Marketing has changed and is changing the way businesses succeed in today’s fast-paced digital world. One of the most visible names in banking, American Express, has spearheaded efforts to help small companies thrive. Helping small businesses thrive in the digital age is American Express’s top priority. We offer more than just financial aid; we also provide technological and educational resources. This article will take a look at the many programs and efforts made by American Express to help small businesses succeed.
Saturday for Small Businesses: An Alternative to Black Friday
American Express has taken major steps to support small businesses since 2010, when they launched Small Business Saturday. This campaign’s stated goal was to divert Black Friday shoppers away from megastores and toward mom-and-pop shops. As time went on, Small Business Saturday grew in popularity and is now an annual event. American Express debuted their Door to Shop Small augmented reality experience in its fourteenth installment. Using this novel feature, consumers were directed to nearby retail districts, where they could earn $5 statement credits for every $50 spent at participating stores.
Making Changes to the Company Gold Card
The significance of adapting to the changing demands of small businesses is something that American Express is well-aware of. Along with an enthralling advertising campaign, the corporation introduced its redesigned Business Gold Card in October. 4X membership rewards, statement credits, and greater flexibility in earning and spending business credits are just a few of the appealing features offered by the card. American Express enlisted the help of influential agencies like Dentsu Creative, Twentyfour Seven, Caviar LA, and Work Editorial to produce captivating 30-second advertisements for the card. Commercials featured made-up company owners who expanded their operations with the help of the card.
Supplying an All-Inclusive Business Solution
American Express understands that helping small businesses succeed takes more than just a monetary investment. The business has developed an extensive set of tools and resources to deal with this. In order to help small company owners grow their companies, the Shop Small Resource Hub provides them with marketing resources and advice. The Business Class content platform, also introduced by American Express, offers helpful information and commentary on many areas of company management. The platform addresses a broad variety of issues pertinent to small company owners, such as making spaces accessible to neurodiverse consumers and choosing between an online presence and a brick-and-mortar store.
The Influence of Data
The insatiable need for knowledge is one of the most important takeaways from American Express’s interactions with SMB owners. American Express has gone above and beyond by offering supplemental benefits all year round to help small businesses overcome the obstacles that traditional business books don’t address. Take the January-launched Business Blueprint program as an example; it assists small firms with cash flow analysis, payment processing, and financing research. The program provides ease and simplified financial management by merging a company’s checking account and credit card under Amex’s supervision.
Expanding Your Reach on Social Media
Businesses in the modern digital era cannot afford to ignore the importance of social media. American Express has taken note of this and is offering numerous programs to assist local companies in enhancing their social media presence. Join Constant Contact and other digital and email marketing platforms for free with the help of the #ShopSmall Accelerator, which debuted this summer. The goal of this program is to help small businesses grow by allowing them to use social media to connect with more people. Furthermore, 200 restaurants in six cities were able to increase their online presence and attract cardholders with the help of American Express and Resy’s social media support and exclusive offers.
A Human Approach: Comprehending the Requirements of Small Businesses
American Express knows that small businesses need a more individualized strategy when it comes to marketing, even though campaigns can be effective overall. American Express can maximize value for small business owners by getting to know their needs through direct engagement. By talking to and interviewing small business owners, the company learns a lot about their goals, struggles, and experiences. American Express is able to reach its demographic with effective marketing campaigns and initiatives because of its focus on people. American Express makes its brand more approachable and builds relationships with small business owners by having direct conversations with them.
See first source: Adweek
FAQ
Q1: What is American Express doing to support small businesses in the digital age?
A1: American Express is spearheading efforts to help small businesses thrive in the digital age. They provide financial aid, technological resources, and educational programs to support small businesses.
Q2: Can you tell me more about Small Business Saturday and its purpose?
A2: Small Business Saturday, launched by American Express in 2010, aims to divert shoppers away from megastores on Black Friday and towards small mom-and-pop shops. It has grown in popularity over the years and features initiatives like the Door to Shop Small augmented reality experience.
Q3: What changes have been made to the American Express Business Gold Card to benefit small businesses?
A3: American Express redesigned the Business Gold Card, offering features like 4X membership rewards, statement credits, and greater flexibility in earning and spending business credits. They also launched an advertising campaign to promote the card.
Q4: How does American Express provide tools and resources to help small businesses succeed?
A4: American Express offers the Shop Small Resource Hub, which provides marketing resources and advice, and the Business Class content platform, offering information and commentary on various aspects of company management.
Q5: What is the Business Blueprint program, and how does it assist small businesses?
A5: The Business Blueprint program, launched in January, assists small businesses with cash flow analysis, payment processing, and financing research. It simplifies financial management by merging a company’s checking account and credit card under Amex’s supervision.
Q6: What initiatives does American Express have to help small businesses expand their social media presence?
A6: American Express offers the #ShopSmall Accelerator program, allowing small businesses to join digital and email marketing platforms like Constant Contact for free. They also collaborate with Resy to provide social media support and exclusive offers to restaurants, helping them increase their online presence.
Q7: How does American Express take a human approach to understand the needs of small businesses?
A7: American Express engages directly with small business owners through conversations and interviews to learn about their goals, challenges, and experiences. This approach helps them tailor marketing campaigns and initiatives to better serve the needs of small businesses.
Featured Image Credit: Photo by CardMapr.nl; Unsplash – Thank you!
