Keep the Small Business Saturday Momentum Going All Year

Since its inception in 2010, Small Business Saturday has progressively gotten bigger each year. In fact, this year more people planned to participate in Small Business Saturday than in Black Friday. Hopefully, you took full advantage of SBS, but why should your company benefit only one day annually? Here are some practical ways you can keep the momentum going all year.

Focus on Customer Service

It’s virtually impossible to compete with large chains regarding pricing. However, one area where you can outdo them is customer service. Big-box retailers simply cannot offer the same one-on-one consumer experience that a small business like yours can. So get to know your clients and commit yourself to offering the best possible customer service. Once you’ve developed a reputation for great customer care, getting people to continue shopping with you will be much easier.

Engage in Charitable Giving

The holiday season is one time when people are feeling especially charitable. Accordingly, shoppers may be more willing to frequent your establishment if they know that some of their purchases will benefit others. Especially if it’s an agency that directly assists local residents. Choose an area non-profit and then set aside a portion of your sales to donate. Or host a canned food, winter coat, or toy drive to get others interested in stopping by.

Provide Something of Value

It’s not enough for your blog or website to promote goods and services. Instead, you should provide relevant information such as how-to videos or even short online courses. The goal is to become an authority in your niche that others will turn to for answers to their own questions. And it’s of course an advantage you can provide that your larger competitors cannot.

Network with Other Business Owners

Small business owners have even more power when they work together. Accordingly, you should network with other entrepreneurs to plan events throughout the year. For example, you could partner with other establishments to host a block party or sales event on certain holidays. Don’t forget to refer your colleagues to your own customers and then ask other mom-and-pop shops to do the same.

Scoring Big on Small Business Saturday and Beyond

Don’t think that just because Small Business Saturday has passed that you can’t capitalize on it. Instead, incorporate the above ideas and then contact SocialTrend to ensure you can continue the momentum well into the upcoming year.