Quick Answer
What is Small Business Saturday?
It’s a national day of celebration for local businesses, encouraging shoppers to “shop small” on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
How can small businesses stand out online?
With local SEO updates, creative social media campaigns, and digital offers that get customers both in-store and online.
What digital tools help most?
Google Business Profile, social media ads or Reels, email marketing, and short-form videos all help capture attention fast.
Small Business Saturday is the ultimate day to show some local love—and for business owners, it’s the perfect opportunity to turn local clicks into loyal customers. Whether you’re running a boutique, coffee shop, pet service, or local real estate business, your digital strategy can make all the difference in driving foot traffic and online engagement. Let’s dive into smart, creative ways to boost your visibility this shopping season.
1. Refresh Your Local SEO
Start small but think local. Update your Google Business Profile with holiday hours, new photos, and a short post about your Small Business Saturday deals. Sprinkle in keywords like “local gifts in [your city],” “shop small near me,” or “holiday specials in [your town].” These search terms help people discover you right when they’re searching for places to visit.
Pro tip: Add posts to Google Maps and pin your location in Instagram Stories so nearby customers know exactly where to find you.
2. Create a “Shop Small” Campaign on Social
Your customers want to support local—they just need a reminder! Create a #ShopSmall campaign that highlights:
Behind-the-scenes moments from your team.
Bundles or limited-time offers.
Partner businesses in your area (cross-tag for wider reach!).
Use hashtags like #SmallBusinessSaturday, #ShopLocal, and #[YourCity]SmallBusiness to drive local engagement and get in front of new audiences.
3. Offer an Online-Only Deal
Even if your business relies on in-person sales, many shoppers start online. Offer a digital-exclusive discount code for those browsing your site or social profiles. It might be a “thank you” coupon for signing up for your newsletter or a “one-day-only” flash sale that creates urgency.
4. Share Customer Stories
Feature loyal customers, testimonials, or photos from past shopping events. These authentic stories build trust, show off your community roots, and create excitement. Encourage customers to tag your business in their Small Business Saturday finds—you can even reward shares or tagged posts with small giveaways.
5. Plan an Email Countdown
Email marketing drives big results for Small Business Saturday when done right. Build excitement with a 3-day countdown series:
“3 Days to Small Business Saturday: Sneak Peek!”
“Tomorrow’s the Day: See What’s Waiting for You!”
“It’s Here! Don’t Miss Your Local Favorites!”
Add clickable buttons that guide readers directly to product pages, booking links, or in-store directions.
6. Go Live and Connect
Nothing builds buzz like going live. Host a livestream demo, a product walkthrough, or a “shop with me” event on Facebook or Instagram the morning of Small Business Saturday. It’s a fun, low-cost way to engage with your audience and highlight what makes your business unique.
7. Keep the Momentum Going
The real win isn’t just one Saturday—it’s turning new customers into long-term fans. Follow up after the event with thank-you posts, loyalty offers, or sneak peeks of upcoming holiday specials. The more you nurture those leads, the more they’ll come back.
Digital marketing is one of the strongest tools local businesses have for making moments like Small Business Saturday shine. A little strategy and a lot of personality go a long way in reminding customers why supporting local matters all year long.
When is Small Business Saturday 2025?
Small Business Saturday falls on November 29, 2025—the Saturday after Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
How can I promote my small business online for this event?
Focus on updating your Google Business Profile, creating engaging social posts, and running time-limited online deals to draw interest.
Do I need to run discounts to participate?
Not necessarily. You can offer exclusive experiences, gifts with purchase, or community partnerships that make your business stand out.
What kind of social content works best?
Short videos, before-and-after photos, and posts that highlight your team or customers tend to perform best—and feel authentically local.
How can I turn Small Business Saturday shoppers into repeat customers?
Follow up after the event with thank-you emails, loyalty programs, or sneak peeks of your holiday promotions.