Ways to support local businesses, including free ones
Spending matters, but some of the most useful help costs nothing.
Free ways to help
| Action | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Leave an honest review | Reviews help new customers find and trust the business |
| Recommend them by name | Word of mouth is how many small businesses grow |
| Share or comment on their posts | It helps their posts reach more local people |
| Follow them on the platforms they use | You hear about events and offers first |
| Tell the owner what you liked | Owners rarely hear praise directly |
Ways to spend smarter
- Book or order directly when you can. Some third-party apps and booking sites charge the business a fee on each order.
- Buy gift cards from local shops and restaurants for birthdays and holidays.
- Choose local for regular purchases, such as coffee or bread, not only special occasions.
- Hire local for services like repairs, cleaning and fitness.
Be a good customer
- Be patient at busy times. Small teams cannot always add staff.
- Raise problems with the owner first, so they can fix them.
- Show up for reservations and appointments, or cancel early.
How to write a review that helps
- Say what you bought or what service you had.
- Mention one specific thing you liked, such as a person's name or a detail.
- Add a photo if it is allowed and appropriate.
- Keep it honest. If something went wrong, say how it was handled.
Support at work
- Order team lunches and office supplies from local businesses.
- Choose local caterers and printers for events.
- Recommend local service providers to colleagues.
Support with your time
Attend shop events, open days and local markets. A full room at a small event means a lot to an owner, and you often meet the people behind the business.
Run a local business? We help local businesses get found online. Get in touch or call (510) 857-7838.