How to Use Amex Tools for Better Small Business Saturday Results

Small Business Saturday is just around the corner, and it's a great chance for small business owners like you to grow. American Express offers a range of tools specifically designed to boost your visibility and sales on this busy shopping day. This guide will walk you through how to use these tools effectively.

Step 1: Get Your Business on the Shop Small® Map
To begin, make sure your business is visible where it matters. Getting listed on the Shop Small® Map can help draw in shoppers who are ready to support local businesses.

• How to Register: Visit the American Express website and fill out the registration form. You'll need to provide some basic details about your business.
• Important Details: Check that your business meets American Express's eligibility criteria, which includes not being part of certain excluded business types.



• You must have at least one physical (or online) business location within the United States and/or the U.S. territories; 
• You must have at least 1 but not more than 25 business locations;
• You must not be part of a franchise brand with more than twenty-five (25) corporate-owned stores, or more than two hundred and fifty (250) stores in total.
• You must not be a government agency, public administration organization, charity, religious organization, gas station, business located on the same premises as a gas station, nonprofit, trade association, shopping property management company, direct seller, travel agent or political organization;
• You must not be a business that is primarily in the business of manufacturing, promoting or selling diet aids, cannabis, pornography, sexual aids, gambling, liquor, tobacco (including tobacco-related equipment, such as e-cigarettes), firearms or other weapons, or any sensitive or controversial topics with respect to current events or otherwise be engaged in any activity that violates any rules, laws or regulations; and
• You may not be eligible if you participate in activities that we determine to be inconsistent with the values of American Express, Small Business Saturday, or the Shop Small Movement. 

Step 2: Once You Have Registered, Use the Free Marketing Materials

American Express doesn't just help you get noticed and provides your business with free marketing materials to spread the word about your deals and offers.

• Available Resources: These include digital marketing kits complete with social media posts and email templates, plus physical posters.
• How to Use Them: Adjust these materials to match your brand’s voice and marketing goals, but remember to follow American Express’s guidelines for usage.

Step 3: Create Special Promotions
Special offers or promotions can work wonders in attracting more customers on Small Business Saturday. American Express can help by featuring your promotions, giving you a wider audience.

• Planning Your Promotion: Think about what deals will attract your customers the most while still making sense for your bottom line.
• Important Reminder:  Make sure your promotions comply with American Express’s promotional guidelines to stay in the game.

Step 4: Track and Tweak Your Approach
Using American Express's tools means that you should continue to monitor how effective your efforts are and making necessary adjustments.

• Tracking Your Success: Use analytics tools to see how well your Small Business Saturday campaigns are doing.
• Making Adjustments: Depending on your results, you might need to fine-tune your offers, marketing messages, or operational strategies.

Conclusion
Using American Express's resources can significantly boost your Small Business Saturday success. Just make sure you understand and comply with all the terms and conditions to make the most of this partnership. Planning with these guidelines will help ensure your Small Business Saturday not only increases your sales but also builds lasting customer relationships.

FAQs

Q: What is Small Business Saturday? A: Small Business Saturday is an annual event founded by American Express to support local businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Q: Why should I register my business on the Shop Small® map? A: Registering puts your business on the radar of conscientious consumers looking to support local shops, increasing both visibility and potential sales.

Q: What are the benefits of registering my business? A: Benefits include being featured on the Shop Small® map, access to free marketing materials, and the potential for increased customer engagement and sales.

Q: Is there a cost to register on the Shop Small® map? A: No, registration is free. It is a part of American Express's initiative to support small businesses.

Q: How can I make the most of Small Business Saturday? A: In addition to registering, you can engage customers through special offers, events, and promotions. Use the marketing materials provided to enhance your visibility and attract a larger crowd.

Need help promoting your small business Small Business Saturday or planning for next year? Let’s make sure your business gets the attention it deserves. Whether leveraging tools like those from American Express or creating a custom marketing strategy, WSI Biggs Digital is here to help. Contact us at www.wsibiggsdigital.com, and let’s work together to grow your business and connect you with the customers who matter most.