I LOVE supporting small businesses. I don’t know if it’s because I’m a small business owner myself, or if it’s something I’ve always enjoyed, but there’s something so special about buying from a small business, and knowing you’re supporting someone else's dream.
As a business owner, I know a lot of people think that supporting a small business means buying from them; but there are countless ways to support a small business without spending a dime!
So, if there’s a small business you want to show some love to, here are five free ways to support small businesses this holiday season, and all throughout the year!
1. TALK ABOUT THEM
One of the easiest ways to support a small business is to talk about it! If it naturally comes up in conversation, mention the business, how you heard about it, and what they do. You never know- it could be the exact thing someone has been looking for.
2. SHARE THE BUSINESS WITH SOMEONE WHO WOULD LOVE IT
How many times have you shared a link to a product, recipe, TikTok, or Instagram post you knew someone would love? When you discover a small business you think someone would love, share it with them! "Hey! Have you heard of Happiest Things Trading Co? I think you would love it!" It's a simple gesture that can go a long way.
3. SHARE A LINK TO THEIR WEBSITE ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA
Another easy way to support a small business is to share their website on your Facebook, Instagram stories, or another platform. You can re-share a post from their page, or share a link to their website with a little bit of background about the business, especially if you have a personal connection to it. It's another small gesture that any small business owner would appreciate!
4. FOLLOW THEM ON SOCIAL MEDIA & ENGAGE WITH THEIR POSTS
Okay, I have strong feelings about this one, so let me get on my soapbox for a second…
I personally believe that your social media feed should be filled with the content YOU want to see. If you genuinely love a business, and are excited to engage with them online, following their social media accounts and engaging with their posts is a great way to show support!
On the other hand, if it’s not your thing, and you don't reallyyy care what they have to say, skip the follow.
Here’s why: on social media, engagement matters. When an account has a high number of followers, and a low level of engagement, it tells that platform’s algorithm to show less of that content. In the long run, being a passive follower can end up hurting a business’s reach, and preventing them from connecting with people who are genuinely interested in what they have to offer.
So, if you’re not planning on interacting with a business online, skip the follow! Remember, there are plenty of other ways to show your support.
5. PIN SOME THEIR PRODUCTS ON PINTEREST
Pinterest is one of my favorite social media platforms (in addition to being the least chaotic IMHO), and it’s the perfect place to share products or content from the small business you want to support. Head over to their website, pin a few products, and maybe make your wishlist while you’re at it. (If you want to follow us on Pinterest, you can do it right here!)
BONUS // 6. JOIN THEIR EMAIL LIST OR REWARDS PROGRAM
Last but not least, if you plan to buy from the business in the future, consider joining their email list, or signing up for their rewards program!
A lot of small businesses share exclusive offers for their email subscribers, and if they have a rewards program, each time you shop you could earn rewards to use on future purchases.
At Happiest Things, we refer to our email subscribers as “Passholders" (you can become one right here), and offer things like shop updates, secret sales, and promos. It’s a small way to show our appreciation, and signing up is a free way to support our shop!
Whether you’re buying their products, or sharing them with friends, small business owners are always grateful for your support!
I hope these tips have inspired you to show small businesses some love this holiday season, and all throughout the year!