Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities, offering unique products, personalized services, and a local touch that big corporations simply can’t match. However, in today’s digital age, small businesses face the challenge of standing out and growing their customer base online. American Express, while a major corporation, does encourage communities to spend locally to support small businesses. However, supporting these businesses doesn’t have to involve spending money; a few small actions on social media can have a tremendous impact. Here are 7 easy ways to support small businesses on social media for free:
1. Follow Them on Social Media
One of the simplest ways to support a small business is by following their social media accounts. Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok, every new follower helps boost their visibility. Algorithms often favor accounts with a higher follower count, increasing the chances their posts will reach more people.
2. Like Their Posts
Engagement matters! When you like a post, it signals to the platform’s algorithm that the content is valuable, making it more likely to appear in others’ feeds. A simple double-tap or thumbs-up can go a long way.
3. Comment on Their Posts
Take a moment to leave a positive comment. Whether it’s a “This looks amazing!” or a “Can’t wait to try this,” your interaction helps increase engagement and shows potential customers that people love their offerings.
4. Tag Friends
If you see a product, service, or post that a friend might like, tag them in the comments. It’s an easy way to introduce the business to a new audience and potentially gain them a new customer.
5. Share Their Posts
Sharing is caring! By sharing a post to your story or feed, you’re amplifying the business’s reach. Your followers will see the content, and it might resonate with someone who’s never heard of the business before.
6. Leave Positive Reviews
Online reviews are incredibly influential. If you’ve had a great experience with a small business, take a few minutes to leave a glowing review on platforms like Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Positive reviews build credibility and encourage others to give the business a try.
7. Spread the Word
Word of mouth remains one of the most powerful forms of marketing. Mention the business to your friends and family, or share their social media handle when you’re recommending their products or services.
Why Your Support Matters
Small businesses often operate on tight budgets, making it challenging for them to invest in extensive marketing campaigns. Your support on social media helps them:
- Increase Visibility: More engagement means more people see their content.
- Build Trust: Positive comments and reviews create social proof.
- Grow Their Following: A larger audience can lead to increased sales and opportunities.
- Stay Competitive: In a crowded digital space, every bit of engagement helps them stand out.
When small businesses thrive, communities flourish. By taking just a few moments to support them on social media, you’re contributing to their growth and ensuring that they can continue to offer the unique products and services that make them so special.
So next time you’re scrolling through your feed, take a moment to follow, like, comment, and share. Your small actions can make a big difference! As a small business ourselves, we can certainly confirm how the free support is so important. Touch of New England, like our business partners, appreciate any support you can offer. Remember, these 7 easy ways to support small businesses on social media are free.
And if you are a small business owner, if you haven’t yet, please consider resources from the Small Business Association. They offer tremendous support and solutions to support your business.
~Angela
