Now’s the time for all the ‘supporting small business’ ideas in the world! Especially as we’re heading into another national lockdown, which – if it helps the NHS cope and means life can get back to normal post-vaccine, then it’s worth it!
This year has been one heck of a ride… Worst rollercoaster ever, one you’d never find at Thorpe Park!
A major thing that suffered is our economy, and on a global scale. Therefore, this year, it’s been more important than ever to support small and/or local businesses.
In the first national lockdown, plenty of businesses were forced to close… With another one on the way, I dread to think what that means for the ones that luckily & thankfully survived.
This post aims to give tips on what you can do to support small or local businesses wherever you are in the world.
Supporting small business ideas – #1: Shop online
This Christmas, I relied heavily on Etsy. In fact, all year round – my friends and family have been receiving gifts from small businesses which I’ve found via Etsy.
Supporting small business ideas- #2: Buy & send gift cards
Gift cards are a way of giving a business extra £££ during the pandemic – even when they’re closed – which you or a loved one can claim back at a later date, in exchange for purchases or treatments.
Non-essential shops rely on this sort of thing to keep their businesses open, it also shows your loyalty.
Supporting small business ideas – #3: Order a Home Delivery or Pickup a Takeaway
Although local restaurants and cafes have closed for dining, they are open for takeaways and home deliveries. So, pop in or order one via Deliveroo, Uber Eats or Just Eat to “eat in, help out”.
Supporting small business ideas – #4: Tip More Than Usual
Here’s another tip for you: get tipping. Go above and beyond your usual (when and if possible). That way, the business knows that they are valued by you.
Supporting small business ideas – #5: Leave Good Reviews
You must have come across the ‘support local businesses’ telly adverts by Google, where the likes of Anthony Joshua showcase their favourite local business, encouraging viewers to leave a good review on theirs’.
Supporting small business ideas – #6: Continue with Subscriptions and Memberships
Keep paying your memberships and subscriptions, even if they’ve been temporarily suspended.
For those of you who have a steady income, offer to continue paying your cleaners, hair stylists, nannies, etc. They need us and we need them.
Supporting small business ideas – #7: Don’t Always Accept Refunds
If you’ve paid for something, don’t ask for a refund where possible and if it won’t put you out of pocket. Think of it as a donation.
Supporting small business ideas – #8: Start a Local Business Network
Pretty self explanatory, set up a local businesses group (via Facebook or wherever) where all the local businesses can place ads. Then promote it, getting the local residents involved. It may just be that the locals in your area didn’t know of this particular service.
Supporting small business ideas – #9: Crowdfunding
If you love a business and know it’s worth saving (which all do), create a campaign on platforms like GoFundMe to boost its finances. Promote it to friends, and encourage them to share it with theirs and so on…
Another way to do this is to get in touch with your local newspaper and see if they can do something to help.
Supporting small business ideas – #10: Offer Your Services For Free
Calling all cool web-designers, web-developers, awesome content creators, ace copywriters, social media whizzes & excellent marketer & advertisers…
Offer your services to those in need. 9/10 times the companies would be so taken aback by the gesture that they’ll spread the word of how amazing you are, which might lead to extra business later down the line. But, don’t expect this.
Never do anything with expectations of reward – the feeling you get after helping someone is enough of a reward in itself.
Supporting small business ideas – #11: Share A Local Business’ Promotions & Ideas
If you learn of a unique promotion or idea from a local business, share it online. It may well be something your social-media following or network would like to know about.
Supporting small business ideas – #12: Search for Online Services Offered by a Local Business
Not everything must close entirely. Keep an eye out for those businesses who may be able to alter their services, offering online engagement.
Therapists, tutoring, yoga, personal trainers, coaches, financial planners, lawyers, music classes for kids – all of these can be continued through videos or online conferencing.
Whatever and wherever you can, do help out.