27 Mar Show kindness and support a small business through COVID-19
I’ll start by saying this is a blog post I never thought I’d have to write. Never in a million years did I think I’d have to temporarily close the salon due to a global pandemic. But here we are! I’m trying to keep myself busy, find ways to promote my business and focus on the future. As the saying goes, ‘this too shall pass’ and we’ve got to continue thinking positively, despite all of the uncertainty caused by COVID-19 right now.
For small, independent businesses, like my salon, survival is difficult at the best of times. Let alone when you have to cease trading for an unknown period. And while the UK government is putting measures in place to help relieve some of the financial burden, the continued support of our customers is the key to weathering this catastrophic storm.
With this in mind, I’ve decided to share several ways you can support small businesses during COVID-19. Even if you can just do one of these things, your kindness and generosity will make a huge difference.
How to support businesses during COVID-19
Buy a gift voucher for after COVID-19
If you have the money spare, consider purchasing a gift voucher from a small, independent business. It’ll provide them with immediate financial help while they’re in difficulty, and you’ll be able to enjoy their product or services, once this is all over.
If you think about it, purchasing a gift voucher from the salon you usually visit monthly or a restaurant you dine at regularly, won’t cost you any more than you’d usually spend. Sure, you won’t reap the benefits until later but it’s a great way to show a little kindness to a business you care about at this difficult time.
*I’m currently adding an extra £5 credit to all £50 gift vouchers purchased as a way of saying thank you for your support. I’ve also extended expiry dates on all gift vouchers for 15 months so you can enjoy your treatments once we’ve made it through the Coronavirus outbreak.*
Buy products online
The majority of small, independent businesses will have temporarily closed their shops, salons and restaurants to comply with the current government restrictions, however this doesn’t mean they can’t trade online.
As most couriers are still operating, small businesses are able to sell their products via their own websites and social media. Take a look and see what they have to offer!
Rather than heading to a big website (you know which ones I mean) to buy the product you need, consider whether you can buy it from a small, independent business instead. If you can’t see what you’re after on their website, give them a call or drop them an email and I’m certain they’ll go the extra mile to help you. It’s never been more important to shop local.
*Now you’ve got a little more time for yourself, if you’re after some new beauty, skincare and tanning products, please take a look at my online store. I’ll be sharing star products and offers on my Facebook and Instagram, so keep an eye out. Do you need a product recommendation for your skin type? Require help with a particular skin concern? Please drop me a message. I’m more than happy to help!*
Leave a positive review
Not in a position to contribute financially? That’s completely understandable. Things are difficult right now, and I’d never want to encourage anyone to spend money they didn’t have spare.
There are ways you can support small businesses during COVID-19 for free though! One is by leaving a positive review.
Yes, by reviewing your favourite businesses online, you can help them without spending a single penny.
Reviews can be left on Google, independent websites and social media. People often read reviews before making a purchase or using a business’ services these days. The more positive reviews they have (as long as they’re deserved) the better! It’ll encourage more people to visit them or buy from them, once they’re open again in the future.
Positive reviews can also influence a website’s search rankings. The more positive reviews they have, the more likely search engines are to rank a business’ website higher for their related keywords. The higher they rank, the more likely people are to click on them and make a purchase!
All it’ll cost you is a few minutes of your time.
Share on social media
Another way you can support local businesses through COVID-19 is by interacting with, and sharing their social media posts. It’s become second nature for most people to share things on social media, so why not take the time to support a small business?
A ‘like’ and share on Facebook, a comment and story share on Instagram and a quick re-tweet on Twitter can make all the difference. It’ll remind your friends and followers about a business or introduce them to someone new. You never know, they may then go on to buy from or visit in the future.
Again, social media interactions and sharing can also help a business to improve their search engine optimisation. This is very important, particularly at a time where they are focusing more on their online sales.
And remember, it won’t cost a thing!
Show your support and spread kindness
Whether you can do one or all of these things to support a small business, your kindness will make a difference. At the moment, we don’t quite know how long it is until we’re open again. The uncertainty is a huge worry for us all. But if we stick together (despite having to be physically apart) we will get through this. Here’s to a much brighter future.
Your loyalty won’t be forgotten.
Becky x
Can you think of any more ways we can all support small businesses right now? Please leave a comment below!