How to Support Small Businesses (Even for Free!) While Social Distancing

If there's a small business you love, now is the time to show them some love and support. And it doesn't even have to cost you a penny. Here's how you can support small businesses during tough times.

Of course, if you have the money to spend on something you need, a small business could use it. Small business owners are struggling right now.

Many small businesses have struggled to keep their businesses alive despite social distancing, such as with delivery or pickup options. Still, many struggle to stay afloat. They have to feed families and pay employees. And many self-employed entrepreneurs are not eligible for benefits such as unemployment.

Also, small businesses tend to be more sustainable and unique. They support your local community and often give back to charities more than larger companies. And when you buy from a small business, 48% of that profit goes back to the community, compared to just 14% of profits from large retailers.

I know this post is a bit different from what I usually post. But in this day and age and as an entrepreneur, I felt it was something I needed to share. Because many people just don't know or think about these easy and even free ways you can help.

So here's how you can shop small while social distancing, and even some ways to show support when you don't have money to spend right now.

How to support small businesses (even for free!) with social distancing

This post may contain affiliate links. Affiliate links bring me and my blog a small commission at no extra cost to you. They help keep the site running! Always consult your doctor before attempting any new health, fitness, or beauty routine. Please read my disclaimer for more information.

1. Buy a gift card

This has gotten around a lot on social media, but it's one of the best things you can do. When a shop is closed Support them by receiving a gift certificate. The revenue will now help offset expenses like rent and utilities until they can reopen their doors.

This is especially true for service industries such as hair salons. Many hairdressers are currently completely without income. So if you love your barber, buy a gift certificate from her.

For example, if you live in the Louisville, KY / New Albany, IN area, you can check out my friend's store. Balance Holistic Salon.

2. Refer a friend

All businesses grow through word of mouth. Even if you don't have the means to shop right now, this is an easy way to show support. If you hear a friend say they need something, suggest your favorite local store or a friend's online store.

As if Mother's Day is approaching. Recommend an online Etsy shop, a gift certificate from a boutique near you, or support a friend's side hustle.

A great gift for Mother's Day? Clean beauty products! cashbox Samantha Amaya's beauty counter page.

3. Shop online small and direct

Instead of buying from Amazon, you can Buy directly from the brand? For example, if you need more cream concealer from Au Naturale, you can buy it directly from their website instead. Or, if you need makeup from many brands, you can buy it from a smaller online store like Aillea.

Also, many of your local stores may have set up a way to order online or collect for now. Instead of buying wine from the grocery store, could you support or shop for a local winery instead? I recently did this with my friend's shop, The Breeze Wine Bar. I was going to pick up wine anyway so I ordered a pick up order and got great wines that I wouldn't have tried otherwise.

I support online shops like Aillea, hero of the earthand Package-free shop. Besides that, You can help local nonprofits that support your community. cashbox Children should not go hungrythat helps mentor youth, plant gardens and build hospitality through food in areas of food insecurity.

4. Learn something new – Take a small business owner/blogger class

A lot of people don't know this, however Many bloggers are small business owners. Bloggers typically earn their income in one of four ways: advertising revenue, sales commissions from affiliates, sponsored posts, and sales of their own products.

These products can be physical, services or digital. And many bloggers have their own online store with courses, e-books, and more. Even if it is not their main business, it is usually at least a part-time job and they depend on the income.

Bloggers, freelancers and the online community of entrepreneurs also need support. So if you are able and want to take up a new hobby or learn something new during this time? Support a blogger.

Here are some great small businesses with products or services to check out:

5. Shop through affiliate links

One way to support bloggers and small businesses at no extra cost to you is this Shop their affiliate links. Many bloggers add affiliate links to products they like. And if you click on those links and buy something, they get a small commission from it.

I LOVE for example Muscle Feast protein powder. It's my absolute favorite and it's a good price. So I often share my link to it like I just did. If you clicked on that link and decided to buy it or something else from their store after clicking on that link? I would get a commission for promoting a product I love.

That's true of most bloggers, and it doesn't take anything away from you. So if a blogger shares something and you decide to buy it, give the blogger some love by shopping through their link.

You could check theirs resources page as well as for great suggestions and their favorites.

6. Leave a positive review

If you have previously used a small business product or service, you can leave a positive review about your experience. Reviews are a big factor in making purchasing decisions for others. Even if you can't financially support their business right now, you can help encourage someone else to do so.

The best places for this are on Yelp, Google and Facebook. But every positive comment on a post can also help!

7. Share, share, share

One of the easiest and quickest ways to show some love to a small business, blogger, or friend's page? Share your stuff. Share a blog post, a product, the link to your online order. whatever it is And if you share something, add a positive comment, e.g. B. a mini review. Just sharing without saying anything is good, but if you add a personal touch why You wanted to share it, your network will be more likely to click and support.

Social proof is SO important for small businesses. Sharing, commenting, liking, tweeting, subscribing, following... All these things help in the long run. And they cost you nothing – neither time nor money.

The content you consume online lasts a lot longer than you expect. If you appreciate their hard work, share it! For example, I'm really loving Vanessa Lau's YouTube channel with tips for entrepreneurs.

8. Keep paying it

One thing that strikes me a lot is this lots People have side jobs. They all want support from their network. But... you don't show support to others.

I don't know if it's competitive anxiety, thoughtlessness, or something else. but The best way to start your own business or side business is to support others in their own small businesses.

So be aware of where you could help others and also be aware of those who support you. Is there someone who always shares your stuff on Facebook or Instagram? Grab it and say thank you. Share some of them too. Is there a friend who is smart and could help you craft something you need? Ask if you can pay them for their help.

Pay it up front and good karma will come back to you too.

Which friend or small business can you support today?

9. Order takeout or deliver and tip well

This goes along with many of the tips above. But if you have a favorite local restaurant or small business that offers takeout or delivery, Show them support and place an order if you can. And if you do, be sure to leave a good tip. These people are risking their health to keep their business going and serve the community! show them some love

One of my favorite restaurants is The Dragon King's Daughter — Mexican-Asian fusion! So I often take a picture of my sushi, tag it and share it.

10. Post a picture, tag the location

We are visual creatures, and images and videos are effective path more attention than text. An easy way to help a friend or small business is to Take a picture and tag the location in your feed. Did you like your takeaway order? Take a foodie photo and tag the restaurant. Has a blogger, friend, or small business offered free content or classes to support you at home? Take a photo or video of yourself and tag it.

The same goes for services or venues that thrive on referrals. Like my friends venue, Funxion Events. Tagging that you are planning your wedding and having it at your venue is a great way to show some love.

Your support goes a long way

With these tips, you can support your community, your friends, your favorite bloggers, and more. they help any time, not just now. But more than ever, these people need your support.

What other ways can you support small businesses? Share your thoughts with me in the comments! Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more great fitness and green living video content.

Sharing is caring! If you liked this post, make sure Like, share, pin and tweet!

Check out these other Zero Waste tips and guides:

➼ Gaiam Soft-Grip Eco-friendly yoga mat
➼ Natural cork crescent massage roller
➼ Aether Beauty Zero Waste Summer Solstice Palette - 20% off with code REBELHEARTBEAUTY
➼ Ethique Zero Waste Shampoo Bars
➼ Zero Waste TP with Who Gives a Crap

By: How to Support Small Businesses (Even for Free!) While Social Distancing