Show your pride for running a small business by taking part in Small Business Saturday on November 30. Participating in this day devoted to small businesses is a great opportunity to promote your pharmacy and bring in new patients.
Small Business Saturday started as a nationwide promotional event sponsored by American Express in 2010. Set smack dab between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s a day meant for community members to get out, shop, and show their support for their local small businesses.
There aren’t any requirements to take part; you just need to be a small business and be open on November 30.
You can still participate even if your pharmacy doesn’t have a huge front end. The day isn’t just about retail shopping; it’s about bringing exposure to small businesses—including your pharmacy.
Make the most of the day by spreading the word that your pharmacy is participating!
Ways To Promote Small Business Saturday
1. Get the word out
Check with your city’s chamber of commerce or your local newspaper to find out if either one is promoting the event. If so, make sure your pharmacy is listed along with the other businesses in your town that are participating in Small Business Saturday. It’s an easy way to let patrons know to stop by!
2. Make your T.V. debut
Call your local news station and find out if they plan to do a segment on Small Business Saturday. If so, ask that they stop by your pharmacy for a quick interview with you or your pharmacists. Use that time to promote your pharmacy!
3. Extend your hours
If you usually close your pharmacy early or don’t open at all on Saturdays, show your support by opening your doors for a full business day on November 30.
4. Hold a giveaway or contest
Create a special promotion just for Small Business Saturday. For example, if patients come into the pharmacy on Small Business Saturday, they can enter to win a prize. Or, if patients transfer their prescription to your pharmacy on Small Business Saturday, they’ll receive a $5 coupon to your front end.
5. Hang signs
Attract customers with promotional signage displayed in your store. You don’t even need to make your own! Download free printable signs and decals for Small Business Saturday here.
6. Promote on Facebook
Post updates to your pharmacy’s Facebook page to remind customers that you’re participating in Small Business Saturday. You could even give Facebook customers a freebie (hat, keychain, T-shirt, etc.) if they come in to your pharmacy on Small Business Saturday and mention your Facebook page.
7. Market on Twitter
If you have a Twitter account for your pharmacy, use it to let people know that your business is participating in Small Business Saturday. Use the hashtags #shopsmall and #Nov30 in your tweets to get more exposure.
8. Advertise the pharmacy way
Place brochures or flyers in patients’ prescription bags every day from now until November 30. Use the flyers to explain what Small Business Saturday is and to promote any specials you plan to offer that day.
9. Make a personalized marketing campaign
American Express is offering free online advertising and personalized marketing materials to qualifying business. Find out if you qualify here.
10. Send an e-newsletter
If your pharmacy regularly sends an e-newsletter to patients, be sure to promote Small Business Saturday from now until November 30.
11. Use word of mouth
Tell your patients that you’re participating in Small Business Saturday when they come in to pick up their prescriptions starting today. Your loyal customers will likely spread the word and bring more exposure to your business.
12. Plan with other small businesses
Connect with other small business owners in your community to plan special promotions or events for the big day.
13. Give away freebies
Eligible small businesses can receive a free welcome mat and 20 reusable shopping bags from American Express to give out on Small Business Saturday. Click here to order yours.
