Small businesses are the beating heart of every community. They’re the coffee shops where we get our morning buzz, the bookstores with well-curated shelves, your local construction company, and even marketing agencies like Abask Marketing!

Small businesses are a backbone of the economy. They create local jobs, contribute to community growth, and keep wealth circulating within the community. When you support a small business, you’re directly helping to create a stable economy and strengthen your local area. Small businesses often offer a level of personalization and attention that larger corporations can’t match. Many small business owners build personal connections with their customers, tailoring their services and products to meet individual needs.

Maintaining a small business is getting increasingly difficult – the financial marketplace needs to be more inviting, and the licensing and reporting restrictions placed on small businesses are growing. It’s hard to run a business, remain compliant, meet customers’ needs, and compete with behemoths like Amazon.

So, how can you help support a small business? It’s easy and doesn’t have to cost you a penny.

Spread the Love on Social Media

When it comes to helping small businesses, social media is one of your most powerful tools. A single like is nice, but an original comment is pure gold. Algorithms love engagement, which means that when you comment on a post, it’s more likely to pop up in the feeds of other potential customers.

Extra Credit: Many social media platforms offer a prompt when you start typing a comment. Don’t use this! By posting something original, you are helping the business so much more.

Whether complimenting their latest product or sharing why you love their services, those comments help create a buzz around their brand. Even better? Tag friends who might be interested. It’s a quick, easy way to show some love while also widening their reach.

Think of yourself as part of their street team, helping to build a community that rallies behind them. Whether you’re giving their latest post a heart, re-sharing their stories, or even creating user-generated content by snapping a photo with their product, every bit helps them stand out.

Go Beyond the Like — Leave Reviews!

While we’re on the subject of engagement, let’s talk reviews. Online reviews are the new word-of-mouth and incredibly powerful for these businesses. Many people rely on reviews when purchasing, and companies with great reviews are more likely to attract new customers.

If you’ve had a good experience with a small business, don’t be shy — let the world know! Leave a review on Google, Yelp, Facebook, or any platform the business uses. Talk about something specific you enjoyed, whether it was the quality of the product, the customer service, or the unique experience. Think of it as your chance to support your favorite businesses for free and help new customers discover them.

A well-written review can do wonders for a small business’s online reputation, and it doesn’t have to be a novel. Just a few genuine sentences are enough to make a positive impact.

Get to Know Their Mission and Values

Every business has a story. Whether it’s a family-owned restaurant, an independent retailer, or a solo entrepreneur, there’s a unique passion that drives them. Understanding their mission can help you connect with their brand on a deeper level — which also helps when you’re sharing their story with others.

Take the time to learn about what makes each business unique. They may source their ingredients from local farmers or are dedicated to eco-friendly packaging. By getting to know the “why” behind a business, you’ll feel more invested in their success, and that passion will naturally shine through when you talk about them.

Small businesses often communicate their mission and values on their website or social media, so it’s easy to do a bit of homework. When you know what they stand for, you’ll also know how to best support and promote them to others.

Give Word-of-Mouth a Modern Twist

Remember when supporting small companies meant telling a friend about your favorite shop? Well, it’s still one of the best ways to help, but these days, there are so many more ways to spread the word.

Instead of just mentioning a small business to a friend, why not shout it from the rooftops of your social networks? Mention them in your Instagram stories, tag them in a Facebook post, or write a LinkedIn recommendation if they’re a B2B service provider. Don’t underestimate the power of digital word-of-mouth; in today’s world, one share can go a long way.

Shop With Purpose

Sure, there’s convenience in big-box stores, but there’s heart in shopping small. Every dollar spent at a smaller company is a vote for the quality, originality, and craftsmanship they bring. Next time you need a gift or something for yourself, take a moment to think if there’s a local alternative. Not only do small businesses often have unique offerings, but shopping with them keeps your money circulating within your community.

If you’re looking for specific items, many small businesses are more than willing to help you find what you need — or even place special orders if they can. Shopping small may require a bit more thought, but the benefits are well worth it.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Abask Marketing!

If you’re a business owner or someone looking to champion small businesses in a bigger way, consider partnering with Abask Marketing to amplify your efforts. Whether it’s creating a social media strategy, an email campaign, or generating more leads, our team is here to help you make a real difference. Schedule a free consultation today to get more information about Abask Marketing and how we can help build up a small business!

Helping small businesses isn’t just about boosting their profits — it’s about strengthening our communities and adding value to the places we love. We’re all investing in a more vibrant, diverse, and thriving future by supporting them thoughtfully and intentionally.