure you have your website content up to date and that any sales, contests or specials you’ll be having are clearly posted.
- Prominently display your deals
- Be clear with shipping costs and deadlines
- Bundle complementary items
- Promote your loyalty rewards program
- Add festive videos, graphics and images
Get Your Promotions Rolling
Many large companies have started their holiday shopping weekend promotions early this year, and it is a great idea for small businesses too.
- Post early deals to social media
- Offer different deals each day leading up to Small Business Saturday
- Start a raffle or contest with winner chosen on Small Business Saturday
- Run exclusive online deals
- Continue your promotions through the holidays
Leverage Your Network
Touch base with local business owners and others in your network to create some buzz and word of mouth advertising around your promotions.
- Cross promote with other businesses
- Set up a referral program
- Do a local scavenger hunt with the aim of visiting local stores
- Offer customer rewards for posting pictures of your business or merchandise
Click below for more ways to maximize your holiday profits
