As a digital marketing agency, we interact with other local businesses on a daily basis. Whether we’re developing their commerce website or helping a local restaurant get found online, we understand the importance of supporting small businesses in our local economy.
This holiday season, we want to encourage everyone to shop and support local small businesses. Doing this will not only help your own community, but it’s also a great way to find unique gifts and presents for family and friends.
When you start shopping, ask yourself: “Is there a local shop that sells a similar product or service as the big-box store?”. You may be surprised to find out there is!
Why support local businesses?
This holiday season, consider supporting your local small businesses. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and often struggle to keep their doors open during challenging times.
They’re the ones that are standing up to big box retailers and providing products and services that you won’t find anywhere else. By supporting them, we’re helping to make sure they stay in business during these trying times.
By supporting local businesses, you can help ensure that they have a successful holiday season and continue to provide valuable services in your community.
Think about who you can support.
You may be surprised to learn just how many small businesses your community has to offer.
From restaurants and bars to florists and bakeries, or even unique services like pet groomers or home improvement specialists, there are plenty of local businesses that could use your help this holiday season.
There is a good chance that you have family or friends that own or operate a small business. Consider giving them your patronage this season and help keep their doors open.
Eight ways you can support small businesses this Christmas.
This Christmas, if you have the time and energy, there are plenty of ways you can support local businesses and help them thrive.
No matter how big or small, when you support a local business, you’re helping to strengthen the economy and improve your local community. Here are 8 of our favorite ways of supporting small businesses in your area.
Shop small businesses this holiday season.
The absolute best way to support small businesses is by patronizing them. Whether you’re celebrating with presents or stocking up on groceries and other necessities, try to shop at local stores instead of big box retailers.
Many small business owners are relying on online sites as well, so they find local businesses and shop online for gifts from local merchants through websites like Etsy or Amazon Handmade.
You’ll also find many businesses at your local farmers market, which is a great way to support small businesses and get fresh, locally-sourced products.
Buy unique gifts that can’t be found at big box stores.
This is probably our favorite thing about shopping from small businesses—you can find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.
There are often rare items, handcrafted pieces, and limited editions that are perfect for the person who has everything! Or you could buy a gift card to an eatery or store that your loved one can use at their leisure.
Speaking of gift cards…
Use gift cards to support small businesses.
Even though there’s nothing you need at the moment from independent shops, you can still shop locally later on. Support local businesses by buying gift cards that your family and friends can use when they’re ready.
Gift cards are a great way to show support and shop locally because they help keep the lights on and provide a steady flow of cash in this current local economy. Plus, gift cards are a great gift to get the name of the local business out in the market.
Whether it’s a local restaurant or an independent local shop, gift cards continue to help small business well beyond the Christmas season.
Invest in local artisans and crafters.
Handmade crafts are always a great gift because you know that it was made with care and thought. Supporting local artisans and crafters not only helps to promote their craftsmanship but also provides the opportunity for them to continue to produce unique and creative items.
Plus, buying handmade locally is often more affordable than purchasing online or in retail stores. So give your friends and family a one-of-a-kind piece of art, exceptional handmade jewelry, or unique board games to enjoy for years to come.
Spread the word about your favorite small businesses on social media.
One way to support a small business that costs you absolutely nothing is to share on social media. It doesn’t matter which platform you use, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok.
Take a picture, tag the business and show your friends why you love them so much. Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing tools out there for gaining new customers and clients, and it won’t cost you a penny!
Leave a simple review on Google.
Another way to spread the word is by leaving positive reviews for local shops on Google. This helps by boosting their ratings and making them more visible to potential customers. After all, reviews are one of the ranking factors for local SEO.
Reviews take little time to write, but they can really make a difference. Just make sure that you give an honest and detailed review of your experience, so people know what to expect when they visit the business.
Volunteer your time to help a small business during the holiday rush.
The holidays are often a busy time for small businesses, and sometimes they need more staff to handle all the extra work. Consider volunteering your time to help out during the holidays to offset some of their costs and help them grow.
You could help with customer service, stocking shelves, or even just running errands. Even if it’s just for an hour or two, you’ll be making a big difference in someone’s local business.
Make a donation to a local non-profit that supports small businesses.
If you still want to make a difference but don’t have the time to volunteer, then consider making a donation to a local non-profit that supports small businesses.
These organizations often provide grants, mentorship programs, and resources to help small business owners succeed. Your donation will go a long way in helping these businesses thrive in your community.
Are you ready to show some small business love?
Small businesses are the backbone of any community. They provide jobs, support the local economy, and contribute to the overall vibrancy of a city or town.
This holiday season, there are many ways that you can show your support for your favorite small businesses. You could buy a gift from one of their online stores or in person at their physical location. Perhaps you could also purchase unique items like handmade jewelry or locally-made products.
Use these tips to help spread the word about your favorite small businesses on social media and leave reviews on Google. You can even volunteer your time to help out during the holiday rush or make a donation to a non-profit that supports small business owners.
So don’t forget to show your support for your favorite independent businesses this season, and keep these tips in mind when you’re shopping. You’ll make a huge difference for small business owner and their family in your town.
Shop small. Shop local. Make a difference in your local community.