Big brands can have a big impact on our lives, but it’s small businesses that make up the free market we all depend on. The more small businesses there are, the more choices consumers have. Supporting small businesses is important to building strong, connected local communities full of opportunity for everyone. But how can we support the businesses around us?
Small Business Saturday, the post-Thanksgiving holiday, is approaching. We support small businesses, the backbone of our communities. To celebrate this, we want to help you learn how to support the small businesses you love. Whether you’re a consumer or another business, there’s a lot we can all do.
A business cannot survive without customers who support it. However, businesses, especially small and medium-sized businesses, may need a little extra support. If you’re a consumer (hint: everyone is) and you love struggling small businesses in your area, there’s a great way to help them get through the ups and downs of this year. Here are some methods.
In a perfect world, businesses would just do their best with advertising to satisfy their customers. But for this perfect world to exist, customers need to start telling everyone how much they love their favorite companies. If you like a company, recommend it to your friends and family whenever possible. You can also leave a positive review on Yelp, Google Reviews, and other review sites to let people searching online know that your business is a must-see. Sharing the love not only helps others find their new favorite restaurant or spa, but also helps this business get the attention it needs to succeed.
If you have a favorite place, go there often! If your favorite small business is a seasonal spot like a petting zoo or river tour, consider making it a family tradition to visit every year. If it’s a restaurant or arcade, make this the new place to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and professional accomplishments. Many stores also offer subscriptions and membership cards. By signing up for this, you can show your support and also receive offers for yourself. Purchasing gift cards during the off-season allows you to save money and spend your money however you like later.