The last two years of the pandemic have been challenging for small businesses. While many have been forced to shut shop, others have somehow managed to power through. Newer brands and labels have a growth strategy in place and while it is up to them to find a way to expand their business and keep it afloat, a helping hand and a word of encouragement can do wonders for them. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or just someone who wants to help their local brands thrive, here are five easy (and free) ways to show support.
Give your favourite products a review
If you like something, consider leaving a review about it on the brand’s website, Google, Instagram, or Facebook page! By writing a review about a product or service, you’re helping the small business build an online reputation and credibility. Seeing a positive review online can compel others to make a purchase!
Show up for them
When you know they’re exhibiting somewhere near your house, show up to support them. Sometimes, the more people there are in a stall, the more people’s interest is piqued. This helps to attract a larger crowd and so on. Don’t feel pressured to buy things unless you want to but just talk to the business owner and tell them how or why you appreciate their product or service! When people are planning to showcase their wares at a fair or a flea market, there is always a fear that people won’t show up or that your stall will be empty. Just your presence can help a lot!
Give a shout out/post a photo on social media
Even if you have 10 followers, posting a picture of your favourite product or service can literally SHOW your friends you like something. Visuals, be it images or videos, are extremely impactful in letting people know you care about something. Brands can re-share what you’ve posted and leave it on its social profiles as a credible review for future customers. By tagging its business handle, you’re directing traffic towards its page from your own!
Encourage family and friends to shop small
Never underestimate the power of word of mouth. Written reviews are great but think about it, don’t you know someone who relies on your suggestions 100 per cent? By recommending something specific and referring them to a small business, you’re helping out a small team of people thrive!
Interact with its social media posts
With platforms like Instagram and Facebook, it all comes down to the algorithm. If you take a moment to actually like, comment, and share your favourite brand’s social posts, you are feeding the system with information about what you like. This encourages it to share similar content with you and the people who closely follow your account. Comment on at least two posts of a small business you like to bump up their promotion on social media.