The holidays are fast approaching. It is the perfect time to reflect on ways you can help small businesses in the area.
Small Business Saturday is November 26. It is one of the busiest shopping days in the small business calendar. Many local businesses will offer deals, host pop-ups, and participate in markets and other events. You can find a list of these in local newspapers, magazines, online calendars, and visitor centers.
You can also support your small business friends by:
Sharing their posts on social media – your small business friends work hard to create content for their social media platforms. By sharing posts, you will increase their reach and create greater awareness of their products and services. Don’t forget to post about your friends’ businesses on your profiles. Third-party endorsement is huge for small businesses.
Leaving Google reviews – online reviews help increase search engine optimization, which makes it easier for your friends’ small businesses to be seen in web searches and improves their rankings.
Spreading awareness by word of mouth – talking up your friends’ businesses, the quality of their products, customer service, and the importance of supporting local, will help encourage people to think and shop local first.
Asking what you can do to help – as small business owners race towards the busy season, they have a lot to do. Ask how you can help. If your friend declines the offer, stop by with a coffee and snack on a busy day when you know they have not had time for a break. They will be eternally grateful.
Buying their products and services – purchase products and services from your friends. Don’t purchase something similar at a big box store for just a few dollars less.
Purchasing gift cards – if you do not know what to get someone, buy a gift card from a friend’s business. After the rush of the holidays, business can be slow, so gift cards are a great way to support your business friends into the new year.
Wearing their merchandise – if your business friends have or sell branded merchandise, there is nothing better than free advertising. Branded merchandise, whether stickers, t-shirts, or bags, is the perfect opportunity to spread the word without too much effort.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. We want to thank all our small business customers for their continued efforts and wish them a successful holiday season.
If you want information about our business services, visit one of our branches in New Berlin, Springfield, Modesto, or Palmyra.