1) LIKE, COMMENT ON AND SHARE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS.
Online algorithms drive how often and to whom posts get shared. So, business posts without much reactions to them don't fare well in the world of social marketing. It's incredibly important to get small business posts seen by others. Support local businesses by leaving detailed comments, asking questions and liking or loving the posts of businesses you really want to see survive.
2) BE A BUSINESS CHEERLEADER IF YOU CAN'T BE A CUSTOMER.
To actually buy items from businesses is clearly the most obvious way to assist owners and managers. However, if you aren't in a business's target market or a product or service is not one you can use, a different way to support those businesses is consider buying it and giving it to someone else who could use it.
3) LEAVE AN ONLINE REVIEW.
By making it a habit to leave oline reviews, you'll encourage other customers to try those products and services. And, you will prompt a smile to those working teams for those same businesses.
4) REFERRALS.
Show support through word-of-mouth. Purposely talk about local businesses and recommend them to friends and family. That simple step will land companies with new customers, who also hopefully will use word-of-mouth to extend the goodness.
5) SIGN UP FOR COMPANY NEWSLETTERS.
Newsletters are a great way to stay up-to-date with business news, updated services, hours of operation and new products. Help local businesses grow their email list by signing up and sharing links to encourage others to do so, too.
When you buy from local companies, actual people do happy dances!
Shopping locally helps create jobs for many essential professions. Buying from a locally owned business conserves energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging. Local business owners know you, and you know them.