Want to Support Local Businesses? These are the things you can do!
It has never been so important to support the local businesses that are the backbone of our communities. Local businesses help maintain the uniqueness of our cities and keep the local economy alive. There are many ways to help businesses who may be struggling with adapting to the changing times.
Central Geelong is full of vibrant local businesses, which are facing challenges, but also find innovative ways to serve their customers. Businesses are doing all they can to survive. From local fitness studios streaming their live classes to cafes that offer take-out options, they’re trying to do it all. They need our support now more than ever. You can support local businesses by taking simple and often free actions.
Want to Support Local Businesses
1. Get Social! Like and follow your favorite local businesses
Engaging with local businesses on social media is one of the easiest ways to show your support. Social media is an important tool in today’s digital age for businesses. It allows them to communicate with their customers, promote products and services, and share updates. You can help a business reach a wider audience by liking, commenting on or sharing their posts.
You can start by following 10 local businesses you’d like to see flourish in your area. You can even challenge your friends and family to do the same by using a hashtag like #FollowYourFavouritesGeelong on social media. This simple act creates a positive ripple effect that helps the business to reach new customers, and improve their online presence.
Why it helps: Like and follow a business’s social media profile to stay in touch with your audience and inform them about the products and services you offer. This is a simple, free way to increase the visibility of a business in your network.
2.Engaging with the posts of a business can be a game changer.
It only takes a few moments. Take a few seconds to “like” or love a post that you find interesting about a product, service or offer. If you are truly excited by what a company is doing, share or comment on their post.
Engagement of this kind is crucial to building online communities. This is more than just giving a thumbs up – it shows your appreciation for the work a company does and encourages others to join in. You can comment on the post of a business and tell them what you like about their offer or ask questions. This shows that you are engaged.
Shared posts on your social media can help a business reach a wider audience. You can help them reach new customers by sharing their content on social media with your friends.
Why it helps: Engaging with posts will help a business to increase its online presence, and stay relevant. Social media algorithms prioritize content with more engagement. The more interaction (likes comments and shares) that a post gets, the more people see it.
3. Write a Review and Share Your Positive Experience
Positive reviews are a powerful tool to market local businesses. It doesn’t matter if it is a positive review on Google or Facebook, but a thoughtful review will have an impact. Reviews can influence buying decisions and build trust among new customers. You can help build a company’s reputation by sharing your experiences, whether you praise a restaurant for a great meal or highlight the excellent service at a boutique.
It’s not only about the benefit to the business. A review helps potential customers make more informed decisions by letting them know what they can expect from a company’s products and services.
Why it helps: Reviews can help improve an online business’s reputation, and increase its visibility on search engine results. Google will give a higher ranking to a business that consistently receives positive reviews, which in turn helps it attract more customers.
4. Sign up for their Newsletters and Mailing Lists
Businesses offer mailing lists or newsletters to inform customers about new products, updates, and promotions. It’s easy to sign up for these newsletters and stay in touch with a company.
You can also support local businesses by getting information on their sales, new products, and special offers. Signing up shows that you are invested in their work and want to support them for the long term.
Why it helps: You will receive updates from the business directly, which could lead to an increase in sales and traffic. You can also stay up-to-date on special offers or products you may be interested in.
Small Business Owners Smiling
5. Shop Local and Spend Money in Your Community
The most direct way of supporting a local company is to buy from them. Local shopping has a direct impact on the local economy. Spending money locally helps create jobs and supports local families. Local businesses also tend to invest in their community by sponsoring local events or contributing to charity drives.
Local businesses offer a unique shopping experience, which larger chains cannot match. They provide personalized service, unique items, and a genuine community feeling. Local stores are a great way to support your community. You’re not only buying goods, but you’re also investing in its future.
Why it helps: Local shopping helps to boost the local economy, and creates a vibrant, diverse market. Local businesses are more sustainable, and they require less transport to deliver goods to you.
6. Support Businesses That Do Things Differently
Some businesses are facing challenges due to global events such as the pandemic. Others have adapted to these situations by providing new services or switching to online business models. Local businesses have found creative ways to stay in business. From fitness studios streaming workout classes to cafes offering take-out meals, they are all finding innovative solutions.
These businesses can be supported by ordering take-out or buying products they have made available for home delivery. Virtual services are available from many businesses, such as digital workshops, online consultations or live performances.
If your favorite studio offers virtual classes, sign up or purchase a virtual pass as a way to show support. Consider ordering from a local restaurant if they offer delivery or pickup options.
Why it helps: Businesses that adapt in new ways can survive difficult times by being supported. You can show your support by trying new products or services. This will help them remain open and provide value to the community.
7. Enter Competitions and Giveaways
Businesses run giveaways and competitions to increase engagement with customers. Promotions like these aren’t just about winning something. They also help businesses reach out to a larger audience and increase their visibility. By entering a competition and sharing the offers of the business with your friends, you indirectly help promote it.
Even if you do not win, participating in the contest and spreading the news can help a local business gain exposure and reach out to new customers.
Why it helps: Competitions can help businesses attract new customers and promote their products. By entering and sharing competitions, businesses can increase their online presence and attract new customers.
People in the Market
8. Support Local art and Culture
Central Geelong has a vibrant arts and culture scene. Many local artists, performers and creatives work hard to keep their art alive in these challenging times. Supporting the local creative community, whether it is through purchasing artwork, booking virtual performances, or donating money to an arts fund, is essential for keeping your city’s cultural fabric alive.
Why it helps: Supporting local artists, cultural institutions and venues helps to keep creativity alive and flourishing in the community. Your support will help to sustain local spaces, whether it is a theater or gallery production.
Conclusion: Each and Every Bit Counts
You can support local businesses without spending any money. Every action counts, whether you share posts on social networks, write reviews, enter competitions or shop at your local favorite store. Supporting local businesses will help them thrive and survive in these uncertain times.
When you support local businesses, you are not only helping the business, but you are also creating a stronger and more vibrant community. Take a moment to show you love to the local businesses that matter to you, and encourage others do the same.
