Small businesses play a vital role in the US economy. Moreover, it is no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on spending habits. In rural areas, for instance, small businesses serve a reduced population that would not be considered profitable for larger companies.
When you shop small, you don’t just get to enjoy quality products and services, you also help to support the passions of entrepreneurs living and working in your local area. Whether your favorite small business offers a unique inventory of locally sourced goods, or provides personalized services to a limited client base, championing the work they do is vital to their survival.
Independent businesses fuel growth, create jobs and contribute to the economy in increasingly impressive ways. So, let’s discover 5 simple steps you can take to help small businesses in your area.
Shop Local
If you do not already do so, now is a great time to check out some of the local businesses in your area. For example, instead of shopping at a large big-box chain, head to a small local store to stock up on your groceries.
If you are lucky, you might even be able to buy locally sourced fruit and vegetables that have been grown and harvested close to where you live. Buying your groceries locally minimizes the impact your food has on the environment as it eliminates highly polluting transportation processes.
During the holiday season gift shopping for friends and family can also be done locally so do be sure to pop into independent boutiques for some unique ideas. For instance, clothing, accessories, and ornaments can all be found in smaller stores.
Small businesses may have already adapted to Environmental Compliance rules, social distancing requirements, mask mandates, customer limits, and other precautionary measures. Shopping locally is, therefore, a safe and comfortable option if you are not ready to face larger stores. Additionally, if you prefer to shop online, most small businesses now have an online presence so you can also show your support digitally.
And it’s not just about local shops where you can buy things; you could also look for local insurance agents or brokers. You’d be able to help them out by offering them a deal on which they could earn a commission. Look for the dependable ones, who will work not only for their own benefit but also for yours. Before making a life insurance sales pitch, your agents should be aware of the nuances of each policy. You could also try to contact people who have purchased insurance policies from that agent to see how things are going. That could give you a better insight into whether it would be worth investing in the deal he might bring for you. You could also look into https://ilife.tech/what-is-the-best-sales-pitch-for-life-insurance/ to know what your insurance agent might be required to be aware of before he brings a deal for you so that you can fully trust his judgment.
Order Takeout
Ordering takeout food has a number of advantages. Not only is it incredibly convenient, but it also helps to keep your local eateries in business. It is well known that restaurants have been hit hard by the pandemic. Despite this, takeaway businesses have been able to recover by incorporating new technology (such as an epos system for takeaways) that should make their business operations more efficient and reduce extra business expenses. To make things even better, we can continue to support small restaurants by choosing them for takeout orders, thus helping them recover from the pandemic.
Ordering food has never been easier or safer thanks to the wide range of contactless dropoff and curbside pickup options. Plus, if dining in a restaurant still feels daunting, ordering takeout is a fantastic compromise for foodies looking to try something new. Some independent restaurants also source their ingredients locally, so purchasing a takeaway meal can even help to support local food suppliers.
BONUS TIP: Tip Generously If You Can
Small business workers have lost out significantly on tips from in-house customers. If you can afford to do so, tipping your delivery driver or server is a generous way to show your appreciation for local workers.
Buy Gift Cards
Purchasing a gift card is a fantastic way to show your appreciation for a small business. Local small businesses like fashion boutiques, independent restaurants, and pet supply shops all tend to offer gift cards that can be purchased and used both in-store and online. If need be, you can also check out online platforms like Price (https://price.com/coupons) that provide coupons and cashback offers for products that could be worth giving as gifts.
Even if you do not use the gift card straight away, revenue from gift card sales is hugely beneficial to smaller stores. Giving a gift card to a friend or relative does not just give them a chance to purchase something that they really want either. For a small business owner, a gift card can be considered as a tool to encourage new customers to visit local stores that they might not have known about.
Interact With Their Social Media Posts
If you are wondering how to support a small business for free, you might want to consider interacting with their social media posts. Liking, commenting, and sharing all help social media posts reach as many people as possible and are all quick and easy ways to advocate for your favorite business.
Talking about new products and services on social media is a natural way to support local business, so engage with any posts you see on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and LinkedIn to help boost their exposure. Even a simple story or picture of a recent purchase can lead to an extra sale or two.
BONUS TIP: Leave A Review
We all search for things online nowadays, and if a business only has a couple of low-scoring reviews, we are much less likely to purchase their products and services. Why not write a review about a positive experience you had when shopping with a small business in your area? Businesses of all sizes still rely on word-of-mouth marketing to attract new customers, and leaving positive reviews could have a huge impact on online sales.
Start A New Hobby
With so many people spending more time at home than ever before, there has never been a better time to take on a new hobby. Small businesses in various sectors have all updated their products and services for people who want to experience new hobbies at home. Similarly, with the ongoing pandemic forcing everyone to think about their wellbeing, and with access to gyms limited, some fitness studios have launched online workout classes.
So, if you want to keep fit or get in shape, signing up for online classes with a local instructor is another great way to support the local economy.
Small Businesses – And The People Running Them – Need Your Support
Ultimately, being there for smaller businesses is all about thinking more carefully about where to spend your money. Above all, shopping small uplifts your community and contributes unparalleled value to the local economy.
How do you show solidarity to small businesses in your area during these challenging times?
