10 Ways to Support Small Businesses 

Small businesses are essential to our economy in many ways, bringing employment opportunities to locals and providing much-needed services and products to communities all over the country.

But keeping a business running is hard work. Around half of all small businesses will close their doors (or websites) within five years of opening for a variety of reasons, from competition from bigger organizations to a lack of customers.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can help keep the small businesses in your community afloat, and many of them don't cost a thing.

Ways to support small businesses

We've compiled a list of the top 10 ways you can support local businesses in your area. Take a look:

1. Shop locally.

The first and most obvious way to support small business? Shop locally-owned businesses! This means instead of going to a chain restaurant or the mall for your next cup of coffee or pair of shoes, consider visiting a local coffee shop or boutique. With over 30 million small businesses in the US, chances are good that a small business around you can provide whatever you’re looking for.

2. Go to farmer’s markets.

In the spring and summer, farmer’s markets pop up all over the country. They’re a great place to find locally-grown and harvested goods like fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, honey, baked goods, and more. Each stand serves as its own small business, making it a perfect option for getting delicious goods and showing support to a small business or farmer nearby.

Some people believe that shopping from a farmer’s market is more expensive than a grocery store, but many studies actually show that shopping locally is comparative, and often cheaper, than buying organic produce at your local grocery store. For example, students in Seattle shopped for produce at a farmer’s market and a grocery store and saved 30% by shopping at their local farmer’s market.

3. Tip generously.

Tipping can be a hot topic at times, but it’s pretty much a given when you eat out or use a service. Next time you visit a local restaurant or service-based establishment, make it a priority to leave a generous tip. Not only are you supporting the business, but also their hard-working employees who rely on tips (especially when hours get reduced or cut).

4. Give gift cards.

Gift cards to a local spa, restaurant, or boutique are another excellent way to support small businesses while giving a friend or loved one a thoughtful gift.

“Buy now, use later” is another popular way to support small businesses through gift cards. Even if you don’t plan on using or gifting the card right away, you can buy them now to use later.

5. Swap your chain membership for a local gym.

If you have a gym membership to a large chain, consider cancelling and joining a local gym instead. Many local gyms also cater to special areas of interest, such as pilates and yoga or cross-training. You can get a workout that’s more relevant to your fitness interest while giving support to a small business at the same time – win-win!

6. Consider local businesses for corporate needs.

You can support small businesses as a business, too. For example, if you work for a company that needs catering, new furniture, or supplies, look for local small businesses you can support. Your order will be more beneficial than you probably know!

Free ways to support small businesses

Sometimes, it's not always cost-efficient to shop at small businesses. Luckily, shopping at the business isn’t the only way you can support them. There are plenty of free ways you can show small businesses in your community that you support them, including:

7. Leave positive reviews.

Few things are as influential to a business or product than online reviews – one survey found that 93% of people are influenced in their purchase decisions based on reviews they read online.

The next time you visit a small business or have a positive interaction with them, take a few minutes to leave them a review on Google or social media. Your positive review can make a big difference!

8. Follow them on social media.

With over 77% of small businesses using at least one social media platform for sales and marketing, there’s a good chance your favorite local businesses have an Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube page.

Following small businesses on social media not only helps them expand their reach, but it also opens up new opportunities for them to reach potential customers. For example, once a business reaches 10,000 followers on Instagram, they can use the “Swipe Up” feature to share more information about their business.

Engagement also matters on social media, so be sure to “like” or comment on posts, share them with friends, or tag your friends in posts they may find interesting. The small business will appreciate your help.

9. Recommend small businesses to others.

Word of mouth is one of the most powerful sources of income for a business. In fact, 92% of people say they trust recommendation from friends more than advertising.

You’ve probably had a friend, neighbor, or coworker ask for a recommendation. The next time someone asks you if you can recommend a good place to get lunch or a place to board their dog, think of small businesses you have used or heard good things about. Sending new business to their shop is one of the best things you can do to help support them.

10. Get acquainted with small businesses in your area.

Getting to know the various small businesses in your area is another great way to support them. Chances are, for every big box or chain business near you, there's a small business (or two or three!) that offers the exact same product or service.

Even if you don't make a purchase, visiting local small businesses can be helpful, too. Even better? Bring a friend along. Not only does it drive traffic to their store, but it lets you see what they have to offer. When you are ready to make a purchase, you'll already know what type of merchandise they have to offer.

Small business security systems

Small business owners invest countless amounts of time, money, and effort into keeping their businesses running. With so much at stake, a dependable security system is a must for any business.

Vivint is committed to helping small businesses keep their employees, buildings, and equipment safe.

A comprehensive security system from Vivint brings peace of mind to business owners and their employees by offering benefits such as:

• Protection against break-ins with intrusion detection that includes motion sensors, glass break sensors, and burglar alarms
• Video surveillance inside and outside the premises with state of the art security cameras.
• Alert employees to danger while minimizing damage to property
• Professional, 24/7 monitoring to ensure rapid police response if an alarm is triggered
• Remote monitoring that keeps you connected to your business wherever you are

To see how Vivint can help keep your small business safe, contact our Smart Home Pros today at 855.822.1220 for a free consultation.