As we look forward to the holiday season, our team at Eventzee wants to take this time to support and raise awareness for independent shop owners across the country on Small Business Saturday (the Saturday after Thanksgiving). This nationwide movement to help small businesses is a great marketing initiative, and Eventzee can help you take engagement even further with personalized scavenger hunts. To get you started, here are a few ideas for using the Eventzee scavenger hunt app this November and beyond!

small business owners stand adjusting size of open sign for small business saturday event using eventzee scavenger hunt app

Downtown Adventures

The few days after a big Thanksgiving meal are perfect for encouraging people to come and walk around your local downtown area. Team up with other local businesses to create a virtual passport using the Eventzee scavenger hunt app and offer prizes to participants who get out and visit multiple businesses in your city. 

Eventzee client Downtown Center Business Improvement District (DCBID) of Los Angeles, California, used the Eventzee scavenger hunt app last year to encourage residents and visitors to explore local businesses and landmarks of Downtown LA. Dialing up the fun and encouraging patronage of the area’s small businesses in recognition of Small Business Saturday was a hit with locals and visitors alike.

The scavenger hunt could be completed within a few hours, and tasked players to use the Eventzee app to complete tasks and challenges throughout the city. Participants stopped by landmarks and businesses including iconic sites such as Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad and Grand Central Market and small businesses in the Jewelry District, The Bloc and FIG@7th.

Take a cue from our friends in Downtown LA and bring Eventzee to your area this Fall! Combine the immersive scavenger hunt experience with local discounts for even more engagement!

Discounts and Deals

Bring out the masses by offering deals, coupons, and discounts for those who choose to participate in your Small Business Saturday event! It’s likely that the small businesses will already be offering their own discounts during the busiest shopping season of the year, but additional offers will encourage people to join the event and visit more shops and businesses.

Using a virtual passport system with Eventzee, players can earn discount codes as badges for completing various challenges. This will encourage more engagement with a variety of businesses and award players for their dedication.

Keep them Coming Back

Many Eventzee clients offer players a small prize after the event concludes, like a gift card to be spent within the city at participating locations. This can include local shops, restaurants, or attractions. A monetary prize encourages participants to be excited about the prospect of returning to the town at a later date.

This past October, Downtown Jacksonville, FL, used Eventzee for their Halloweek event, which encouraged all attendees to scan at least 10 QR codes into the Eventzee app, and then rewarded all who completed the event a $20 #DTJax e-Gift Card. 

Offering prizes not only encourages participation, but also drives home repeat business and small business camaraderie between shop owners.

Make it an Event!

While Small Business Saturday is usually just one day, that doesn’t mean you can’t make it into a bigger celebration. After Thanksgiving, people look forward to tree lightings, holiday lights exploring, holiday shopping, and more. Expand your Small Business Saturday into December and use the Eventzee scavenger hunt app to inform people of upcoming events. 

Regardless of what your Small Business Saturday event looks like, Eventzee is here to support you in making it the best event yet! For more information and to get in touch, contact Craig Holland, sales@eventzeeapp.com.