Do you have a favorite coffee shop, or clothing boutique, or even an online store that you love to support? 

We all know and love those businesses that add so much charm and character to our towns or online space and chances are, they are owned and operated by someone just like you and me. Someone with a dream and a passion who worked so hard to turn it into a reality and it’s so important, now, more than ever to be making a conscious effort to support our favorite small businesses.

Supporting the businesses you love really is so simple. It doesn’t take a lot of time and it certainly doesn’t even take a lot of money. You may already be supporting them in ways you didn’t realize were helpful. 

Let’s take a look at the top four things you can be doing to ensure your favorite small businesses stay relevant in today’s economy, shall we?

Like, share, and comment on their posts. 

This costs zero dollars but does a lot to ensure the content they share reaches as many consumers as possible. If they post something that sticks out to you, make sure you’re liking it, commenting on it, and sharing it with friends who can, in turn, do the same. 

Support them with your business. 

Whenever possible, be sure to purchase products or services from them. I know big-box retailers have created an easy button for life, but whenever you have the opportunity to shop with a small business instead, I highly recommend you go for it! 

Reach out and remind them that you’re there for them. 

Owning your own business can become stressful and isolating from time to time. Having a valued customer or friend reach out and check on you is truly life for the people who work so hard to keep their businesses running. 

Support them in ways you would want to be supported. 

If you run your own small business or have dreams to own one in the future, how would you want to be supported? Whatever that support looks like to you, be sure to pass it on to your friends and colleagues in business. It will mean so much to them, no matter what it is! 

Running a business, keeping up with the ever-changing demands of social media, and staying relevant in an ever-changing society literally feels impossible for most small business owners today. The last thing we want to see is them needing to close their doors or take down their online shops simply because they weren’t getting the support they needed. 

If you have a few favorite small business, family-owned shops that you hope to see around for years to come, make sure you are supporting them online, sharing their business with your friends and family, spending money with them when you can, and simply letting them know you are here for them. We truly want to see them stick around forever. 

So, here’s to all the best business owners in our lives. May we love them, support them, and strive to be them one day!