How To Support Small and Local Businesses on Social Media Without Spending Any Money

Has anyone asked you how you are feeling lately? 

Strange situations, like the one we currently find ourselves in, can make everything seem a little off. One week we are feeling fantastic and in control and the next, we are down and unsure how to combat self-isolation. This is expected and very normal, so trust us when we say you’re not alone. 

Over the last month, our team has been working remotely from home, discovering new ways to communicate on a regular basis, as well as discussing new ways to support our clients as much as we can in this newfound world. This opened up the discussion of how we are able to help local and small businesses without spending money. What different means are there of showing support and appreciation?

So here is a breakdown of all the different ways you can show the love to your favourite local businesses, brands, artists and more. 

GIVE THEM A FOLLOW 

And by follow, we don’t mean follow them around like a spy on a mission! Giving your favourite restaurants, boutique stores and brands a page like on Facebook or a follow on Instagram will mean more to them than you may think. The more people they are able to connect with the more people will be able to see what they can do for others in the community, and it only takes a second or two. While you are at it, why not invite your friends too? Facebook has made it super easy to invite all your friends in one go to some of your favourite pages on Facebook. 

1. Go to your Facebook Fan Page
2. On the right-hand side under ‘Community’ click on ‘Invite your friends to like this page’
3. A pop up will appear, click ‘Select All’
4. Lastly, click ‘Send Invites’

It’s that easy and costs $0.00. 

MAKE SURE TO LIKE THEIR STUFF

Yep, this is an easy one, but it is something everyone forgets to do. It might seem insignificant to like your friend’s business post about their latest sale, or maybe your favourite artist has just put up a new post on Instagram. Whatever it may be, be sure to give it the thumbs up or double-tap to show them the love. And if you want to go the extra mile be sure to leave them a comment. 

You might see that a lot of businesses will have a call to action in some of their social media posts. Things like “let us know in the comments below” or “what was your favourite … “ they aren’t just trying to make small talk, they are reaching out to better understand their clientele. They want to know how to make you happy, but don’t forget to keep them smiling in return with a simple like or comment.  

SHARE IT WITH THE WORLD

Just like inviting all your friends to follow your favourite businesses on Facebook, sharing a post to your personal platform is just as powerful. Not only is it a great tool for sharing content across the globe with ease but it is a cost-effective way of connecting with new people. Sharing a post to your platform will allow your friends and family to see what they have to offer without them needing to like their page. This may also encourage your friends to go and follow them for more posts and allow the business to gain a wider audience. To share a post you see on your news feed:

1. Below a post, click Share in the bottom right.
2. Select where you want to share the post. Depending on the post’s privacy settings, you may see the following options: Share Now. The post will be shared to your News Feed and timeline with your current privacy settings.  

As well as sharing to your personal Facebook profile, Facebook now gives you the option to share into groups that you may be a part of. For instance, if you see a special post for baby items from a brand that you love and trust, you can share this with your mother’s chat group on Facebook knowing that some of the other mums would love to check out the sale. All you have to do is share a post to get the word out!

WRITE THEM A REVIEW 

Just like word of mouth, having a good recommendation does wonders. When most people are looking for what to purchase next, or are deciding upon a new restaurant to try, most customers will look for reviews to encourage their purchase. Leaving a comment in the review section will add to their customer profile and if you aren’t that great with words, that’s okay, all you need to do is select how many stars you would like to leave. Leaving a 5-star review is better than no review at all. 

To write a review for your favourite businesses:

1. Visit the Facebook Page that you wish to write a review for.
2. Click On The Stars. You will see a star rating under the cover image on the left-hand side of the page timeline. 
3. Select the ‘Write a Review’ button. 
4. Write your review. 
5. Press ‘Submit’.

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK-IN

You might be trapped at home at the moment but that doesn’t mean the check-in function on Facebook is out of bounds. In actual fact, it’s a great tool to use to show off your appreciation for some of your favourite restaurants right now! When it gets to the weekend we know that not everyone likes to get their hands dirty in the kitchen and often opt for the easier option of ordering out. This weekend when you order from your favourite takeout try checking in with them on Facebook to show your support and get their name out into the world. 

So if you have a friend or family that has a Facebook Business Page or you have a list of some local small businesses you wish to shout out, why not get online now and give them some love! It will mean more than the world to them.