You don’t have to spend money to make a meaningful impact on a small business. Whether it’s a local shop, an online artisan, or a neighborhood service provider, there are countless ways to show your support that don’t cost a dime. Here’s a guide to supporting small businesses in powerful ways without opening your wallet.
1. Leave a Positive Review
How to Do It:
- Head to platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook, where reviews make a big difference.
- Write a thoughtful review that highlights what you loved about the experience.
- Be specific: mention standout service, quality products, or memorable experiences.
- Include photos if you have any; visuals make reviews even more compelling!
Why It Helps:
Positive reviews increase a business's reputation and visibility. In fact, 93% of customers read online reviews before making a purchase, and businesses with excellent reviews are 31% more likely to gain customers over competitors. Just one glowing review can significantly impact a business's ability to attract new customers.
2. Follow and Engage on Social Media
How to Do It:
- Follow their accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
- Regularly like, comment, and share their posts.
- Tag friends or family who might be interested in their products or services.
- Use their branded hashtags to help them gain visibility.
Why It Helps:
Social media engagement increases a business's reach. Posts with higher interaction rates can see up to 50% more visibility thanks to algorithm boosts. Engaging consistently helps small businesses grow their following and reach new potential customers, translating into higher brand awareness and loyalty.
3. Recommend Them to Friends and Family
How to Do It:
- Share your favorite businesses with friends, family, and coworkers.
- Bring them up in conversations (e.g., "This store has amazing gifts, you should check it out!").
- Post about them in local online forums, Facebook groups, or Nextdoor.
Why It Helps:
Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most effective forms of advertising, with 92% of consumers trusting recommendations from people they know. Every personal endorsement helps expand their customer base and builds credibility.
4. Participate in Their Events or Virtual Activities
How to Do It:
- Attend their in-store or online events, like workshops, product launches, or Q&A sessions.
- RSVP to virtual events, even if you can only stay for a short time.
- Share event details on your own social media to help spread the word.
Why It Helps:
Your presence helps create a sense of community and success around their events. Events can boost store traffic by as much as 30%, and sharing event promotions with your network helps them attract even more attendees.
5. Share Their Content
How to Do It:
- Share their posts on your social media stories or repost their content.
- Write a caption about what you love about their business or products.
- Tag the business and use relevant hashtags to maximize visibility.
Why It Helps:
Social media shares help expand their audience. On average, content that’s shared reaches 10x the number of people compared to posts with no engagement. This free form of marketing can lead to new followers and customers, helping their business thrive.
6. Sign Up for Their Newsletter
How to Do It:
- Look for a sign-up link on their website or social media profiles.
- Subscribe to stay updated on their latest products, news, and events.
- Engage with the content by opening, clicking, or forwarding to friends who might be interested.
Why It Helps:
Newsletters are a direct line of communication for small businesses. Subscribers are more likely to make repeat purchases, and email marketing can have an ROI of up to $36 for every $1 spent. By signing up, you support their engagement metrics and help them stay connected with their community.
7. Offer Your Skills or Expertise
How to Do It:
- If you have skills like photography, graphic design, or social media management, offer to lend a hand.
- Reach out directly and let them know you’d like to contribute.
- Be specific about what you can do, whether it’s taking product photos, creating flyers, or designing digital content.
Why It Helps:
Small businesses often operate with limited resources. Your expertise could save them time and money, allowing them to focus on growing their business. A single professional service could increase their efficiency or enhance their marketing efforts significantly.
8. Advocate for Them in the Community
How to Do It:
- Participate in local government meetings or online forums where small business issues are discussed.
- Support local policies that favor small businesses and share petitions or advocacy materials.
- Speak up in your community about the importance of supporting small businesses.
Why It Helps:
Advocacy creates lasting systemic support for small businesses. Community-driven policy changes can increase funding, reduce taxes, or create resources that help businesses flourish. Local advocacy fosters a business-friendly environment that benefits everyone.
9. Collaborate with Them
How to Do It:
- Propose collaborations like a joint giveaway, a co-hosted event, or a partnership on a community initiative.
- Create cross-promotional opportunities that benefit both the business and your audience.
- Highlight their products in your personal content (e.g., blogs, videos, or reels).
Why It Helps:
Collaborations drive mutual exposure and growth. By teaming up with others in the community, businesses can access new audiences and networks. For example, collaborative giveaways can increase social media followings by 25-40%.
10. Leave a Friendly Comment or Message
How to Do It:
- Send them an encouraging DM or email telling them how much you love their work.
- Comment on their posts to show your support.
- Write a thank-you note or share a positive experience you had with their business.
Why It Helps:
Kind words can boost morale and motivation, especially for small business owners who often wear many hats. Studies show that positive feedback increases productivity by 12%, helping owners stay inspired and focused on their work.
11. Join Their Loyalty Program
How to Do It:
- Enroll in their loyalty or rewards program if they have one.
- Even if you don’t make frequent purchases, staying connected adds value to the program.
- Refer others to join as well.
Why It Helps:
Loyalty programs generate repeat business and deepen customer relationships. Members spend up to 67% more than non-members over time, even if they don’t shop often, because their connection to the brand builds loyalty and trust.
12. Just Show Up
How to Do It:
- Visit the store or website to browse and chat with the staff.
- Attend events or even just window shop if you’re nearby.
- Leave comments, send an encouraging message, or simply show your presence.
Why It Helps:
Small businesses thrive on community involvement. Regular visits—even without purchases—keep their spirits high and foster a stronger sense of belonging. Just being there shows you care and helps keep the doors open for everyone.
Small businesses add value, character, and vitality to our communities. Supporting them doesn’t have to involve spending money; every like, comment, review, and kind word makes a difference. By choosing to show your support in these small but impactful ways, you’re helping these businesses thrive and creating a stronger, more resilient community.