This year, many of us are trying to think of ways we can support local businesses without spending a lot of money. It’s always nice to help businesses financially if you’re able, but if you’re working with a tight budget, you may think there’s not much you can do. Fortunately, that’s not the case at all.
Thanks to an ingenious Facebook post by the Payson Santaquin Area Chamber of Commerce, I have been made aware of six great ways to support local businesses without spending a dime.
First, write a positive review for a local business online. Of course, you should only do this if you’ve actually purchased goods or services from the business you’re going to write the review about. The purchase doesn’t have to be recent, though. Even if you bought something months or years ago, you can write about it now and help the business improve its online ratings.
Second, tell your friends and family about your positive experience with a local business. Did you love the massage you received last week, or were you really happy about a flower arrangement you purchased from a local flower shop? Let the people you care about know how your experience went so they can have a similar experience of their own!
Third, follow local businesses you like on social media. It can be a lonely world when no one likes your page or engages with your posts. It will only take a few seconds of your time to like a local business page, and your efforts will help the impacted business gain more exposure online.
Fourth, engage with social media posts from local businesses whenever you can. When you get on social media, look for posts from local businesses you love and take a minute to engage with them. Your little efforts will be noticed and appreciated.
Fifth, give local businesses a shoutout online when appropriate. If a local party supply company saved your bacon when you needed a helium machine, or if a medical professional went above and beyond to diagnose a health problem, give them a shoutout on social media!
Finally, sign up for the newsletters of local businesses you like. Newsletters help companies get the word out about new products, services, events, and other important announcements. Signing up for their newsletters will not only benefit them, but you as well.
So, there you have it, six easy ways to support local businesses this year for free. These are small things that make a big difference, and anyone can do them regardless of budget size. (Peterson is a Serve Daily contributor.)
