While everyone is busy this time of year with holiday shopping, cookie baking, and tiptoeing around visiting family members, small businesses are just as (if not more) busy as your average Joe. So what can we do as consumers (and other small business owners) to help support our local mom & pop shops this holiday season? It’s your lucky day because I’ve compiled a whole list for you. Christmas came early! You’re welcome.
It costs $0 and takes 2 minutes to do one (or more) of the following:
- Follow a small business on social media
- Like one of their posts, stories, etc.
- Share their contact info with friends & family
- Leave a review (Google, The Knot, via email)
- Always be respectful & kind
Reply to emails or DMs
Reply to emails or direct messages even if it’s a “thank you” or “not right now.” Any communication is better than none, and kind communication goes a really long way.
Tag and credit where credit is due
When you share someone else’s work (anywhere, but especially online if they’re there too!), don’t forget to tag them! Anything from photos, products, services, all of it. Visibility matters more than people realize (and sometimes even more than said small business realizes).
Book early or pay deposits on time
When you can, make an effort to book early and/or pay any fees, retainers, or deposits on time. Consistent cash flow is a huge gift to small businesses. After all, you are helping support them in so many ways that you may not even realize (like paying their bills, providing money for rent & a roof over their heads, or feeding their children).
Be patient with turnaround times
Be patient with turnaround times – especially during the busy/busier seasons. Turnaround times may be a little longer due to the busy nature of this time of year. Most small businesses are run by very real humans juggling a lot.
Choose small when gifting
Gift cards, prints, sessions, or products keep local businesses going long after the holidays.
Speak positively about your experience
Speak positively about your experience in conversations, not just online. Word-of-mouth is still incredibly powerful (if not even more so!).
That’s all I’ve got for now! Let me know if you have any thoughts. I’d love any and all feedback!
If something resonated with you or you thought of something else you felt was important to add to this list, please give me a shout below in the comments. And thanks for reading!
XO, Clare
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