Small Business Season Part Two: How

Small Business Season Part Two: How to Support.

If you’ve read the first part of ‘Small Business Season’, then you know why it’s important to shop local. And yet, Small Business Season is a bit more than that. But once you’ve finished your shopping list, what else is there? We’ll cover some ways to support your local businesses here in this article.

• Go in, visit, spend your dollars locally.
• Gift Cards. Technology has made these more accessible to smaller businesses, so quite a few local businesses offer this option. The Chamber also offers a GoLocal eGiftcard. This eGiftcard is good at multiple locations (view the map).
• Leave a review. Particularly if a business is newer, it can be hard to get people into the location. Let other potential customers know you liked the store, and why you would shop there again. It doesn’t have to be long, but knowing someone went in and had a good experience can be invaluable to increasing consumer awareness and desire to visit. Don’t keep the good locations to yourself!
• Follow on Social Media. It’s an algorithm game out there, and the more people following a business, the more that business will be visible to others. Liking, sharing, commenting on a post- all valuable tools to increase awareness on what can be competitive online platforms. While you’re at it, tag a friend!
• Tell your friends. Again, don’t keep a good business a secret. Let your friends and family know if you enjoyed a meal, found great items, or had fantastic customer service. There’s no reason to be stingy with this information!
• Let them know. Particularly during the holiday season when things pick up, weather can be wonky, and shoppers can be cranky, take a moment to let them know you enjoyed your time in their store/appreciated their customer service/were excited to visit for the first time. Small business owners put a lot of time and effort into their work, and it can be a relief to hear that their hard work is appreciated.
• Subscribe to a Newsletter. If you enjoyed a store, see if they have a newsletter! This way you get any sales updates directly to your inbox, and can share the information with a friend who just might be interested too.
• Social Media Shout-Out. Post your picture and tag the business. An easy way to let your online friends know about a great experience.

You don’t have to do all these suggestions- pick which ones work for you! Are you a Social Media guru? Do you prefer chatting with your friends? Tailor this list to your needs. Many people offering a little support can lead to a lot of support overall.

Extra reading:

10 Ways to Support Small Businesses

21 Ways to Support Small Businesses in 2021 (even w/o money)