NFIB offers Alabama businesses five tips for Small Business Saturday

The National Federation of Independent Business is sharing tips to help Alabama businesses make the most of this year’s Small Business Saturday. The annual event, set for November 28, encourages shoppers to visit local stores and restaurants.

“Small Business Saturday gives Alabama’s local shops and restaurants a chance to show new customers what they do best,” NFIB State Director Rosemary Elebash said. “Owners can start now by spreading the word and making it easy for shoppers to find them.”

The organization offered five tips for local businesses ahead of this year’s event.

• Make it easy for shoppers to find you. Make sure your street address, website, phone number and holiday hours are correct on social media and in online business listings. Post clear photos of products, menu items and specials. Include prices and details about parking, pickup or reservations. Use #ShopSmall and tag your location so nearby shoppers can find your posts.
• Take the guesswork out of gift shopping. Group gifts by price or interest. Highlight gifts under $25, gifts for cooks or locally made gifts. Restaurants can promote gift cards, takeout meals or holiday catering. Let customers know if you offer gift wrapping, online ordering or pickup.
• Offer specials. Consider a gift bundle, a free sample or a small bonus with a purchase. Restaurants could offer a meal deal or a Small Business Saturday discount. Choose an offer that gives customers value and still leaves room for a profit.
• Team up with your neighbors. Share nearby businesses’ posts, create a simple shopping guide or plan specials together. A shop could send customers to a nearby cafe, and the cafe could display information about local stores. Check with your chamber of commerce or downtown group about community events.
• Invite customers back and stay in touch. Remind regular customers about Small Business Saturday through signs, conversations and emails or texts they’ve signed up to receive. Thank new customers and tell them what you offer year-round. Invite them to join your email or text list, then share updates after the holidays.

“Those connections matter as owners work to cover the cost of supplies, wages, health care and insurance while keeping prices within reach,” the organization said. “Steady sales help businesses pay their bills, plan ahead and support their communities.”

American Express started Small Business Saturday to help small businesses recover after the 2008 recession. Shoppers reportedly spent an estimated $18 billion at local businesses during last year’s event.