Every small business and restaurant that we normally frequent is currently closed for an indeterminate amount of time. These businesses are owned and operated by our friends and neighbors. Unlike Apple and Amazon, they tend to operate on a pretty small margin and usually don't have vast cash reserves.
We, as a community, can come together to help the local businesses we love make it through this challenging time. Here are a few ideas that will help them now... and all year round!
1.) First, if you can afford it, purchase a gift card. Many businesses offer e-gift cards that can be purchased online. If your favorite business doesn't, try calling them to see if you can purchase one over the phone. This will bring a little bit of money into the business now and give you some shopping or dining out to look forward to later.
2.) Get social with them! Follow and/or like their social media pages. It helps businesses to grow their online presence.
Are you following us? We love connecting with our readers through social media, especially on Facebook and Instagram! Come join the fun!
3.) Engage with them on their social media pages. When you share, like, or comment on a business's post, it shows Facebook that you like that business IRL and Facebook will keep showing you that business's posts.
Not only that, the more popular a post is, the more likely it will continue to show up in others' news feeds too, giving that business even more exposure. When you share a post on your own Facebook page, you help a business reach people they might not otherwise be able to.
Tip: Facebook allows you to choose "See First" for up to 30 of your favorite pages and/or "Get Notifications" when a page has a new post.
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4.) Leave a positive review. Whether it's on Facebook, Yelp, Google, or somewhere else, the value of a positive review can not be overstated. Not only will it help other potential customers know what you love about a business, it will help the business owner to feel appreciated and supported too.
5.) Don't cancel your membership. Whether it's for your child's martial arts classes, your local gym membership, or a monthly massage, your monthly fee will help small businesses keep the lights on. Many local businesses are looking at creative ways to continue to stay connected with their customers online, from Facebook Live events to workouts posted on YouTube.
As topsy-turvy as the world feels right now, life will return to normal eventually. Together, we can ride this out and come out together on the other side.
