Being a small business owner is hard work! If you want to help your favorite local business thrive but don’t always have money to spend, here are 10 easy ways to support small businesses.
Before sharing 10 easy ways you can support small businesses I want to make something clear: I love Amazon. I’m not sure I can live without Amazon in my life. Getting diapers and all of my children’s snacks automatically delivered on a monthly basis is amazing. But – and this is a big BUT – I shop local and try to support small businesses whenever possible.
I can’t tell you the last time we went to a chain restaurant. (Starbucks excluded because drive-thru coffee when you have two young children is a must.) Whenever I’m buying gifts or beauty products or dessert I hit up one of the many local businesses in my hometown and the surrounding area. I’m (slowly) decorating my home with items found locally and hiring small businesses for various services.
As much as I like shopping local and supporting fellow entrepreneurs, there’s only so much I can buy or so often that I can use services. I’m guessing it’s the same for everyone, which is why I’ve come up with this nifty list of ways you can help your favorite companies without spending a dime!
10 Easy Ways to Support Small Businesses
1. Shop Small
This goes without saying, but whenever you can, shop small. Like the image above says, dollars spent at your local businesses will go back into your community. Plus, you’ll feel awesome 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 are using and follow them. You’ll be able to keep up with their news and 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 KINDA creepy in that the various platforms always make sure 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 both elevate posts that are getting lots of engagement. The more people engage with a post, the more reach that post 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, go ahead and 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 by far my favorite aspect of Facebook. They often feel the most like real conversations! I’m in quite a few local Facebook Groups and I always keep an eye out 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 Facebook so your followers can see where you’ve been and perhaps learn about somewhere new or revisit an old favorite.
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 really have a *wish list* either. But I do have a husband who regularly asks what I want for my birthday, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day.
9. Plan an Event
I never really expected this to happen, but I recently planned a meeting at my favorite local bookstore. I’m not a big meeting planner, but everything fell into place and I knew immediately that I wanted the meeting at the bookstore. The meeting space was free and their only request was that we purchase coffee from their coffee counter. Because it was a small, community-based business, 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?
10. Write 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!
Every Action Counts
Unlike when you’re dealing with large companies, every action you take to promote or share your favorite small businesses can help them thrive. Don’t be afraid to share your excitement for the company!
Do Tell: Are there other ways to support small businesses that you prefer?
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