5 Ways To Support A Small Business

How Can You Make A Real Difference For Small Businesses?

In the ever-evolving world of retail, small businesses hold a special place in our communities. They are the heart and soul of local economies, offering unique products and personalized services from friendly faces who know your name. And yet, small businesses are facing the perfect storm of challenges. Labour shortages, expanded competition from online giants, increased commercial rent prices, supply chain disruptions, oodles of digital marketing complexities, and a general lack of consumer patience. It's tough out there, folks! And so now, more than ever, it is time to consider your community shops and send them some love. If you're a Green Kiss client, you're already a community champion (yay, you!), and you know there isn't some faceless CEO somewhere, but a person with a dream providing an experience uniquely designed by them (get to know Meg here). While shopping with small businesses is an obvious way to show support, there are other impactful actions you can take that don't strain your finances or disrupt your routine. Here are five meaningful ways to support your favourite small businesses without spending a dime.

1) Leave a Google Review

One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to support a small business is by leaving a Google review. Positive reviews significantly boost a company's online presence, enhancing SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and building trust among potential customers. If you've had a great experience with a local business, take a few minutes to share your honest feedback to boost their credibility. This small act is entirely free and can have a lasting impact on a business you love. Sharing is caring! 

2) Write Product Reviews on Their Website

Product reviews enhance the SEO on specific product pages, making them more likely to appear in search results to guide others in making informed buying decisions. They can also improve a company's product offerings based on your insights. Our Green Kiss regulars often express how our product testimonials have influenced their choices, providing wisdom into how products cater to specific skin types or concerns. Not sure what we mean? Check out the 37 5-star-reviews on our best selling foundation! Writing a product review is a simple and cost-free way to support a small business. 
Psssst. You have to have at least tried the product to leave an honest review. On our site, simply pull up the product page and click on 'Write a review.' Et voilà! 

3) Social Media Interactions

Engaging with small businesses on social media can significantly amplify their reach. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook rely on engagement to boost a brand's visibility. By liking, commenting, and sharing posts, you help small businesses reach a wider audience. You can also tag friends in posts, introducing them to products or services (like our makeup consultations, which are fully customizable. Neat, hey? Think of each of these interactions on social media as a 'digital word-of-mouth' recommendation. This form of support doesn't require a purchase, making it an accessible way to show appreciation for heart-led businesses. 

4) Tell Your Friends

Spill the tea! Word of mouth remains one of small businesses' most effective marketing tools. Passing along the details of a great find from person to person, forwarding marketing emails, sharing an informative blog post - your personal endorsement expands a small business's reach. Spread the word! Tell your family and friends about products you're happy with. We love this one at The Green Kiss. Our loyal customer base is always sending us their friends!

5) Swap 'Auto-Reorders' for Local Alternatives

Before clicking 'Place Order' on your recurring purchase through an e-commerce giant, find out whether a local retailer offers the same or a similar item. Sourcing local alternatives to swap out routine purchases significantly benefits small businesses. For example, if you frequently buy honey at a chain grocery store, consider sourcing it from a local vendor with a human touch like Country Bee Honey Farm, opt for fresh produce from family-run places like The Rootcellar, pick up coffee beans at your local coffee shop - you'll be surprised at how cost-efficient this is! A gold star goes to you for keeping your money circulating within your community. 

Our Takeaway

Supporting small businesses doesn't mean spending more money. It's about making conscious choices to find places that align with your values. Simple steps like leaving reviews, engaging on social media, and swapping your recurring orders for amazing local finds make an enormous difference. The positive ripple effects of your support can be felt throughout your community, making it a better place to live and shop. We are brimming with gratitude for you, our Green Kiss Community members!