(In the Year of Covid 19)

This year has seen several unpredictable ups and downs for frame shop owners. One positive trend that has appeared to remain a constant is unstable world is consumers desire to support local. Many shoppers are seeking opportunities to shop small and support businesses in their communities. But how do you achieve successful results for Small Business Saturday while keeping your staff and customers safe?

I’ve put together a list of marketing ideas for framers to capitalize on the shop small movement. Here are some ideas to consider that go beyond in-store promotions.

Be Unique: Shoppers appreciate the uniqueness of small shops, so don’t feel like you have to compete with the big retailers. Be yourself while you show off what makes your business unique. Find creative ways to tell your story through videos on social media, merchandising in your store, and project photos to inspire custom framing.

Offer Referral Program. Invite customers to help your business grow by offering a referral program. Happy customers want to see your success and are willing to write on-line reviews and refer friends. Offer free upgrades, bonus discounts, or accumulate points for future perks. Google My Business allows you to share a link to write a review. Include the link in an email inviting customers to support your small business.

Partner with a Non-Profit. You can help your community and build good-will by highlighting a local charity for a Small Business Saturday promotion. You could collect donation items or share a percentage of each sale for food banks, animal rescue organizations, senior or children’s programs. Choose one that is meaningful and share your reasons in a short video to your social media platforms.

Live Broadcast. Build an audience of new buyers by broadcasting a Facebook Live video. Be.Live is an easy to use way to schedule and create your live broadcast. Keep your focus by creating a list of talking points highlighting custom framing ideas, gift ideas or other items from your shop. Customers can get a look at your shop from home, then schedule an appointment, purchase on-line or answer any other call to action you include.

Say Thanks. Small Business Saturday gives you an opportunity to say Thank You to the customers that have made your business successful. Send a note in the mail. Offer $20 off their next custom framing order. Call your top 20 customers to just say thank you. Offer small gifts to in-store shoppers. Show your genuine gratitude and grow customer loyalty.

Join the Movement. American Express started the Shop Small movement 10 years ago and provides support materials for small business owners. You can register your business on the Small Business Saturday map and request free marketing materials here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small/