Digital Marketing Tips for Small Business Saturday 2025
Every year, when the calendar flips toward the holiday season, one day gets special attention: Small Business Saturday. This is the moment when communities rally around local entrepreneurs, when storefronts shine a little brighter, and when the spotlight turns to the heart of commerce: small business owners like you. But in today’s digital‑first world, simply showing up in person often isn’t enough. Your website and online presence become just as critical as your physical storefront or service desk. In this article, you’ll discover what “small business” really means, how many exist in the U.S. (and right here in Los Angeles), and most importantly, actionable digital marketing tips that will help you make Small Business Saturday not just a single event, but part of your growth strategy.
What Is a Small Business? Understanding the Basics
When we talk about “small business,” we’re referring to more than just a business with a few people. The term carries characteristics that set these businesses apart: they’re often locally owned and operated, have a more personal relationship with customers, are flexible in how they operate, and often carry the story and passion of their founders. Many are rooted in community and serve as more than a business, they are a destination, a brand, and a personal expression all in one. At the same time, because small businesses may lack the large‑scale resources of larger firms, they benefit tremendously from clarity in mission, strong customer relationships and a digital strategy tailored for their size and strengths.
Defining a Small Business in the U.S.
In the United States, definitions can vary by industry and organization, but a widely used benchmark is that a small business is one that has fewer than 500 employees. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses and micro-businesses comprise 99.9 percent of all U.S. businesses. In 2025, that number is estimated at about 36.2 million small businesses across the U.S. These businesses employ a huge portion of the workforce, nearly half of private‐sector employees. So when you think “small business,” you’re not alone, you’re part of the backbone of the U.S. economy.
How Many Small Businesses in Orange County?
If you operate in Orange County, California, the local business landscape is both vibrant and highly competitive. According to 2023 data from Neilsberg Research, there are approximately 424,314 small businesses in Orange County alone. This substantial number reflects not only the entrepreneurial spirit of the region but also the level of competition among local owners. With so many businesses vying for attention, having a strong and visible online presence is no longer optional. It’s essential. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or a growing team, your ability to stand out digitally can be a defining factor in your success.
Why Your Website Is Your Strongest Ally for Small Business Saturday
Whether you’re offering products or services, your website is your digital storefront. On Small Business Saturday, when foot traffic is high and shoppers are actively looking to buy local, your site must be ready. A site that loads fast, is easy to navigate, tells your story clearly, and reflects your “why” builds trust in a way that is often overlooked. Many shoppers will check your website before visiting your store or booking your service. Having a mobile‐friendly site, clear call‑to‑action, and local‐SEO elements means you’re prepared to capture attention and turn it into action.
Digital Marketing Tips to Maximize Your Impact
Here are five practical steps to help you turn this day into meaningful digital growth:
1. Refresh Your Website with a Small Business Saturday Landing Page
Create a dedicated landing page tied to the event: this page can highlight special offers, updated hours, and your back‑story, why you do what you do. Add customer testimonials or a short video introducing yourself. Make sure the page is mobile‑friendly and loads quickly: slow pages lose visitors before they even see your message.
2. Leverage Local SEO to Get Found
Claim or update your listing on platforms like Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). Use keywords that speak to your location plus what you do, e.g., “small business web design Irvine” or “family‑owned bakery Los Angeles.” Encourage happy customers to leave reviews. Those reviews help you show up when local shoppers search “open now near me” or “small business Saturday deals.”
3. Promote Through Email Marketing and Social Media
Send an email to your list letting them know you’re participating in Small Business Saturday. Include a countdown, sneak‑peek photos, or a special code for the day. On social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), use relevant hashtags like #ShopSmall #SmallBusinessSaturday to reach the wider movement. Post behind‑the‑scenes content, share your mission (“why we started”), and invite your community to show up.
4. Tell Your Story and Show Your “Why”
Shoppers are more likely to connect with businesses that have purpose. Share a short anecdote about how you started the business, what you’re passionate about, and how you serve your community. For example, when we worked with several local service businesses and artisans, we found that when their website included even one paragraph about how they began, rather than just listing services, the engagement (clicks, contact form submissions) improved noticeably. By letting your visitors see the person behind the business, you build trust, loyalty, and repeat interactions.
5. Offer Online‑Only Promotions
Even though Small Business Saturday often implies in‑store activity, offering online‑only incentives helps capture today's digital shoppers. Create a limited‑time offer—use a code or link. Offer free shipping, early access, or local delivery. Use urgency (“Today only”) to increase action. Make sure your site clearly pops up when someone clicks through—no distractions or confusion.
How Digital Marketing Helps Small Businesses Thrive Year‑Round
Participating in one day of promotion is powerful, but digital marketing helps you beyond the weekend. A strong website combined with search optimization keeps you visible year‑round. Regular communication via email or social media builds relationships beyond one sale. Digital marketing levels the playing field: even a small business with a limited budget can reach local (or niche) audiences, compete against larger brands, and retain customers more easily. In short, your online presence creates leads, strengthens retention, and builds brand awareness that lasts.
Start Now to Reap the Benefits
Small Business Saturday is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a moment of opportunity. But the real growth comes when you view it as a launch point, not a one‑day event. By preparing your website, sharpening your digital presence, and telling your story authentically, you’ll be ready not just for that day, but for the days and weeks that follow. The key is to start now, with intention and clarity. Your website works for you 24/7 and when you combine it with smart digital marketing, you give your business a chance to shine well beyond the Saturday spotlight.
FAQ Section
Q: What date is Small Business Saturday in 2025?
A: Small Business Saturday falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so in 2025 it will be on November 29.
Q: Can a service‑based business benefit from Small Business Saturday?
A: Absolutely. While many people think of retail, service businesses (consulting, home repair, design) can offer online consultations, bundle packages, or schedule future appointments and promote them during the event.
Q: What platforms are best for promoting my business locally?
A: Google Business Profile, Instagram, Facebook, and email marketing are strong places to start. Also consider local directory listings and community forums.
Q: How quickly can I implement digital marketing help?
A: You can begin today by updating your website landing page, adding a blog post or newsletter about your Small Business Saturday plan, and reviewing your local listings. The sooner you begin, the more time you have to build awareness before the day arrives.
Q: Where can I get free expert help to grow my small business?
A: Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer no-cost, expert business advising and low-cost training to help small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed. Whether you're just starting out, looking to expand, or need help with funding, marketing, or operations, SBDCs can provide practical support tailored to your needs. You can find your nearest center through the official SBA site: Find a local SBDC