How to Celebrate Small Business Saturday

It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year! But first, we get to kick off the holiday season with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. These shopping “holidays” aren’t just for big brands – small business owners like you can take advantage of the excitement too! With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to make the most of this late-November shopping frenzy. Here’s how to get started: 

Black Friday - November 29, 2024 

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is famous for big sales and packed stores. While things may be more relaxed at your salon, it’s the perfect time to offer deals on inventory that’s been sitting awhile. Stale stock? Put it on sale! From offering a complimentary mini-product with purchases over $50 to a buy-one-get-one deal on last season’s nail colors, get creative – just remember to stay within a 10-50% discount range to maintain a profit. 

Shoppers are ready to spend on Black Friday, making it a prime opportunity to help your clients grab their essentials (or try something new!) at a special price. And if you’re inspired to launch early Black Friday sales, even better – extend those savings for as long as you’d like! 

Small Business Saturday - November 30, 2024 

This is our favorite day to celebrate Sola’s 20,000+ independent salon owners! Small businesses are integral to building healthy communities, and we are so proud of you, our Sola small business owners, for making your communities a better place. 

Once in a while, it is great to express to guests that when they are supporting a small business, they are supporting your dream. Post one of these graphics on your Instagram, Facebook or Stories to encourage your clients to support you! Or, create your own! 

You could also consider hosting a Small Business Saturday Soirée to add a little festive fun – think mocktails, champagne, a raffle, or discounts on pre-booked services for the new year. 

To spread the word, send an invite through email or text, use SolaGenius for quick alerts, or create a Small Business Saturday event on Facebook. Designing a holiday-themed graphic with all the details (like in Canva) is another great way to promote and capture attention on social media. 

Cyber Monday - December 2, 2024 

When the brick-and-mortar sales are done, it’s time to shift focus online. For Cyber Monday, promote your salon’s online booking with a special deal: 10-20% off services booked for early 2025, or offer a free treatment with any booking. And if you sell retail online, make sure to link to your site in every post, email, or story – adding eye-catching images of your products will keep clients engaged and encourage them to buy. 

Pick your favorite shopping “holiday” or join in all three. A boost in business now can set you up for a fabulous start to 2025!