The push for supporting small businesses started back in 2010 as a way for communities to show their support and appreciation to local businesses in their communities. The last Saturday of November (following US Thanksgiving) is a dedicated day, known as “Small Business Saturday” in Canada and the US.
Direct Response Media Group doesn’t just support local businesses on Small Business Saturday, but it does so everyday especially being Canada’s leading direct mail company that helps Canadians save, local businesses grow and neighbourhoods thrive.
If you’re wondering how to support small businesses, there are many ways that you can, such as:
Shopping Locally
- This can be small, independent businesses such as local markets or farmers vs. your big box corporations.
- It’s a great way to discover new businesses or ones you haven’t been to before.
- If you cannot physically get yourself to the store's location, with many businesses having an online presence, consider shopping from their website.
Word of Mouth
- Positive news or experiences need to travel faster than negative news, so this is where you can share your favourite shop or local restaurant with others.
Social Media
- It doesn’t cost anything other than a few minutes of your time by sharing posts, liking posts and even commenting on posts by your small, local businesses.
- Use the trending hashtag #SmallBusinessSaturday to show your support.
Purchase Gift Certificates
- Small businesses truly appreciate when consumers purchase a gift card or certificate. These purchases can be used as a gift or to use at a later date.
- This also supports the small business immediately and the receiver can still enjoy using this for a future purchase or experience.
Complete Surveys or Questionnaires
- If a small business emails or asks for you to fill out a survey, take the time to do this. The constructive feedback can be vital to how a small business operates, or discovers new ways to improve customer service along with the products and services they offer.
Using Direct Mail
- This can be an effective way to reach your local customers while also attracting new customers to your business.
- If using direct mail to promote Small Business Saturday, you need to plan accordingly and in advance to ensure you are targeting the right customers and location, as well as including a time sensitive offer with a strong call to action that encourages customers to come into your store (or use online), for that day only.
- Most importantly, do not forget to include the business address, phone number and website (if you’re pushing online purchases as well).
Supporting small businesses shouldn’t be for one day only, but used as an encouragement to choose local, small businesses anytime you need to make a purchase. Supporting local also builds strength and growth in the community.
If you’re looking for ways to grow your business, Direct Response Media Group is your one stop shop providing you with the solution of getting your message into the mailboxes of your local community. Contact us today to get started!