5 Tips for Business Owners to make the most of Small Business Week
Small Business Week, sponsored by the Small Business Administration is happening from May 5- 11th this year. This week celebrates the heart of America’s economy – the local businesses that fuel our economy, create jobs and keep our country running!
- Update your online listings
This is a great time to check your Google My Business https://www.google.com/business/ and Google Maps listing to be sure all of your information. Be sure to check your address, business hours, and contact information are all correct. Be sure to check out Facebook, Yelp, Trip Advisor, and any other places where your business may be present. Having up to date information keeps you on the front lines of search engines and makes sure potential clients are getting the information they need!
- Week long promotions
Create promotions as a “thank you” to your wonderful customers, and offer discounts, trials or deals. They help to reinforce emotional attachment and loyalty to your business and the community. If you have an email list, offer discount coupons or codes this way!
- Participate
Small Business Week is a national initiative, and sba.gov offers webinars and other resources on their site. Plus, many local events are happening too! To learn about SBA events for 2019, check out https://www.sba.gov/nsbw/nsbw Connect with your regional SBA office at https://www.sba.gov/tools/local-assistance/districtoffices.
- Partner with and support each other!
Team up with other small businesses and neighbors for some cross promotion! Put a stack of business cards in each other’s stores, or you can host a combined sale. Find a business that compliments your own, for instance a hair salon with a boutique. Can your business help other small businesses in some way? Free services or sample products to other small business owners can strengthen your network.
- Social Media
Create a Small Business Week media campaign and use hashtags like #ShopSmall and #SmallBusinessWeek. Ideally these hashtags will be in posts that link back to a landing page on your website that offers relevant and valuable content, like an eBook. You can also follow the SBA on Twitter @SBAgov and Facebook at facebook.com/sba. Tag other businesses in your neighborhood and get local customers connected!
Encourage your social media followers to stop in and say hi during the week, offering a giveaway or raffle of some sort. You can also share stories of how your business started, and your connection to the community. Do you sponsor a local sports team or participate in a Charity 5K? Let your fans know!
Have fun this Small Business Week – it’s a celebration of all the hard work you put into your business every day!
