Supporting small businesses is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to uplift your local community — and it doesn't always require spending a lot of money. Whether it's a neighborhood bakery, a family-owned repair shop, or a new boutique down the street, small businesses depend on the support of everyday customers like you to survive and thrive. Here's how you can show your support, build community pride, and help ensure these essential businesses remain part of your town for years to come.
Shop Local First
Whenever possible, make a conscious effort to shop at local businesses instead of national chains or big-box retailers. Whether you're buying groceries, gifts, home decor, or grabbing a cup of coffee — your dollars go further when spent locally. Every sale matters, and your choice to shop small directly supports local jobs, services, and growth.
Be Kind and Speak Positively — Even If the Experience Wasn't Perfect
Small business owners are human — often juggling multiple roles with limited staff and resources. If you didn't have a perfect experience, try to extend grace. Be understanding and remember that unlike large corporations, these owners don't have massive budgets or large-scale logistics behind them. A little patience and kindness go a long way.
Leave a Review — It's Free and Takes Just Minutes
Online reviews are one of the most powerful tools for small businesses. Take five minutes to leave a positive review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Mention the owner's name, what you loved about your experience, and what you'd recommend. Good reviews not only build trust with future customers but also help small businesses rank higher in local search results.
Support Through Contests and Local Challenges
You will see local news organizations and groups run "Best Of" contests where you can nominate and vote up your favorite businesses. Do this by doing local companies rather than the national companies. They need our love and support more than the national companies do. This goes a long way in helping them grow.
Upload Photos to Their Google Business Page
Snapping a quick photo of your meal, product, or service and uploading it to their Google listing can do wonders. Real photos from customers give future buyers confidence and help businesses stand out in search results. It's a simple gesture that provides lasting value.
Like, Share, and Comment on Social Media Posts
In today's digital age, visibility matters. When you like, comment on, or share a business's post, you're helping increase their reach and exposure. Algorithms reward engagement, so even a few interactions can put their content in front of hundreds of new eyes. Always speak positively online — uplifting words can inspire others to visit and support too.
Address Issues Privately and Respectfully
If something went wrong with your order or service, give the business a chance to make it right — before blasting them online. Talk directly to the owner or manager. Most small business owners will go out of their way to correct a mistake. Trying to destroy a local business over a minor issue helps no one. Constructive feedback shared respectfully can actually strengthen a business.
Refer Friends and Family
Word-of-mouth is one of the most effective forms of marketing. If you love a business, tell others about it! Recommend them to friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors. Share their flyers, promote their events, or tag them in relevant online conversations. Your personal recommendation carries more weight than any ad.
Attend Local Events and Markets
From farmers' markets to local pop-ups and vendor fairs, there are plenty of events where small businesses gather. Attending these shows support not just one, but dozens of small entrepreneurs. It also creates opportunities for face-to-face interaction, which builds real connections and a sense of community.
Buy Gift Cards
Even if you don't need something right away, purchasing a gift card helps support the business now and allows you or a loved one to enjoy it later. Gift cards are also great for birthdays, holidays, or thank-you gifts.
Celebrate Their Wins Publicly
When a local business hits a milestone — like an anniversary, expansion, or new product launch — celebrate it with them. Share their posts, write congratulatory comments, or even send them a message of support. These moments mean everything to small business owners.
In Summary
Supporting local small businesses doesn't require grand gestures. The simple acts of shopping local, writing a review, uploading a photo, or sharing a social media post can have an outsized impact. Small business owners are your neighbors, friends, and fellow community members. They rely on your encouragement, patronage, and positivity to thrive.
So next time you're about to click "add to cart" from a big-box retailer, pause for a second and ask: is there a small business that offers this same product or service? Support local. It matters.
Every purchase. Every post. Every kind word. It all adds up.