They say no person is an island, but sometimes running a small business can make it feel that way. In the early days of planning and launching your small business, you had to focus on nailing down logistics. These ranged from finding business insurance to protect against lawsuits and financial damage to licensure, accounting and setting up your commercial workspace. And to be sure, these are all part of establishing a solid foundation for your business. Now you’re ready to kick it into high gear.
It’s important to remember that no SMB stands alone. You’re part of a local community and a nationwide network of small businesses. That’s exactly what the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Saturday aims to celebrate and encourage. Consumers everywhere will be doing their part to support local SMBs just like yours on Saturday, November 25. And if they like what they see, they’ll likely stop by again soon.
So, is your company ready for Small Business Saturday? Here are a few things to consider before the big day:
Before you can expect customers to walk through your door, you need to spread the word. Take some time to consider your SMB’s branding and offerings. What’s your unique selling proposition? Your USP can emphasize pricing, customer service, product lineup, luxury, eco-friendliness, community ties or another advantage you offer.
Come Small Business Saturday and beyond, you must be able to clearly demonstrate to customers what your company does. Your messaging should be in line with your unique brand, so take some time now to carve out a niche. Then, pursue the most fitting channels for marketing your SMB, including print ads and social media posting.
How much does a website matter? Well, as Business 2 Community reports, the yearly average revenue for a small business is around $3.6 million. Add a website, and the yearly revenue jumps up to approximately $5 million. Increasingly, customers are vetting SMBs online before heading out in person or making a phone call. Having a strong web presence tends to boost trustworthiness and give consumers a better idea of what you do. The sooner your website is up-to-date and user-friendly, the sooner you’ll start reaping the benefits.
Building bonds with members of your community, whether they’re first-time shoppers or community organizers, helps brand your organization as caring. Like you depend on the community surrounding you, they will come to depend on your SMB. It’s truly a symbiotic relationship—one that transcends individual transactions. Forging these crucial community bonds is how SMBs like yours establish longevity. Look for local charities to support this holiday season, either with a donation in your company’s name or volunteer hours.
Small Business Saturday gives entrepreneurs a great reason to do some housekeeping on behalf of their SMB. Now is the time to work on your website, prepare your physical space for customers and get involved in your community.
Still working on building a strong foundation for your fledgling business? Get started with the right business insurance policy from CoverHound!
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