Last year, $59.1 billion was reportedly spent on this highly sought after event, which now spreads from the Thursday before to post Black Friday weekend deals, with Small Business Saturday on November 30 and Cyber Monday on December 2, closing out the weekend shopping extravaganza.
How can the small businesses compete with the big guys you ask? Here are three ways to help you enjoy a piece of the pie while shoppers seek the biggest and best deals of the year.
Freebie Giveaways
Try setting up a stand, booth or section of your store offering small gifts to your customers that compliment your products or services. You are sure to have a plethora of people in and out your doors this weekend, so take the opportunity to engage with them so that they'll leave with a little reminder of you for next time. Are you an eCommerce shop? Offer an exclusive Black Friday e-coupon gift!
Two Heads Are Better Than One
There's a lot of truth in the saying "power in numbers." Team-up with other small businesses to spread the word. For example, if you're a local restaurant that offers gift cards, come up with a deal, network with other restaurants offering similar deals, create a coupon code and promote the offer on one flyer including all of the participating company logos. Put a Christmas spin on it since Gift Cards make great holiday gifts!
Make it a Social Event
Host exclusive Black Friday deals via your social media networks. Make it something that only your social followers will see and can take advantage of. If you want to be really creative, try offering different deals on different networks! Just make sure you keep track of the in-store or online responses you receive.
Even though you're busy entertaining family and preparing a Thanksgiving feast, take some time to really think about ways to generate more revenue for your small business this Black Friday weekend. Most of all, have fun, be creative and don't forget to let us know how it went!
