10 Small Businesses

10 Effective Ways to Support and Boost Visibility for Local Small Businesses.

Local small businesses are the backbone of our communities, driving the local economy, creating jobs, and adding unique character to our neighborhoods. However, they often face challenges like limited budgets and competition from larger corporations. As community members, we can play a vital role in their success. This blog post explores 10 effective ways to support local small businesses and boost their visibility, combining online and offline strategies that you can implement today.

Shop Local First

Supporting local small businesses begins with prioritizing them in your shopping habits. According to the American Independent Business Alliance, for every $100 spent at a local business, approximately $48 remains in the community, compared to $14 when shopping at a chain store. 

Implementation Tips

• Make a list of local alternatives to big-box stores.
• Set a goal to buy from local businesses weekly or monthly.
• Encourage friends and family to join you in shopping locally.

Example

Consider hosting a "Shop Local Saturday" event where you and your friends visit local stores together, making it a fun social outing while supporting your community.

Leverage Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for increasing visibility. By following, liking, and sharing content from local businesses, you not only support them but also help expand their reach.

Implementation Tips

• Share your positive experiences and purchases on your social media platforms.
• Use hashtags like #SupportLocalSmallBusinesses and #ShopLocal to amplify the message.
• Write reviews and tag the business to enhance their online presence.

Example

Post a picture of your favorite meal from a local restaurant on Instagram with a heartfelt caption and tag the restaurant, encouraging your followers to try it out.

Participate in Community Events

Offline engagement through community events can significantly boost a business's visibility. Events such as local fairs, farmers markets, and pop-up shops provide businesses with exposure and potential new customers.

Implementation Tips

• Attend local events regularly and bring friends along.
• Volunteer to help organize events that feature local businesses.
• Encourage local businesses to participate and showcase their products or services.

Example

Organize a neighborhood block party and invite local businesses to set up stalls. This provides them with a platform to reach more people and build relationships within the community.

Word of Mouth Referrals

Traditional word-of-mouth marketing remains one of the most effective ways to support local small businesses. People trust recommendations from friends and family more than advertisements.

Implementation Tips

• Talk about your favorite local businesses in everyday conversations.
• Share business cards or flyers of local businesses you support.
• Host informal gatherings and introduce your network to local businesses.

Example

If a friend mentions looking for a gift, recommend a local artisan shop you love, describing your positive experiences and unique items they offer.

Write Online Review

Online reviews are critical for small businesses, with BrightLocal reporting that 87% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses. Positive reviews can significantly impact a business's reputation and customer base.

Implementation Tips

• Leave detailed and honest reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook.
• Encourage others to write reviews by sharing your own.
• Highlight specific aspects that impressed you, such as exceptional service or unique offerings.

Example

Write a glowing review on Yelp for your local coffee shop, praising their commitment to sourcing fair-trade beans and their friendly staff.

Buy Gift Cards

Purchasing gift cards is a practical way to provide immediate financial support to local businesses, especially during slow seasons.

Implementation Tips

• Buy gift cards for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
• Suggest gift cards as prizes for community events or fundraisers.
• Use gift cards as incentives for your employees or team members.

Example

Purchase gift cards from your favorite local bookstore to give as Christmas gifts, encouraging recipients to explore and enjoy the store themselves.

Collaborate with Local Influencers

Partnering with local influencers can help small businesses reach a broader audience. Influencers often have a dedicated following that trusts their recommendations.

Implementation Tips

• Identify influencers who align with the business’s values and target audience.
• Offer them free products or services in exchange for a feature or review.
• Organize joint events or promotions to maximize reach.

Example

A local boutique partners with a fashion influencer to host a live-streamed styling session featuring the store's new collection, attracting viewers and potential customers.

Create Community Directories

Community directories that list local businesses can be a valuable resource for residents and tourists alike. They provide a centralized place to discover and learn about local offerings.

Implementation Tips

• Compile a list of businesses by category, including contact information and descriptions.
• Distribute printed copies at community centers, libraries, and local events.
• Create an online version that’s easily accessible and shareable.

Example

Develop a neighborhood guidebook that includes a map and profiles of local businesses, highlighting unique products and owner stories to engage readers.

Volunteer Your Skills

Many small businesses can benefit from professional assistance but may not have the budget for it. Offering your skills can help them grow and improve their operations.

Implementation Tips

• Identify your skills that could benefit a business, such as marketing, accounting, or graphic design.
• Approach local businesses with a proposal to volunteer your time.
• Organize workshops to teach business owners valuable skills.

Example

Offer to create a social media strategy for a local bakery, helping them establish an online presence and attract new customers.

Support Local Business Initiatives

Join or initiate campaigns that focus on supporting local small businesses. These initiatives can create a movement that encourages widespread community involvement.

Implementation Tips

• Participate in local campaigns like "Buy Local" or "Small Business Saturday."
• Advocate for policies that support small businesses within local government.
• Create awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of supporting local businesses.

Example

Start a "Local Business Spotlight" series on your blog or social media, featuring different businesses each week and sharing their stories and offerings.

Conclusion

Supporting local small businesses is not only beneficial for the businesses themselves but also for the community as a whole. By implementing these strategies, we can help ensure that our local economies thrive and maintain their unique character. Whether you're shopping local, promoting through social media, or volunteering your skills, every effort counts. 

As you consider how you can make a difference, ask yourself: What role can I play in supporting local businesses? How can I encourage others to join me in this effort? Remember, together we can create a stronger community by championing the success of our local small businesses.