Supporting Small Business Through the Pandemic

I’ve seen countless posts from small business owners that are struggling right now.  There is so much uncertainty across the globe.  This global crisis is bringing the economy to its knees.  And some of the most vulnerable are our small businesses.  Your corner coffee shop and bakery.  The boutique where you bought your favorite outfit.  The photographer who shot your beloved wedding photos.  Your hair stylist who gives you the perfect cut and color every time.  Literally every handmade and vintage booth you visit at the local markets every year. 

We are all suffering. 

Many of these business owners rely on their business as their sole source of income.  Meaning, if the money isn’t coming in, they will struggle to pay next months bills.  They need you.  Your continued support will keep them afloat.  The fantastic news is that there are countless ways you can show your support right now!

1.  Buy a gift card.
Maybe you usually buy their products as Christmas gifts.  Can you spend a little on a gift card now that you’ll use later?  Can’t go to your salon appointment right now?  Get a gift card for a future service!  Love the coffee/tacos/ice cream/etc. down the street?  Get a gift card now that you can use for your favorites later!

2. Follow them on social media.
You like their product or service anyway, why not follow them on social to see what they are up to while we’re all shut in?  Plus follows help us rank higher and get seen more!  It helps even more if you interact with our posts!  Give a quick like.  Leave a cut emoji comment.  React to our stories.  Even more bonus points if you share any of our content!

3. Leave a positive online review.
Do you ever look at reviews before you buy a product?  Me too!  It means the world to a small business if you leave a kind review.  It helps other potential customers know the kind of product and service they can expect from our business.  It also puts a smile on our face every time we see it!

4. Sign-up for their email lists.
Many small businesses have email lists.  They help get the word out about any and all news happening around the business.  Often great tips, exclusive offers, and bonus content is available only through the email list!  So really this benefits you just as much as it does us!

5. Refer their business to a friend.
The absolute best way to support a local or small business is to refer them to a friend!  Businesses are always in need of more cash flow.  So new customers = more capital of the business.  And the more capital the have, the more services they can offer the community!  So giving a small business new customers is the best way to show your support.

6. Shop from their online stores.
Just because the store is closed doesn’t mean you can’t shop from them.  Visit their online shop to get your favorite new products delivered right to your door.  Make sure you’re buying from their website instead of a 3rd party site like Amazon or Etsy.  Small businesses have to pay fees to these sites of every purchase made so it helps the most if you purchase directly from their website.

7. Book a future service now.
You already know you’ll want fall photos, a nail appointment, hair cut, massage, custom designed Christmas cards, seriously…this list could go on forever.  Can you schedule that future appointment now?  They would love to know that there is light at the end of this tunnel!Get your take-out lunch from a local restaurant.

8. Let small businesses know what you need.
Businesses are all struggle to adapt right now.  Often, they don’t know the best way.  You can help by simply telling them what you need!  Maybe it’s a custom bag from your favorite maker.  New flavor of granola.  Local pick-up.  Or any other idea or need you might have!

9. Flag online errors
It might seem small but it can help so much if you help flag errors you see on facebook, yelp, Instagram, their website, etsy or any other platform you see it.  I’m talking typos, broken links, inaccurate business hours, incorrect photos, old addresses and phone numbers.  Sometimes, it’s just one or two people on the business end of the website and it’s so hard to catch every little error.  Or we don’t know where all our business can be found.  Or we don’t know how to fix the errors and you can help!  Often you can contact directly through the platform you are on or you can send the business a quick message directly on their website.  A simple message can save us future business!

10. Visit them quickly after this crisis ends.
All crisis eventually end and this one will too.  It’s important for you to show up for local and small business during the rebuilding efforts.  They will need your support in order to recover when this is all over.  If you needed to hold off purchases during the crisis, please visit as soon as you can afterward!  The sooner businesses can get cash flowing again, the more likely they will be to survive.

Things you can do to help EVERYONE!

1.      Buy it online if you can.  Limit your needs for societal interactions.

2.      Use debit or credit cards for your purchases.  Cash is dirty and who knows where it’s been before it landed in your hands.  Your card is much more easily disinfected!

3.      Be patient. Everyone is frazzled and business are operating at drastically reduced capacities.  You’ll likely encounter longer lines and out of stock items.  Each business wants nothing more than to help you but they won’t always be able to.  Please extend grace and patience.

4.      Say “Thank You.”  When you do go out to buy what you need.  Please say thank you to the employees who are putting themselves out there every day to restock and get you what you need.  That simple act of gratitude will go a long way in their day!

5.      Stay home if you are sick!  Wash your hands.  Just generally use common sense and curtesy!