In our hearts, we all want to support small businesses. But sometimes that involves spending cash we simply don't have.
COVID has impacted so many of us financially. So while our intentions are good, we're being super careful with our dollars.
But actually, if you're one of those people who wants to boycott fast fashion, yet struggles with slow fashion prices, there are ways to support small businesses without spending a cent.
Watch Samantha Longmore's Lady Startup Story. Post continues after video.
Here are five ways you can give your favourite Lady Startups a boost, without evening opening your wallet.
1. Social Media Engagement.
Let's face it, our screen time is probably at an all-time high right now - so might as well use those minutes (or, let's be real, hours) to follow, like and comment on the pages of small businesses in need.
Fill your feed with Lady Startups by following their accounts. And like their posts - double taps cost nothing after all.
Leave a meaningful comment and show them some love. Every bit of engagement with their account helps the social media algorithm favour their content, so it gets placed in front of people who may just be potential customers.
2. Social Media Promotion.
If you have purchased products from a small business or have used their services, shout about it online - and don't forget to tag the business. They can use your positive reviews to promote their business in the future.
3. Word of Mouth Recommendations.
There’s no better referral than word-of-mouth. Step outside the apps for a second and talk about all the talented Lady Startups you’ve stumbled across to your friends and family. Strangers, even. Having real-life conversations where you are showing support for small businesses will help keep them top-of-mind.
Because sometimes, the hardest part about being a small business, is getting your name out there. So, if you absolutely love a brand or you’ve had a really wholesome experience with them, don’t be shy.
Shout it from the rooftops!
While you're here, listen to Lady Startup Stories, where on this episode Mia shares her five biggest tips before starting a business. Post continues after podcast.
4. Leave a Review.
Google Reviews are golden.
Why? Well, there's a thing called SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) which basically controls where a website is placed and ranked on the search engine results pages.
Say you’re a business that sells red hats. If your mum Googles 'red hats', you want your website to come up first.
Having positive Google Reviews is a sure-fire way to bump up that ranking, so get typing.
5. Put it on Your Wishlists.
Just because YOU can’t buy yourself a Lady Startup product or service, doesn’t mean you can’t get someone ELSE to buy it for you. Add the Lady Startup products you like to your wishlists. You now have a plan of action for when the awkward 'what would you like for your birthday' question pops up from your loved ones.
You can milk this one for all the celebrations… anniversaries, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, you name it.
And if you are someone who sometimes fantasises about quitting your 9-5 and becoming your own boss, we're here to tell you that your fantasy... isn't unrealistic.
The Lady Startup Activation Plan has all the resources, guidance and support you need to take your business idea and turn it into a living, breathing business.
If you're interested, you can enrol for the Activation Plan online course here.
Feature Image: Getty / Mamamia.
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