I have had the honor and pleasure of working with businesses and brands throughout the years. Even though I consider myself a small business, I’ve always had massive and grandiose dreams for my brand. After all, even just a few years ago, the idea of a blogger and journalist launching a lifestyle brand that would live off the page was a bit far-fetched. However, being a small business myself has taught me that supporting small businesses is important no matter how high up you go. Let me explain.
Many small businesses out on the market never get spotlighted by major media publications, specific brand endorsements, or celebrity coverage. It’s not because the products are not good, but simply because they do not have the financial means of reaching their target audience or systems and processes to support their work.
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Trust me, I have been there, and many days still feel there. You are running captain of your ship but still doing the tedious administrative work, the billing, and everything in-between. It is important to remember that building a strong team is paramount to success as a small business. Although on the other side, building a team requires resources, it requires time for training, and most importantly, it involves money.
It is important to stress how necessary it is to support small businesses. How can you do that? So here are three ways in which I recommend you support small businesses.
First shop locally when supporting small businesses.
There are so many small businesses here in New York City. I often find that the relationship and brand building is authentic and personal versus maybe going to a bigger entity. Searching online and looking around for different small businesses in your community to support is the easiest way of finding a company that can be economically blessed by your patronage. I honestly go to Google and type small businesses and whatever I am specifically looking for. In the end, I add the location that I’m searching for, or if I’m shopping online, I leave it open-ended. You can also do this online when you are shopping and want to support businesses.
For instance, Etsy has a fantastic roster of small businesses in their system that you can scour through. In the spring and summer, I love to go to farmer’s markets to get produce, essentials and everything else I can instead of going to the supermarket. I love to support mom-and-pop coffee shops (I’m a diehard coffee fanatic) and even go small business with things like my body massages, hair and nails.
The businesses are out there, but it just requires a bit of work to find your right fit.
Next, word-of-mouth marketing pays off when supporting small businesses.
I know we live in a world of social media and a time when having huge numbers indicates some success. However, you have the power to share small businesses with your family and friends simply by opening your mouth and talking about it. For instance, if you use a face mask by a local Black-owned beauty brand that focuses on sustainability, perhaps you would want to share that in an Instagram post. Alternatively, create a video if you have found an amazing dupe to a high-end million-dollar brand and think that it is worth the cost.
Not only is this beneficial to your audience, who are probably trying to learn about new brands just like you. But that word of mouth marketing and organic marketing is so necessary for businesses. I can attest that many of my clients and repeat customers and repeat clients honestly found me probably through somebody else’s recommendation. A brand can talk all day long about how good their product or service is. Still, it’s really about those testimonials and building that community that drives true engagement. I also want to add that there are other ways that you can help a business but their marketing by showing love on social media.
Even if you don’t want to take a photo yourself or post a video of yourself online. There are so many lower-tier options that you can try. For instance, you can simply like their page on Yelp. Or you can comment and share their posts that they may share on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter. You can also write positive reviews and tag the business when you post them. And, of course, if you have something like a newsletter or an opportunity for a brand spotlight, make sure you share them.
Supporting small businesses shouldn’t be a one-time thing or something you do just for charity. However, your support, both financially and non financially, has the power hour to change a business. So start thinking about ways to involve small businesses in your daily life — whether that’s changing out certain products, outsourcing to different companies for services needed, and even prioritizing small businesses, especially around the holidays.
If I’m not clear, it is important to me to continue highlighting and spotlight small businesses. If you’re not already doing it, I urge you to start supporting small businesses locally and nationally. Also share your favorite businesses with friends and family, and economically support them even when it’s not trendy.
