How to Support Small Businesses
Small businesses have always struggled to stay open, competing with big marketplaces such as Amazon and Walmart. But the struggle really kicked up a notch with Covid. We all watched as many small businesses shut their physical and/or virtual doors. Now not only is it super easy to order from bigger retailers but it also feels safer. That's why it's more important than ever to support small businesses in any way that you can.
Why Support Local Businesses
Small businesses have always struggled to stay open, competing with big marketplaces such as Amazon and Walmart. But the struggle really kicked up a notch with Covid. We all watched as many small businesses shut their physical and/or virtual doors. Now not only is it super easy to order from bigger retailers but it also feels safer. That's why it's more important than ever to support small businesses in any way that you can.
supporting friends/family/own community
will go to people who appreciate it/need it
extra special support/customer care
help the environment - circular economy/less eco-footprint
Monetary Ways to Support Local Businesses
For some that means renouncing buying items from Amazon but how do you find that niche product? Sometimes it can be as simple as finding a product you like on Amazon and searching for that same item on Google - to find a small business or local store that sells it.
Other options are to search for items on websites such as Etsy. One of my favorite ways to find small businesses is on Instagram or Twitter. I look for clothing, jewelry, candle makers, artists, and more and follow them. Then when I need to purchase something I look through my feed for people to support. Oftentimes, these entrepreneurs have reviewed and/or you can see who has tagged them after buying/using a product they sell.
If you're concerned about buying from a new business, that's understandable, I suggest buying 1 or 2 small items and then going back to purchase more if you're satisfied with what you've received. Most of the time these business owners want you to be happy, so if you don't love a product, message them.
But please always remember to be kind - they may be running the business on their own and need some time to make things right.
Additional Ways to Support Local/Small Businesses
Sometimes you aren't looking for a specific product or you've already bought something and you want to continue supporting small businesses. Here are some other ways you can support small businesses other than buying the specific product:
Purchase a gift card (give to friends for birthdays, holidays, thank you's, etc.)
Follow on social media
Like, comment, and share their posts on Instagram/X (formerly Twitter)/Facebook
When someone you know is looking for a product - suggest they look at a local/small business first
If you have bought a product, leave a review and/or tag them in a post on social media
Not Looking for a Physical Product
Keep in mind that not all small businesses sell physical products. It's important to support other small businesses as well, such as graphic designers, assistants, interior designers, bookkeepers, financial advisors, etc. While the natural tendency in our economy is to use large companies to help with these tasks, you could change someone's year by supporting their business while getting help with your business or personal affairs.
You can also support these entrepreneurs the same way you'd support those selling physical products. Give testimonials, follow and interact on their social media, let friends/family know about them, etc.
All in all, while it can be slightly more difficult to support small businesses, taking the time to research and find products, is often much more rewarding. Knowing you not only supported someone's livelihood, you likely have a product that was created by hand and you know who made it.
Additionally, if supporting a small business, which in turn is helping your business, you are creating a relationship that may last years into the future!
In the comments give a shout-out to your favorite local/small businesses you love to support, let's share the love!
Hav
This blog post was updated on November 28th, 2023
