How to support a small business let me count the ways…..

If you listen to the news, and even if you haven’t, you can’t fail to notice that the economy isn’t in a great place right now. Lots of people are really struggling, despite this, 101 new businesses were created every hour in the UK in the first half of 2023. Of those, up to 20% won’t make it through the first year.

So what, you say? If a person spends £100 at a small local business, it is estimated that about 65% of that stays in the local economy, which can’t be a bad thing. Small businesses, too, are brave enough to have unique and niche goods and services. Unlike the big businesses that tend to follow trends, small business goods are not mass produced but more likely to be innovative and creative. They can offer one-offs and limited editions, unusual and special, tailored and customised, uniqueness with a personal touch. Wouldn’t it be nice if the high street were full of interesting small businesses rather than just, charity shops, nail bars and bookies?

Small businesses are much more likely to offer a more personal shopping experience. As the business owners are right there listening to their customers, they can offer what their customers what they are wanting. People will end up choosing to work with or buy from a business because they feel a connection with the owner, something big business can never really replicate. I can confirm that talking to my customers is one of my greatest pleasures, and I hope that the experience is nice for my customers too. Even if you buy from their on-line shop, it might not arrive the next day, but it will arrive with a thank you note, because every customer and every sale is important.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstone of our communities." - Barack Obama, former US President

"Small businesses are the engine of our economy and the heartbeat of our communities." - Karen Mills, former Administrator of the Small Business Administration

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy and the heart of our communities." - Richard Branson, Founder of Virgin Group

How can you support your local small businesses

1.       It doesn’t have to be expensive to give your support. Social media is a very important part of a small business’ advertising strategy, but nothing is straight forward. Engaging with a small business owners’ content really makes a difference to how many people see their posts. Every single follow, like, share & comment tells the Instagram and Facebook algorithms that the content is relevant and puts it in front of more eyes.

2.       Share the business on-line and in person to friends and family and strangers, quite honestly. Referrals are a game-changer. And if someone comes into your shop who has been referred and they buy something… you are feeling 15ft tall as you do your little happy dance!

3.       Tag a friend. You never know who might be in a shopping mood.

4.       Post a picture and give them a shout out. If you do decide to purchase something, share a quick pic. The more they get their name out there the better.

5.       Cheer them on! Running a small business, especially when it’s just you, is really, really hard. We have to wear so many hats, lots of which don’t really fit. A kind message, a thank you note, a text message or whatsapp, really helps when imposter syndrome hits.

6.       Buying from an independent brand often means spending more money. That’s because they’re not mass produced and it costs more to produce high-quality things ethically.

7.       Pay full price. Yes, really.  Don’t ask for a discount, their margins are much tighter than a big companies and if you wouldn’t ask in a department store, don’t ask a small business. All their time, love and creativity has gone into the design and creation of the item that you are purchasing, don’t cheapen it.

“Celebrity makes $80+ million a year, you will never meet them. You pay them full price or extra for what they sell. A small business owner makes $25K – $100K a year, they live next door, and you want a discount. – Anonymous”

8.       Small business owners aren’t daft, we know that you can’t buy everything from us. Buy your groceries from the super market, but go to the Farmer’s market for some special oils, or jams. Get a special little salt and pepper shaker from the local potter. Buy your wall art from local artists rather than mass produced furniture outlets and brighten your walls with unique art work.

9.       If possible, buy and wear or use their merchandise. There may be t-shirts, hats, mugs, water bottles or tote bags. Support your local business again and again by using it.

10.   So many people check out all the reviews before making a purchase, so reviews are very important. I am certainly guilty of not leaving a review and I will be making more of an effort in the new year.  In fact nine of out ten people look at reviews before making a purchase. Reviews, generate word-of-mouth marketing and add credibility to a small business’s reputation. 

Even leaving a review about the company’s excellent staff members, the quality of its products or just the vibe in the shop will all make a difference. Do it on Google and do it on Facebook.

11.   Buy gift cards - Buying a gift card from a local business and gifting it is an easy way to put cash into your favourite shop and promote them at the same time.  It might not be used straight away, but the immediate revenue could help a small business stay alive. A gift card is a physical promise that you’re supporting that business. Plus, it’s a wonderful present to give someone.

12.   Sign up for the Newsletters, its another free way to show your appreciation. Small businesses often have offers and promotions, and the newsletter subscribers are always the first to know. I know my subscribers are.

13.   Be an unofficial brand ambassador. Word of mouth is powerful and you never know how networking can impact their business or what doors it can open.

14.   If possible, attend their exhibitions, craft fairs and shows. There are lots of interesting small businesses there.

15.   It is absolutely free to be an advocate for a friend who is running a small business.  And if you’re willing to do it for David Beckham or Dua Lipa, shouldn’t you also do it for your friend?

Unless small businesses are actively supported, they can’t thrive and they will lose out to big business. If you want to keep small businesses around, it's not enough to just like it or check it out, but you need to invest in it and spend your money with them. That money won't be going to a big CEO or funding sweatshop labour. The money spent with small businesses goes to hard-working makers, creators, entrepreneurs, families and communities. Showing your appreciation says that you want them to stay around and that you believe small business matters and that you support the ethics and methods of that business.

"Small business isn't for the faint of heart. It's for the brave, the patient, and the persistent. It's for the overcomer." – Unknown

And finally, to everyone who has supported Gallerie Schmetterling over the last year.