Small businesses often struggle to make ends meet more than their larger counterparts. They may not have the budget to offer the same perks larger businesses do, and they are often passed up in favor of companies that do offer things like free shipping. If you are looking to support local retailers this holiday season, there are several ways you can do your part.
Budget for Spending
Of course, you’ll still need to add this to your shopping budget. Look for ways to reduce your other expenses to make gifts from local businesses more affordable. You can start by trying to lower monthly expenses on necessities where you can find personalized rates for products like student loans and different types of insurance, all in one place. You might just find switching providers gives you the savings you need to get a better grip on your finances. In addition, you can avoid going out to eat, as well as cancelling unused gym memberships to save additional expenses.
Get a Gift Card
Whether it’s coworkers, friends, or your kids’ teachers, you may be thinking about buying gift cards for some of your acquaintances. Gift cards are a great way to show appreciation to someone you care about, and gift cards to local businesses are a great way to shop locally. You could get a couple of gift cards to local bookstores for your kids’ teachers. Even a small purchase like this can help your local business, and it also helps the gift card recipient learn about the business.
Leave a Review
Another way of supporting businesses is by leaving positive reviews on public platforms. Their business listings on search engines play a big role in how visible they are online. A positive review can help boost that business listing. It also improves their ranking in search engine results because their credibility increases.
Share Your Experience on Social Media
Don’t limit yourself to only adding a review on their search engine listing. You can also share your experience on your own social media pages with your followers. Make a post talking about the quality of that particular brand or the great customer service you received. While you might not think this will go far, people are actually very influenced by recommendations from people they personally know. You don’t know who might be looking for a service or product similar to what you are posting about. It’s a good idea to tag the business in the post as well. Use hashtags and tag the company’s social media pages so they are more likely to see the post. This also allows others to easily find the business.
Host an Event in Their Space
If you need to host an event like a party or business meeting, consider using that business’s space. They may rent out the shop after hours, and they will likely be happy for the increased exposure. It might take effort and time to plan, but it can help you connect with others in the community. Just make sure you are aware of any restrictions on larger events in your area. You might need to obtain an event permit.