How to Support Small Business: 5 Meaningful Ways

Small businesses are the foundation of your community. Here are 5 ways that you can support them in these difficult times!

It’s always important to try and support small businesses. It can help boost your local economy and the majority of small business owners are the foundation a community is built on. But now, the COVID-19 pandemic has made that support more important than ever.

Many small businesses were forced to close due to increased social distancing restrictions. This didn’t just affect their overall operations, it affected their livelihoods. Everything from getting a haircut to simply going out to eat has become more challenging during these uncertain times.

But, the good news is that there are things that you can do to help support the small businesses in your community. You won’t only be giving back and supporting those that need it most. You will also be contributing to your local economy and community as a whole. 

Here are 5 meaningful ways that you can support small businesses!

Here’s What We’ll Cover:

1. Buy a Gift Card or Gift Certificate

2. Shop Local 

3. Order Takeout or Get Delivery

4. Leave a Positive Review

5. Engage on Social Media

Key Takeaways

1. Buy a Gift Card or Gift Certificate

Even though there are still several businesses that are closed or unable to operate at full efficiency, buying a gift card can still help. You might not be able to use the gift card immediately, but it will help support the business until it can return to normal. Then, when all is said and done, you can use the gift card to make your purchase.

Don’t have a use for gift cards? That’s fine! You can give gift cards or certificates to family or friends for them to use. You’re not only then supporting a small business, but you’re sharing a kind gesture with someone else. And who knows, giving a gift card to a family member could encourage them to do the same thing with one of their friends. 

Every little bit helps.

2. Shop Local 

It might be enticing to just stick to larger chains like Amazon or Walmart for online shopping. But at the end of the day, those are the types of businesses that have thrived throughout the pandemic. With new technology and access to the internet, chances are small businesses in your area have opened online stores.

So, if you can’t physically shop locally, you are still able to place orders or make purchases online. And it can be anything, from a coffee shop, grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores or retailers. You can often find the same type of products or services from local businesses that you can from larger corporations.

3. Order Takeout or Get Delivery

The hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit in terms of overall closures and the inability to operate in the way they normally do. Some bars and restaurants are beginning to open again, but with either limited capacity or only delivery options.

If you don’t feel like cooking or don’t have the groceries that you need, consider ordering takeout from one of your favorite restaurants. By supporting local restaurants through takeout, you can help make sure they open to full capacity again once things get back to normal. 

And, instead of using third-party apps to make your orders, try and order directly from the restaurant. That way, they don’t have to pay any fees and they can receive any tip you decide to leave.

4. Leave a Positive Review

Small businesses often generate most of their business from referrals. An online review can be a big part of that, especially in these tough times. Think about how often you quickly Google something to see if it’s worth your time or money. If you see a negative review, chances are you aren’t going to purchase a product or service from them.

Leaving a positive review about a local shop or restaurant you recently used can go a long way. It might seem like it’s old-fashioned, but word of mouth can be one of the most powerful ways to build customer loyalty. Take 30-seconds to leave a positive review about a local small business. 

5. Engage on Social Media

Are you browsing through social media more often since you have been stuck at home? Well, most of the small businesses in your area are likely on social media. If you enjoy the service a local business offers or can’t get enough of the food at a local restaurant, share some of their posts on your social media pages. 

And it doesn’t cost you a single thing. Sharing a recent post or commenting on something that’s positive on a business page will help them reach more customers. Seeing someone else interacting with a business can help establish positive brand recognition. This will lead to more customers and an increase in business. 

Key Takeaways

Small businesses make up the fabric of local communities. Without them, economies wouldn’t thrive and you wouldn’t have access to the same products or services. It has always been important to support local shops, but it’s more important now than ever.

And nothing really has to change. You can still find similar takeout options or products that get sold locally. Show your appreciation by purchasing a gift card for a friend and share your gratitude across your social media. Every little bit will go a long way.

Did you enjoy reading this guide? Do you want more? Head over to our resource hub for more great content!

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