Why and How You Should Be Supporting Your Local Businesses
Today and every day, we encourage you to shop small whenever and wherever possible. In this blog, we are going to explain the benefits of shopping small, where you can do so, and how you can support local business owners without spending extra money you may not have. This is one of the most important blogs we’re going to share with you so we appreciate you taking your time to read it.
Why You Should Be Shopping Small
Shopping Local Helps Improve Your Local Economy
Small businesses are the backbone of local communities. Your support ensures that the unique character and charm of your community thrive.
Local Businesses Help Create Jobs
Supporting small businesses means supporting job creation. Every purchase contributes to the growth and sustainability of local employment opportunities.
Local Businesses are More Personal And Have Great Customer Service
Small businesses thrive on providing personalized, attentive service and building relationships. You're not just a customer; you're a valued part of their community. Your continued support fosters a sense of community and connection.
You Help Business Owners Provide for Their Families
When you shop at family-owned business, the money you give them will go toward food on their table, their bills and house payment, and back into their business. With your support, business owners can better provide for their families.
You’ll Have A More Positive Environmental Impact
Shopping locally can help reduce your carbon footprint. Your carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by your actions. The average American’s carbon footprint is 16 tons, making it one of the highest rates in the world!
Local businesses often have smaller carbon footprints than large corporations because they tend to make more local purchases which require less transportation.
Many small businesses also prioritize ethical business practices such as sustainability, fair trade, and responsible sourcing.
Shopping small can be a more environmentally conscious choice.
You Are Supporting Someone’s Dreams
When you shop small, you directly contribute to someone's dream. Small businesses often start as passion projects, and your purchase helps turn those dreams into reality.
It’s a huge risk to start a business and to be successful, we can’t do it alone. We need all the love and support we can get because without it, we wouldn’t get anywhere.
Small Business Owners Are Well Educated on Their Products/Services
Small business owners are more likely to know the ins and outs of everything they sell which makes them much more helpful in helping you make the decision on purchasing a product.
Farmers Market by arinahabich on Adobe Stock
You Oftentimes Can Customize Products
Shopping small means experiencing a personal touch. Because many small businesses make their products by hand, you might be able to get something customized just for you! Wouldn’t it be great if every store worked that way?
You’ll Receive Higher Quality Products
Small businesses often focus on quality rather than quantity. Each product is crafted with care, ensuring a level of excellence that can be hard to find in mass-produced items.
Small Businesses Create Character and Diversity In Your Community
Small businesses often celebrate cultural diversity. Whether it's through unique products or events, these businesses should be welcomed.
Small businesses add character to your neighborhood. Quirky shops, local flavors, and unique storefronts create a distinct and memorable atmosphere. You want your city to be the place to be. You want people from all over to come check out what you city has to offer. You want them to spend their money there.
Diversifying the marketplace with small businesses contributes to economic resilience. It helps create a more balanced and stable economy.
Where to Shop Small
Online Marketplaces
In the digital age, supporting local businesses extends beyond physical storefronts. Explore online platforms that connect you with local artisans and entrepreneurs. Websites like Etsy, RedBubble, and local business directories make it easy to find and purchase unique products from the comfort of your home.
Social Media E-Commerce Shops
Stock photo of a woman buying a dress online with the phone and a credit card from the sofa at home By AdriaVidal
Social media allows you to not only follow your favorite local businesses, but if they’re an e-commerce business, chances are you might even be able to shop from their social platforms like Facebook and TikTok Shop. A lot of people tend to feel more comfortable ordering on social platforms because they have buyer protection than order directly from their website if they’re unfamiliar or placing their first order.
Local Markets
Start by exploring the gems in your own backyard. Visit local markets, boutiques, and pop-up shops. Engage with the artisans and creators who pour their hearts into every creation. These spaces often offer unique finds that tell a story and add a touch of local magic to your life. Can’t find any events? Check the local section on Facebook or on your city’s website!
How to Support Local Businesses For Free
Interact and Shout Out on Social Media
Follow, like, and share posts from local businesses on your social media accounts to increase their visibility. Share pictures or testimonials featuring products or services from local businesses. Tag them on social media to amplify their reach.
Provide Word of Mouth and Reviews
Selective Focus Photography of Person Using Iphone X by Kerde Severin on Pexels
Spread the word about your favorite local businesses through recommendations to friends, family, and on social media. Leave positive reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or social media. Your reviews can significantly impact a small business's online presence.
Providing Thoughts and (Constructive) Criticism
By providing honest (and kind) criticism, good or bad, you are giving the business the opportunity to grow. If there is something you see they could improve on, tell them. If there’s an event going on that you think they should be at, tell them. Your thoughts and opinions could really help them out.
Sharing Business Cards
Almost everything we do in business today is digital, but business cards are the one thing that probably won’t be replaced by digital means any time soon. If a business has business cards, ask for a few to pass out to your friends and family or even to put up in local shops. You never know how far one little piece of paper can get someone.
Visit Their Shops/Events
Shallow Focus Photo of White Open Signage by Tim Mossholder on Pexels
Support community events and markets organized by local businesses. Your presence contributes to the success of these gatherings. You don’t have to stop by everyday or attend each market event, but showing up occasionally and showing your support could be life-changing for some businesses.
Offer Encouragement
By simply telling artists how much you enjoy their work can really make a world of difference. After all, it costs nothing to be kind. If they post something you like, even if you can’t purchase it, let them know how cool you think it is! You never know how much your kind words can help small business owners feel more confident in their products.
Encourage Local Gift-Giving
Suggest local products or gift cards from small businesses as presents for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. You’ll feel so much better about your choice in gifts when you choose to buy them locally and from small businesses.
By supporting small businesses, you're investing in the future. You contribute to the growth and development of local economies, creating a positive legacy for generations to come.
We challenge you to visit 1 new small business each month. Your community is likely full of them so who knows what you’ll discover. Even if you can’t support businesses monetarily, there are still so many ways you can help them grow without touching your wallet.
Also as a special thank you for reading this blog, take 10% off your next order with promo code: “BLOG10”!