In just a couple of weeks, the successful #SmallBusinessSaturday celebration will take place on November 26th. As always, it falls on Thanksgiving Weekend and follows Black Friday.

Now in its 12th year, Small Business Saturday (started by American Express) has sparked a social movement to #ShopSmall for the holiday season. In 2011 even the US Senate got on board to support the movement and now it is affecting real and lasting change in consumers’ shopping behavior.

Here’s how to make the most of this important day:

  1. Go to the official American Express website. There you’ll find loads of opportunities for support, downloadable logos to use digitally and in print, and more.
  2. And, you’ll be able to access customizable marketing assets with just one click.
  3. If you’re an Amex merchant, you can get lots of great swag such as signage, tote bags, store window decals, and much more.
  4. Start promoting it now on your own email blasts, website, storefront, email signature block, outgoing phone message, etc.
  5. Follow, then engage, with the community and help to promote the celebration on social media using #ShopSmall, #ShopLocal, and #SmallBusinessSaturday2022 hashtags.
  6. Connect with almost 4 million supporters on the event’s Facebook page.
  7. Check out the American Independent Business Alliance. Another nationwide supporter of local and independent businesses that offers research, resources, and ready-to-use graphics.
  8. Don’t let any new customers get away! Be sure to create a signup sheet at the register for shoppers to sign up for your email list.
  9. Consider expanding your hours on the day to accommodate a large swath of shoppers.
  10. Get ready for a long and profitable day. Consider hiring temporary help and hire that extra help in enough time so you can properly train them to represent you in the very best light and make the most of many brand new customer interactions. Need help? Check out my new offering, The Front Desk: Stakeholder Interaction Training With a Marketing Mindset.

And, as you do your own holiday shopping, keep in mind that shifting your own spending to local, small businesses will have a tremendous impact on your community.

Have a great holiday season!

PS – Download this blog post here as a PDF to keep it as a checklist!