Many small businesses are struggling with closures and social distancing practices introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic. Here are 25 ways you can help small businesses now.
If you want to help local small businesses by supporting your favorite shops, restaurants, and others who stay afloat during this time, you can do so in the following ways.
If you can afford it, buy gift cards from your preferred local company during this time. They support their business when they need it most, and when companies reopen, you can enjoy your favorite goods and services that you've already paid for.
Restaurants in many states and cities are not open for dining. However, you may be able to have your favorite dishes delivered to your door. Or you could try picking up meals from those who offer them – just order in advance to avoid waiting times.
For retail businesses where you usually shop in person, check if they currently offer online orders. Even if their website is not set up for this, they may offer flash sales on social media or other platforms.
Subscription or membership-based companies such as gyms and gyms rely on steady monthly revenue streams from members. Since many of these companies have closed, customers are likely to receive refunds or breaks for membership. However, if your income is not affected by stoppages, you should leave these memberships unchanged.
In addition, some gyms and similar companies find opportunities to add value through online courses. Even if you don't belong to anyone yet, it can be the perfect excuse to spend extra time at home to try something new while at the same time supporting a local company.
During this time, you do not need additional money to support small businesses. If you're concerned about your own finances, but still want to help, call some of your favorite companies, products, or ads on social media to let your friends know.
You can also help small businesses increase their online reach simply by interacting with their profiles. Follow a few more of your favorites and like and comment on their posts to improve their engagement. This will help make more content appear in other people's feeds.
Are there companies in your area for which you have always wanted to leave a review and which you have never reached? This time of wasting time at home is the perfect opportunity to collect social evidence and improve your online rankings. And it's free!
Of course, you can also help simply by talking to others about your favorite small business via text, phone call, or video call.
Many small businesses offer financing or filing options for larger purchases. Don't buy items you can't afford, but if you want to buy something anyway, now is the perfect time to get a good price and keep your favorite stores afloat.
People across the country are launching crowdfunding campaigns to support small businesses and their employees who need financial support. Search GoFundMe or social media to find causes you can contribute to.
If you can't afford a donation or a campaign for your favorite local business has not started, you could be the person who gets the donation going. First, contact the company to find out what their needs are.
If you support a variety of companies in your region and want to involve others, you should set up a community fund or support group. You can either raise money or bring creative ideas to help local businesses. Use social media or local forums to chat with others near you.
To draw more attention to all companies in your area, create an online directory where employees can easily find companies that can assist them. You can even keep it going once pedestrian traffic is restored for faster recovery.
If you can afford it, tip the restaurant staff and delivery staff during this time. This helps them offset some of their loss of income and helps their employers feel a little less stressed.
A small pause in the action is the perfect opportunity for many small business owners to focus on things like marketing, creating a new logo, or creating a website. However, the loss of customers means that they may not be able to afford these services. If you specialize in an area that could help small businesses, offer or trade your services for free.
Stuck at home is the perfect excuse to do a little remodeling or redecorating. Buy supplies from a local hardware store or order from online decorating stores to make your room feel comfortable over this extended period.
It's also a great opportunity to learn or try new things, such as painting, playing a musical instrument, or building model cars. Buy the supplies you need from small retailers. And also get your information from small business owners. For example, there could be a piano teacher near you who offers online lessons or shares videos on YouTube.
Do you want to do something nice for the people in your life who are having a hard time? Buy gifts from your favorite small retailers and have them sent directly to your favorite people.
You can also buy items that you do not need immediately, e.g. For example, gifts for birthdays that have a few months off, or summer gear that your family can use in the back yard.
Many small businesses get creative during this time by offering virtual or downloadable versions of their products. You may even be able to buy them at a cheaper price than the physical products.
A little friendliness goes a long way, especially in stressful seasons. If you can't financially support small businesses, send them a short message via email or social media to let them know how much you appreciate it. You could do team day.
Be patient when ordering products or services from companies that have had to make adjustments during this time. They are probably not used to the new processes that they had to learn very quickly. If shipping takes longer than expected or the delivery process doesn't go smoothly, stay calm and friendly during your interactions.
Some business owners may need help outside of the obvious. If you know local businesses or online, contact us and ask if they need anything special. Even if they don't, they'll likely appreciate the feeling.
The general idea is to shop in small shops or businesses whenever possible during this time. Even if you don't have any extra money to spend, going to the corner grocery store through the big store can make a big difference for this business owner. Ultimately, this is always a positive practice, but it is particularly important that many small businesses struggle to stay afloat.
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