If COVID has given communities anything, it’s a respect and admiration for the small business owner. All over the country, chambers of commerce, downtown and Main Street associations, the SBA and others have been pushing the importance of supporting smaller businesses with local connections.
Not only have these businesses been hit hard by the pandemic but they also are incredibly appreciative when you buy from them. Shopping local has become a very popular and important trend that will help many of our communities survive this downturn.
Now, more than ever, you should want to be a part of shopping local.
9 Great Ways to Support Shopping Local
While buying local is a good start, there are a few more things you can do to show your support so that others may follow your lead. These include:
- buying (and using) a local gift card/local currency. When you pay using this form of payment, people will be naturally curious about it and business owners will know you’re committed to supporting their efforts.
- writing a review for your favorite businesses.
- telling your tribe about a favorite business or a great business experience.
- passing on info about deals and specials form local businesses.
- liking business posts and engaging with them. Every time you do, you tell that social media channel that the business’ content is important to you.
- tipping more than you normally would.
- buying gift cards/local currency now for future purchases and gifts.
- sharing new services offered by your favorite businesses. Some people may not know that they can have their surround system installed now by their TV repair place, for instance.
- buying subscription services for companies that cannot open or have limited space such as yoga studios or personal training centers.
There are many ways to support local businesses and you don’t have to be wealthy to use them. Sometimes just talking about them to others or showing your support through buying with local currency can help them get more customers and revenue.
