This year, National Small Business Week is from April 28th to May 4th, 2024. As a small business owner, you can use this week to promote your company and drive some additional in-person and online sales. If you don’t already have something planned, then this is your sign to put it in next year’s calendar so you are ready ahead of time!

Here are four quick and easy marketing ideas to leverage this opportunity:

1. Share your business’s story via newsletter, blog, social media or your website. Tell your followers how you started your company and what it’s like to be a small business owner. Illustrate your story with photos of how you the business has evolved over time. At the very least, post a “Day 1” and “Day Now” photos. Be proud. If you’ve been in business more than 5 years then congratulations because you’ve survived while 50% of small businesses have not. On social, use hashtags like #smallbusinessweek or #smallbusiness because they are searchable, making your post easier to find when someone searches for the term “small business week.” And use your own hashtags and those from your local business association and networks.

2. When writing posts, blogs or your newsletter, use statistics like the multiplier effect to help customers understand the important of shopping locally and the power of their pocketbook. For example, American Express’ Small Business Economic Impact Study of 2022 found that 68 cents from each $1 spent at a local small business stays local, getting reinvested in the community. Shoppers need to know that spending in locally-owned businesses keeps people employed and storefronts from being empty, thereby contributing to a more thriving community. I one client who loves to say, “Jeff Bezos doesn’t need your money.”

3. Promote your existing offers and UVP. Don’t reinvent the wheel or scramble to come up with a new offer at this late stage but, rather, use your integrated communications to reinforce what you already have! Free gift wrapping? Customer loyalty programs? Discount days? Upcoming special events? You have to consistently remind your target audience of what your unique value proposition is. And, if your business association has a community-wide coupon book that you are in, promote that! Always include photos, video or some type of captivating visual.

4. Show your customers some love. Take this week as a reason to say “thank you” to your loyal and favorite customers. Emailing them a personal “thank you” note gives everyone a feeling of appreciation and it lets them know that they are not just another number. As customers come in during NSBW, you can look them in the eye and say, “thank you so much for supporting my small business.” If you know them well, a hand-shake or even a hug will make for a memorable day for them, I promise.

The Small Business Association is also hosting a free online summit that will take place from April 30th to May 1st if you want to learn more about sustaining a small business, including access to free and low-cost resources.