Small Business Saturday is rapidly approaching so it’s time to do a little planning to see a big pay off. If you’re new to Small Business Saturday, here’s a little info to get you up to speed. First, Small Business Saturday, or SBS to keep things short and sweet, was started a few years ago by American Express to inspire folks to shop local during the busy holiday season. SBS is always the Saturday after Thanksgiving, or the day after Black Friday, and this year it’s November 30th. Since people are already in the shopping spirit, this special day helps bring their attention to local businesses.

As a small biz, how can you take part? Let’s take a look!

1. Personalized marketing materials-  You to create customized marketing materials that have your business name, information and even a picture if you like from this page on the Small Business Saturday site. You’ll find all kinds of things once you provide them a bit of information, including downloadable, personalized signs, digital banners, and sample social media posts. You’ll also have the option to have your business featured on ShopSmall.com and free online advertising, while it lasts of course.

2. Free marketing help – Even if you choose to not personalize marketing materials, there are lots of options available. You can print out signs to post in your store windows and there are logos you can use and perhaps the best of all, pre-created social posts. Here are two examples:

Sample Tweet: @[BusinessName] #ShopSmall with us on Small Business Saturday for [insert what your business is known for]. #Nov30

Sample Facebook Post:  Small Business Saturday is November 30th. Come out for [insert what your business is known for]. #ShopSmall

Remember to use the hashtag #ShopSmall so your posts are easy to find on the Small Business Saturday Twitter feed. There is also a super helpful Facebook page with ideas and info for this special shopping day.

3. Free bags and welcome mat – If all the marketing help isn’t already fantastic, for a short time they’re offering a free welcome mat to put at your door and reusable shopping bags. You just need to enter your business name and address and they’ll send the materials to you. The deadline to order these is November 15th, so if you want the bags and mat, do it now!

VerticalResponse is also here to support your business during Small Business Saturday! We’ve got SBS email templates ready to go in your VR account! Just pick the one you like, add your logo, some info for your customers and you’re all set. To find the templates in your account create an email, select the editor you want to use, either the Wizard or Canvas tool, and then go to the Retail category for templates and they’re the first ones.

How is your business celebrating Small Business Saturday? Let us know in the comments!

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