So how can we play our part in protecting the small businesses we love?
Just look at how much one sale means to a small business during these challenging times, to help them afloat we need to not only appreciate the services they provide but we also need to think outside the box and up our fame when it comes to supporting the local.
Most of us have something to offer that could prove a valuable asset to a small business owner. And with social lives restricted, you might also have a lot of free time on your hands.
If you have the skill set, you could consider volunteering your time to help local businesses adapt and build a presence online, be it through social media or an eCommerce extension to a physical store. Web development, graphic design, photography, social media strategy - they’re all skills that could really help local businesses, since many of them don’t have the capital to pay out for professional services right now.
If there’s one thing we’re all able to easily offer, it’s free exposure. By engaging with their social media content, you help small businesses reach a much wider audience.
Most have boosted their social media efforts this year, sharing critical business updates like temporary closures or changes to hours and services. And retailers without eCommerce functionality are marketing products on Facebook and Instagram.
Sharing this content with your own network takes a matter of seconds, but it means the world to a small business owner, giving them greater reach and greater potential.
If you’ve seen Google’s latest ad campaign for local reviews, you’ll know what they can do for a small business.
It’s a sad fact that most of us will only leave a review unprompted if we’ve had a negative experience. But now’s definitely the time to remedy that and start sharing our positive feedback. In doing so, we give other consumers greater insight into the quality of products and services available locally, helping them make informed decisions.
Even better, when these positive reviews are shared across social platforms, they create a community of loyal customers, supporting small business owners in generating engagement and trust.
In a nutshell, more reviews means more stars, increased local business visibility and a trusted reputation.
Have you shopped with a local or independent business lately? Why not lend a hand and share your experience by leaving them a review.
Whatever your own situation, we can all find ways to help out small businesses. And of course, if you feel comfortable doing so, one of the best things you can do right now is to show your support by buying local, helping to get our high streets back better than before.
At REVIEWS.io, we’re building a community of trusted brands through the collection of honest, authentic feedback. We aim to create a platform built on total transparency, encouraging business to learn from and respond to negative reviews as well as celebrating the positive.
We’re committed to creating the best possible experience for both the consumer and the businesses that trust us to collect reviews on their behalf. If you want to know more visit our local reviews page for more information or contact our support team via live chat.