If you find yourself really wanting to support local small businesses for all of the amazing reasons listed here and beyond, then this is for you!
Supporting small doesn’t just mean buying from them! (Although this is also a great show of support, of course) There are plenty of great ways you can boost a small business without spending a penny! As a consumer, your thoughts, attention and championing are far more powerful than you think!
Just think: what if everyone thought to check out small businesses before turning to large corporations for gifting, dining, groceries, children’s toys and beyond! How much brighter would our high streets be? How much healthier would your local economy be? And how many incredible, creative families would be supported?
Ready to make it happen?…
Here are 5 ways you can better support small businesses!
Look small before choosing big businesses!
We know that sometimes heading straight to a large retailer can feel convenient and easy, but with just a few more minutes of research, you could discover some truly special things from smaller businesses!
So when you need something, whether that’s a coffee on the go, a birthday gift, a photographer for an event, or even a small pick-me-up, check out small before you turn to big!
We’re not saying ‘ never shop with larger companies, ‘ as we know this is easier said than done, but have a peek through a local craft market for that birthday gift, head into that new cafe that just opened for that coffee and explore small business platforms like our Support Small UK Emporium, and you’ll find everything you’re looking for and more! Small businesses deserve to be a part of the conversation when shopping as a consumer!
Follow those small businesses you love!
Social media is a powerful thing! Many small businesses use social media to promote their businesses, and it is often the way that they are able to reach their target audience!
You may not think that one more follow will make a big difference to a small business, but we promise it will! Next time you are scrolling and you see a post you like for whatever reason entertainment, online window shopping or you’re just impressed by their work – drop them a follow! Not only are you guaranteed to see more content from them that you enjoy, but you’re also supporting their business.Â
When you are following a business, you will get to hear about new launches, special offers, events, and so much more! A follow is incredible support, but not only that: if you find yourself struggling to find a small business when you do want to purchase a product for whatever occasion, you can find them a lot easier when you’re already following a range of small businesses that appeal to you!
Never underestimate the power of a like
Now you’re following them; you’re halfway there. You may as well drop a like or two. It takes just a second to like a post that could make a small business owner’s whole day! The encouragement of interaction on a business’s social media does more than you think.
A small business owner often juggles a lot of plates, and social media is one of the biggest! Many, if not most, small business owners didn’t anticipate becoming a full-time content creator in their career plan, but it is such a great tool for visibility! Small business owners put hours into content creation, editing, strategising, and posting. Interacting with their posts tells them it was worth it and that you’ve noticed and appreciate their work!
Your like does a lot more than that too! Your like could help a business get noticed by their target audience! So even if you’re not in a position to buy a product or use their service right now, your interaction would help their business reach those who are!
You could also comment, save and share their content for an additional boost!
Recommend small businesses online and in person!
Sharing is where supporters can have a huge impact! That small business you follow- you might know someone in their target audience; they just don’t know it yet!
If you see something a friend would love, why not share it? Tag them in a post, share the post: ‘You’ll love this!’ or ‘We should go here!’ can do so much. Not only is it interaction, but you’re also introducing someone new to that business!
Your sister is getting married and looking for a venue; what about that manor hotel you follow on Instagram? Your coworker is decorating their home; suggest that local decorator you saw. Someone is struggling for a birthday gift; send over the socials of that personalised gifts business.
You might not need their product — but someone you know might!
Even better if you have shopped at their business before. Your personal recommendation is so powerful! When you are an existing customer you can go further than ‘I think you’ll like’ this you can say ‘I have this product and i love it because…’ Your circle of people from friends, family, coworkers etc trust your judgement and your praise can support a small business in gaining a new supporter!
Finally… Get curious!
Become curious about the small business community and become a more conscientious consumer! Start to look a little closer when shopping around. Yes, big retailers are the easy route, but not always the best quality, the most eco-friendly, or the most supportive of your community.
Get curious about your local high street, take a look at that market that pops up on Saturdays, what about that new business that just opened?
And when shopping…
…for a birthday gift? Could you find something handmade?
…a service? Is there a local business that offers it?
…somewhere to eat? Why not discover an independent restaurant?
You can also become curious online! Explore directories like Support Small UK to discover new brands and follow our socials to constantly be introduced to small businesses and ways to supporting small! Speaking of social media try searching for popular small business hashtags! Try: #supportsmalluk #supportukbusiness #uksmallbusiness #smallbusinessuk #UKindependent and many more to discover small businesses across the country!
Now that you’re officially an expert small business supporter, here is your first challenge!
Discover a new small business using the methods we’ve suggested (emporiums, social hashtags, markets, etc), find their social media, follow them, interact with their posts and share with a friend!
Thank you for supporting small businesses!
Are you interested in learning more about Support Small UK? Check out our Support Small UK Socials and keep in the know for future events!
