How You Can Support Small Businesses

How You Can Support Small Businesses

Of late, and out of boredom, you may have found yourself shopping online more than usual. Now is the perfect time to change our shopping habits and to start supporting small businesses and the dreams of those who built them, all whilst you go after your own dreams. Many businesses have really struggled to make a profit over the past year and if anything, it has taught a lot of people to shop small. I particularly noticed this at Christmas when a lot more people bought from small businesses.

shopped online more than usual during the first lockdown; there was hardly anything else to do. Online shopping seems to have taken over some people’s lives. As the lockdown went on, small beauty, home and clothing businesses began promoting their brands or products a lot more than they once did, as they really needed the support. Small businesses are usually started by people who are building their dream and this is one reason why supporting them is important. A lot of small businesses are also more carbon-footprint conscious, which means they have less of an impact on the environment than many bigger companies who seem a lot less conscious.

Many small businesses promote themselves across social media, and often have their own website or sell through Depop. Some have also started

doing online ‘giveaways’ as another way to promote themselves, and getting involved with these is another good way to support them. Money is tight for a lot of people, particularly this year, so even if you aren’t in the shopping mood or can’t afford to purchase from small businesses, you can easily support them by sharing their products and content across social media or by simply recommending them to a friend.

I prefer to purchase particular items from small businesses because they tend to be more unique, and you’re therefore less likely to see anyone else with the exact same thing. For me, small businesses are great for tops, hair accessories, home accessories and face masks, because the quality of the items is often much better. Personally, I always feel more content when I know something has come from a small business and that by returning as a customer, I am contributing to someone’s dream.

Now more than ever, small businesses need your support! Here are Four Top Tips on how to support them even if you can’t afford to buy from them:

1. Share the business across social media

2. Enter their ‘giveaways’ on social media

3. Tell your friends, family, school or work colleagues about them

4. Keep a list of your favourite small businesses so you can buy from them again