November 1, 2023

6 Things You Can Do Today to Prepare for Small Business Saturday®

The holiday season always arrives faster than expected. Start planning now to increase the visibility of your small business, attract new customers, and keep your customers engaged during the fourth quarter. Small Business Saturday can help boost those end-of-year numbers, having a positive impact on the financial success of your small business. 

We've got you covered with even more tips for the season, check out our Small Business Saturday resource page for  free resources. 

Entice customers to Shop Small® on Small Business Saturday ®

This year Small Business Saturday lands on November 25, 2023. Here's how to get prepared for this shopper's holiday and make your business stand out from your competition.

1. Set up digital payment options.

Did you know 67% of shoppers choose where they will shop based on digital payment capabilities? In addition to physical credit and debit cards, some consumers also expect the option to use their smartphone or smartwatch to make contactless payments. Be sure your small business brick-and-mortar POS systems have the technology to accept a variety of digital payments.

2. Consider hiring seasonal help now.

If you want your holiday temp workers fully trained and ready to impress early bird shoppers who start filling carts as soon as the weather turns cool -- and manage busy Small Business Saturday sales -- the time is now to get focused on hiring. Learn more about being inclusive as you think about expanding your seasonal workforce.

3. Show your customers which payment methods you accept.

Now that you have digital payment options set up, let your customers both in-store and online know how they can pay. Decals placed on your front door, payment terminals and windows near the entrance will do the trick. Banners on your website and logos on your invoices can also identify which digital payments you accept. Download free digital assets and order physical signage here.

4. Get a Shop Small Map listing.

Gain more visibility by having your United States-based small business location listed on the Shop Small Map. If you are Shop Small eligible, simply use your American Express Merchant ID to log in here and get started.  Consumers browsing any American Express Map or Shop Small Map will see your listing as they plan out their shopping route, and your business may be recommended in American Express Card Member marketing.

5. Leverage special Small Business Saturday offers.

Shoppers expect deals, so be ready to wow them with bold discounts, limited-time offers and stand-out exclusive merchandise or services for Small Business Saturday. As a seller, you too deserve holiday discounts! Browse these partner offers for American Express merchants from Close, PressHook, Firework, eTip, and Mood Media.

6. Ramp up business marketing.

As a small business owner, you wear many hats and may have limited time to tell people about what you do and sell. During the holiday season, it's crucial to prioritize your marketing efforts to let consumers know about upcoming sales before Small Business Saturday, what new products you're launching this season, and what to expect on the shopping holiday itself, including any extended hours, limited-time offers and exclusive products. Get the word out on your social media feeds, in email newsletters and in-store with flyers. Here are some free marketing materials to get things started.

Adding a few (or all!) of these action items to your calendar in the days ahead can help ensure your Small Business Saturday runs smoothly and support the sales your company needs to end the year in the black. Get more inspiration by visiting our Small Business Saturday resource page which features a collection of social media tips, retail trends and more. All for free, all in one place. You can also view our webinar, "Prepare for a Great Small Business Saturday" presented by QuickBooks and hosted by American Express.

This content was written by a freelance author and commissioned and paid for by American Express.  This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services.