I’m pretty certain you’ve heard of Black Friday.  Maybe even Cyber Monday.  But, have you heard of Small Business Saturday?  Big hitters like American Express, Google, Twitter, and Facebook are teaming together to encourage consumers to shop at local small businesses Saturday, November 26th.  With tools for small businesses like $100 in free Facebook Ads, e-marketing tools, and free in-store signage, their tagline “Big Marketing, Small Effort” rings true.  We’re loving this outreach to small businesses!

So how do you go about getting your $100 in Free Facebook Ads?    Easy.

1.  Visit Facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday and click on “Get Free Ads”.

Please note: You must have a Facebook Business Page before you can get the free ads.  To learn more on how to setup your Facebook business page, watch our webinar Facebook Marketing 101 in Travel Agent University.

You’ll need to click on another “Get Free Ads” button to reach Step 2.

2.  Give permission for Small Business Saturday app to access your information.

3.  Create your Ad!

There are a few catches.  Most important is that this is first come, first serve so jump on right now and get ‘er done.   If you’re a franchisee, national chain, or government agency… you’re out of luck.  Take a look at the Terms of Participation (on the Facebook landing page under Get Free Ads button) for a more detailed list.

The Facebook Ads will start running November 7th, 2011 until November 18th or whenever the $100 credit has been reached.  Your ad will show to consumers over 21 that are located within a 10-mile radius of your business.

Beyond the Free Facebook Ads: Free $25 for Your Customers!

While American Express hasn’t launched their registration link yet, Amex card members that register and spend $25 at a participating small business will get a $25 credit on their statement.  Keep an eye out in November for more details because just like the Facebook Ads, it’s first come, first serve!

Filed under: Social Media