Small businesses are the heart and soul of communities. Whether it's your friend’s online shop, a local café, or an independent crafter selling handmade goods, small businesses bring unique products, personalized service, and a touch of passion that big corporations simply can’t match. But supporting them doesn’t always mean making a purchase! If you’re on a budget or simply want to help in other meaningful ways, here are some powerful (and free!) ways to support a small business.
1. Engage With Their Social Media
Social media is a game-changer for small businesses, but visibility depends on engagement. Algorithms prioritize content that gets likes, comments, and shares. The more you interact, the more people see their posts!
How You Can Help:
Like and Comment: A simple heart or a "Love this!" can boost their post.
Share Their Posts: Help them reach a wider audience by sharing on your personal feed or in relevant groups.
Tag Friends: If you see something a friend would love, tag them in the comments.
Save Their Posts: On Instagram, saving a post increases its reach.
Example: If your friend is launching a new handmade jewelry line, commenting "These are gorgeous!" or sharing a post with "Check out my friend’s stunning new designs!" can go a long way.
2. Write a Glowing Review
Reviews build trust. People rely on testimonials before making a purchase, and a well-written review can make a huge difference.
Where to Leave Reviews:
What to Include:
Highlight the product or service quality
Mention customer service experiences
Share why you’d recommend them
Example: If you received a homemade candle as a gift from a small business, write, "This candle smells amazing and lasts for hours! The packaging was beautiful, and the owner even included a handwritten thank-you note. Highly recommend!"
3. Subscribe to Their Email List
Many small businesses use email to share updates, special offers, and behind-the-scenes content. Even if you’re not ready to buy, subscribing shows support and helps their emails reach more inboxes.
How It Helps:
Increases their subscriber count (which improves credibility)
Keeps you informed about sales or events you may want to share with others
Boosts email deliverability rates
Example: Your favorite local coffee shop may send updates about seasonal flavors. Forwarding an email to a coffee-loving friend introduces them to the business.
4. Word-of-Mouth Recommendations
Personal recommendations are powerful! Whether you’re chatting with friends, in a Facebook group, or at a networking event, mentioning a small business can bring them new customers.
Ways to Spread the Word:
Talk about them in casual conversation ("Oh, you love handmade cards? My friend sells the cutest ones!")
Recommend them in community groups
Post about them on your social media
Example: If a local baker makes the best cupcakes, mention them when someone asks for dessert ideas for an event.
5. Engage in Their Community
Many small businesses host live sales, workshops, or Q&A sessions. Even if you don’t buy anything, attending these events supports them!
How You Can Help:
Example: A small boutique hosting a Facebook Live sale benefits from more viewers, even if you're just watching and cheering them on.
6. Offer Your Skills
If you have a skill that could benefit a small business, consider offering help. Maybe you’re great at photography, graphic design, or marketing. A simple act of generosity can have a lasting impact.
Examples:
A writer could help craft an engaging product description.
A photographer could offer to take high-quality pictures of their products.
A social media pro could suggest strategies to improve engagement.
Example: If your friend runs a small skincare business but struggles with website updates, a few minutes of your tech expertise could be a huge help.
7. Participate in Giveaways or Challenges
Many small businesses run giveaways or challenges to boost engagement. Participating helps increase visibility and brings in new followers!
How You Can Help:
Example: If a small business is giving away a free planner, tagging a few friends and commenting can significantly increase the contest's success.
8. Be Patient and Understanding
Small businesses don’t have the resources of big corporations. They may take longer to ship items, have occasional stock shortages, or need time to respond to inquiries. Giving them grace and showing kindness goes a long way.
Example: Instead of complaining about a delayed order, a supportive message like, "I totally understand! Thanks for the update—I can't wait to receive my order!" keeps morale high.
9. Celebrate Their Wins!
Small business owners work hard and often celebrate milestones like anniversaries, new product launches, or reaching a certain number of followers. Show your support by cheering them on!
How You Can Help:
Comment on milestone posts
Share their success stories
Send a kind message of encouragement
Example: "Congratulations on reaching 1,000 followers! Your products are amazing, and I’m so happy to see your business growing!"
Final Thoughts
Supporting a small business doesn’t have to cost a dime. Your engagement, encouragement, and word-of-mouth support can have a huge impact. Every like, comment, and share helps these businesses thrive. Next time you see a small business post, take a moment to interact—you might just make their day!
How do you love to support small businesses? Share your favorite ways in the comments below!
As always, I appreciate you stopping by today! Are you following me on all of my social channels? the links are below
xoxo
Dawn
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