5 Simple Steps to Support Small Business

"How can I help support you?"  I get this question a lot!

If you're here reading this, I know that you love to shop small! You may also be wondering about the best ways to support your favorite shops, even when buying a product might not be an option for you.

So I've put together my top 5 tips for supporting your favorite small businesses - And yes, they all apply to yours truly!

1) Make a Purchase
Seems obvious, but yes, this is the number 1 way to support any business! Buy something for yourself, buy something for a gift, buy something to donate to charity! Many businesses even sell gift cards (I do!) and those usually don't come with an expiration, making it a great gift or fun way to save up for your own little shopping spree later on. 

2) Pay In Cash (Whenever Possible)
Almost every customer asks me what payment type I prefer, but when I give the honest answer - CASH! - people shrug it off. I know, it's not convenient, but I'm going to let you in on something that should not be a secret - every other form of payment involves someone else taking a cut. Venmo, Credit Cards, Apple Pay - when you pay with anything besides cash, we receive less money. Unfortunately, that's just the way it works. We're all trying to stretch our money further these days, so make sure those careful purchases count the most they can!

3) Talk About Them
Word of mouth is the most effective form of marketing, and it costs you Zero Dollars! Wohoo! Think about it - are you more likely to buy something from an ad, or buy something a friend recommended to you? So tell your friends, tell family, tell strangers! If you like something you bought, share it on social media and tag the business. Wanna see that brand in your favorite local store? Tell the owner that your looking for those products! If you see your favorite small business at an event or spot their product in a store, point them out or give a quick shoutout on social media.

4) Make A Wishlist
(This is my personal favorite!) When people ask you for gift ideas, send links to your favorite small shops! My family uses a website called Gift Hero to make wish lists from all our favorite small businesses. You can use their browser extension to add items from any website, or create your own list item with info on where to shop in person.

5) Boost Their Content
You might wonder if social media engagement makes a difference, but it does! If your favorite small business is active on social media, they will love interacting with you there. Like a post, and take it a step further by leaving a comment (even just an emoji.) Save a post so you don't forget about that new product or upcoming event. Share their content by sending it to someone you know, or repost it to your own page if you think your audience might also be interested.

I hope you enjoyed these tips! Drop a comment below letting me know what you would add to the list, or give a shoutout to your favorite small businesses!