5 Last-Minute Ideas for Small Business

by Valerie Hawkins

We have a little bit of an obsession with small businesses. Here’s why:

• You make your communities unique and boost your local economies.
• We insure small businesses, like your retail shop or restaurant, with customized protection to meet your unique needs.
• Most of our reps are small business owners.

So, when a special occasion like Small Business Week comes up – we tend to geek out. And we want you to have the best one yet.

That’s why we polled some of the small businesses we work with and put together some last-minute ideas to help you have a successful Small Business Week for both your online and in-person shoppers.

Offer incentives for shoppers

Small Business Saturday Week is a great opportunity to reward consumers for shopping with you.

• Launch a contest to win a shopping spree at your store or a meal for two at your restaurant.
• If you have a loyalty program, give out extra punches for shopping that day.

Team up with nearby businesses

Partner with other local businesses to promote each other's deals!

• Post their specials in your store (and have them post your deals in theirs) by swapping promotional postcards or flyers.
• Engage with each other on social media. Share each other’s posts or even collaborate on a few joint posts.

Support a local charity

Consider donating part of your proceeds to a local charity. Consumers will already feel great about shopping local, but they’ll feel even better knowing their proceeds are going to a good cause.

Pro tip: Be sure to choose a charity that’s connected with your mission. So, if you own a toy store, donate proceeds to a local children's hospital.

Give your clients and experience

Whether your Small Business Week shoppers are loyal customers or newbies, give them an experience to remember!

• For in-person shopping, provide refreshments, get out your customer service A-team, or throw up some celebratory decor. Make your customers feel special when they walk in your doors – because they are!

Get social 

Don't forget to utilize your social media channels to tell your story!

• Showcase your deals or hot new products with real-time photos or videos.
• Join the conversation and use event-specific hashtags, like #SmallBusinessWeek, #ShopSmall or #DineSmall.
• Ask customers to check-in on social media or leave page reviews. Incentive these actions with freebies!
• For folks shopping in-person, put up an eye-catching backdrop to encourage shareable selfies.

Good luck and have a happy and safe Small Business Week!