Keeping Small Businesses Open for Business, Is Good For Business. Join the groups Open in Auburn, CA and Auburn - Events, Classes & Things to do.
2. They've been there for us. Let's be there for them. When you need to stock up on necessities, shop from local businesses, both online and offline. Take the precautions when going out, but try to shop at local businesses — from hardware stores to arti
san co-ops and clothing shops — instead of larger chains. If your local stores have online shops, consider shopping from them while you hunker down at home.
3. Buy a gift card for a friend – and encourage them to buy for someone else. Even if you don’t need a new anything yourself right now you can still support the businesses you love by purchasing gift cards or gift certificates for a friend. Ask your friend to “pay it forward” by buying gift cards for their friends.
4. Order delivery or takeout from neighborhood restaurants. Picking a night or two (or more, no judgment) will help support workers in the service industry. (and tip a little extra - a few extra bucks here and there will go a long way). Try calling the restaurant or ordering directly from their website rather than third-party apps so the business can avoid fees.
5. Social media support. Most small businesses have some form of social media. Share their posts so those in your circle can see it and support, too. This doesn’t cost you anything more than a click and it may encourage support from others in the community. These actions help them to get more notice on both social media and with popular search engines where customers look for their services.
6. Visit a local artisan’s shop. If you’re looking for something unique or uncommon, small artisan co-op shops are the way to go.
7 Shop at niche groceries and local farms, and farmer’s markets. Farmers sell locally-grown produce in roadside stands and in a spacious, open-air settings known as farmers markets. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the best ways to keep our immune systems strong when we need it most!
8. Buy books from your local indie bookshop. Fill your extra time at home with a good book from a smaller independent bookstore
9. Leave a positive review. If there’s a local business you frequent that you love, leave them a good review, which can lead to more potential customers and more business. Post photos generously, and don’t forget to tag the business on a big network such as Facebook, Google, Yelp, etc.
10. Share your favorite shops and restaurant in your social networks. When you find an online small or local business that provides great products and service, share that with your networks on social media. Word of mouth is a great way to drive traffic to online stores, and the business owners will appreciate the extra amplification.
11. Buy holiday gifts from small businesses. Some of the best gifts are from locally owned businesses. Gifts given from small, locally owned businesses tend to be unique and even hand-crafted. Quit giving run of the mill gifts that anyone can buy at big box stores and give a gift that requires thought.”
12. Shop small online. Don’t forget that many small businesses are also accessible online, via eCommerce platforms. Even if you can’t shop in person … take a look at online stores. Any little bit helps.
13. Treat yourself. It’s normal to feel stressed right now. It’s okay to be exhausted. It’s okay to take some time out for yourself. Purchase all your self-care treats from a small business, and help relieve some of their stress, too.
14. Redecorate your home. How many of you have discovered just how out of date your home is these past few weeks? (I, for one, am raising my hand.) There are plenty of smaller, local retailers that sell unique, high-quality furniture. And if you just want to refresh your decor, you can find that too!
15. Entertain the kids. If you’re looking for new ways to entertain your kids while they’re stuck inside, check for specialty stores for toys, games, learning tools, and more.
16. Sign up for a subscription service. Artisan and/or CSA (community-supported agriculture) subscription services have been on the rise for several years now, and they’re a great way to support small businesses. Subscription often include products from small businesses or artisans who don’t yet have broad brand awareness, and these opportunities for visibility can be priceless for them.
17. Donate to the arts. If you are financially able, consider donating the money that you would have spent on tickets to live performances or exhibition tickets to artist organizations, arts nonprofits, and artists instead.
18. Buy artwork directly from an artist online. Although you are not able to go to art studios or galleries in person or attend art openings, you can still view work online. In fact, you are probably spending a lot more time online now. Buying art online is increasingly the norm and connecting to artists directly has never been easier.
