The global phenomenon of COVID-19 has been significantly affecting many people, including small business owners. Policies such as lockdown force small businesses to come up with new strategies to survive amid this uncertain situation. They also have to think about how to help their customers access their products.
In this trying time, mainstream media or social platforms don't usually put the spotlight on small businesses. Therefore, we need to put our emphasis on this party and spread awareness. Specifically, on how people can help each other as small business owners and customers.
Use small business alternatives for your regular purchase
When there are alternative solutions or brands for things that you regularly use, it is a good idea to start considering them. This is especially true when you have access to local alternatives made by small businesses. You may have to compromise little aspects in your purchase, like buying a different-smelling bar soap than your regular ones, but your little sacrifice can mean a lot to these local businesses.
Spread words about your purchasing experience
When you decide to make a shift in your purchases from big brands to smaller ones, make sure to share your experience with other people. Not only is this a fun way to interact with closed ones, but this is also a very helpful tool that can benefit small businesses.
Promote on your personal social media platforms
When you are making a purchase with local businesses, sharing your experience through social media could be really helpful. There are many ways to do it, and even social media platforms are coming up with new features to make it more user-friendly. For example, Instagram now has a Support Small Business sticker that can be used on Instagram Stories. This helpful feature is provided by Instagram to help small businesses navigate through the coronavirus pandemic and you can chip in the campaign by using the feature effectively.
Engage with their social media campaign
By interacting with small businesses through their social media platform, you are helping their brand to stay alive. This is such a win-win solution because social media campaigns can be both fun and informative. Who knows, you might also get something tangibly positive out of this–like, free stuff as part of the campaigns.
Tip when you can
Small business owners are struggling during this trying time, but their employees might be even in worse conditions. In many cases, you might have the opportunity to tip small business employees. When this opportunity arises, make sure to spare your fortune with them. Every dime counts!