November 8, 2011

Get ready; Small Business Saturday (Nov. 26) is coming up quickly. How are small business owners getting ready? I sat down with one brick-and-mortar business owner and one Internet entrepreneur to find out.

Misty Belly, founder of A New Vitality, a massage therapy practice in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Q: How did you learn about Small Business Saturday?

A: I saw something online and in the mail. I was really excited, so I called the 800 number to learn more about it. That was about two weeks ago, and since then, I’ve gotten really into the campaign. I signed up for the free Facebook ads, which I think are terrific. It is so nice to be able to put out targeted ads to my customers.

Q: How are you getting involved?

A: Beyond the Facebook ads, I am sending out announcements on Facebook and Twitter. I’ve also sent out an e-mail to my clients, printed out Small Business Saturday posters and put them up in my business and am even filming a commercial about it.

Q: Could you tell me more about the commercial?

A: Sure. The commercial will advertise my business and go on a local cable television station. Across the bottom of the screen I will have scrolling text announcing a special offer for Small Business Saturday—$10 off a $60 purchase. I really want to make sure people are not only aware of the deal, but also of the fact that I will be open on that Saturday. I will be there all day long and people will have the opportunity to drop in.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish on Small Business Saturday?

A: I hope to increase my sales of Christmas gift certificates, specifically. I think people will be excited to come in when they hear about my special for that day.

Q: How can other small business owners capitalize on Small Business Saturday?

A: I recommend creating an offer—it is a tremendous draw.

Chris Bick, co-founder of Fred Flare, an online retailer based out of Brooklyn, New York.

Q: How did you learn about Small Business Saturday?

A: We found out about it last year when a TV reporter asked to do a segment about us on Small Business Saturday. At the time, we had a brick-and-mortar shop in Brooklyn (closed in early 2011), so they did a walk-through of the store for the promotion of the holiday.

We were really excited with the idea of the holiday and thought it was a great concept.

Q: What are you doing for Small Business Saturday this year?

A: We will have a couple promotions going on that weekend to kick off the holiday shopping season including a free shipping and many items priced for less than $10.

On Small Business Saturday we will be doing a lot of social networking on Facebook and Twitter to get the word out. We will not only promote the holiday, but also talk about our products and inspiration.

Q: What can online retailers do to capitalize on Small Business Saturday?

A: Just get the world out. E-mail your database, use social media and just talk it up to your customers. Get people really excited about it. People will be looking for deals that weekend, so make sure to publicize your promotions.

The details

SBOs: want to get involved in Small Business Saturday? If so, check out the official site, where you can download marketing materials and even get $100 worth of free Facebook ads (Facebook is a partner this year).