Since 2010, Small Business Saturday–the Saturday after Thanksgiving–has become a great day to encourage shopping small and local. Cleverly tucked between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the event provides a chance to remind customers of the great shopping options at local stores. Here are some last-minute ideas to prepare for Saturday.

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Use American Express promotional materials, even if you don’t accept the American Express card

As noted on the SmallBusiness.com WIKI, American Express holds the trademark to the term Small Business Saturday and uses it as a means to encourage small businesses to accept their card. That said, it is impossible to name a big corporation that has more effectively promoted the idea of supporting local and independent retailers and restaurants than Amex’s backing of Small Business Saturday.

American Express may benefit from the day (and should, considering the massive investment in advertising they’ve invested in supporting the day), however, we’re not aware of the company ever discouraging any small business from using Small Business Saturday for promotional purposes, even if it doesn’t accept American Express.

So, go to their site and use their tools to develop some last-minute promotional materials to stick in the window of your store.

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If your business accepts the American Express card, do these two things

There are two special promotions that you should take advantage of if your business accepts the American Express card.:

  • Add your business to a map of participating merchants, restaurants, etc. Cardholders will be using this map to find participating small businesses close to them.
  • Let your customers know they can use one of their three $10-off credits they may have signed up for. The credits were limited, so they may not have signed up in time.

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Email your customers Wednesday or Friday with a reminder about Saturday

A  last-minute email reminding your frequent customers about Small Business Saturday is a quick way  to reward your loyal customers and build your network by asking them to share the email with their friends.

Open early

Though the hours big box retailers keep on Black Friday are sometimes over-the-top (now starting on Thanksgiving morning), your small business could offer special “local” hours on Small Business Saturday.

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For more information on Small Business Saturday check out the SmallBusiness.com WIKI

 

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