Being a small business owner is hard work! It’s a never-ending hamster wheel of sales, marketing, and worry. If you’re looking for ways to help your favorite local businesses thrive, especially in these uncertain economic times, here are 13 easy ways to support small businesses.
13 Easy Ways to Support Small Businesses
1. Shop Small
This goes without saying, but whenever you can, shop small. Dollars spent at your local businesses will go back into your community. Plus, you’ll feel fabulous as you help those entrepreneurs live their version of the American dream!
2. Follow the Companies You Love on Social Media
Find out what social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.) your favorite businesses use and follow them. You’ll be able to keep up with their news; chances are, some of your followers will see that you’re following the business and start following them, too.
3. Like and Comment on their Social Media Posts
We can all agree that social media is creepy in that the various platforms always ensure you know what your friends are up to. Well, one way you can make them even more aware is by taking time to like and comment on the posts of your favorite small businesses. Also, Facebook and Instagram elevate posts that get lots of engagement. The more people engage with a post, the more reach it will have so others see it.
4. Share their Social Media Posts
Want to take things a step further? If one of your favorite small businesses shares something you think would resonate with your audience, friends, family, and followers, share it on your own feed.
5. Recommend them in Facebook Groups
I don’t know about you but the last time I looked, I was a member of more than 400 Facebook Groups. Oy. While I don’t necessarily recommend joining that many, I will say that Groups are my favorite aspect of Facebook. They often feel the most like honest conversations! I’m in several local Facebook Groups, and I always watch for opportunities to recommend my favorite small businesses.
6. Check in at their Businesses
Visiting a local establishment that you love? Take the time to check in on your social media channels so your followers can see where you’ve been and perhaps learn about somewhere new or revisit an old favorite. (If you’re like me and don’t like checking in in real-time, check in once you’re back home!)
7. Share their Business Cards
Marketing is hard work, y’all. Chances are that most small business owners are so busy running their businesses that they don’t have time to think about marketing. One easy – and free – way you can help is to pick up some business cards and distribute them throughout your community.
8. Put Local Products on Your Wish List
“But I’m an adult,” you’re probably thinking. I hear you. I don’t have a *wish list* either. But my husband regularly asks what I want for my birthday, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day.
9. Plan an Event
I planned a meeting at my favorite local bookstore a couple of years ago. The meeting space was free, and they only requested that we purchase coffee from their coffee counter. They even agreed to open early for us!
Think about the types of events you might be able to have. Could you run a networking group, book club, or crafting group at a small business in your area? This is a great way to get different people into different businesses!
10. Write 5-Star Reviews
One of the easiest ways to support small businesses is to review them! Write reviews on their Facebook pages, Yelp, or Google. Every review helps, and all it takes is a few minutes of your time to write something quick!
You might be side-eyeing that I specifically say to leave 5-star reviews, but having met and worked with scores of small business owners, they often take reviews personally.
Think about it: If you go out to dinner, have a magnificent time, and everything goes perfectly, why leave a 4-star review? The 4-stars are great if you explain what they could have done better, but if you genuinely have an amazing experience, there’s no reason to withhold stars.
If you legitimately have issues, explain that in your review. Or, even better, talk to the business owner so they can work on improving.
11. Pay in Cash
Credit cards are easy. I, too, use them almost exclusively. But when you shop small and pay in cash, that small business owner gets to keep more money from your purchase. Credit card transactions incur an approximate 3% transaction fee (give or take, depending on the card used), which adds up quickly.
12. Bring Them Up in Conversations
Social media is great, and it’s easy to share and post about things on social media, but bring your favorite businesses up in real life, too! Don’t keep them to yourself – bring them up in conversations.
13. Buy Gift Cards
There are two gifting occasions when I always buy local gift cards: 1. Teacher/coach gifts and 2. Kid birthday gifts. For teachers, I always purchase a gift card to a local coffee shop and pair it with a gift card to a local bookstore. I get a gift card to the local bookstore for kid birthday gifts. It’s easy and thoughtful; by doing this, I hope the recipient finds a new favorite place to go.
Every Action Counts
Unlike when dealing with large companies, every action you take to promote or share your favorite small businesses can help them thrive. There are so many easy ways to support small businesses. Don’t be afraid to share your excitement for the company!