3 ideas to help small businesses during the pandemic

Posted on November 18, 2020November 19, 2020 by Matt Todd

We’ve heard it over and over again. Right? Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. Some say they’re the lifeblood of our economy. Whatever you want to call them, I think we can agree that small business are pretty important for our communities.

We also know that small business are struggling during this pandemic. Many of those small businesses are closing their doors for good. Those who have managed to weather the storm thus far still face a tumultuous future.

What can we do to stem the tide? What can we do to help our neighbors survive, and maybe even thrive in this crazy time? I can think of three things that we can easily do. They might not make things perfect, but they should help keep local small businesses open.

I mean, it should help some, anyway. And every little bit helps. Right?

Hopefully more small businesses will be able to keep their open signs on.

3 ways you can help small businesses right now

1. Order takeout or curbside

This one’s easy. I’m sure you already know this is an option. And most small businesses have had plenty of time to perfect their takeout and curbside service. Many are good at what they do. So use their services. It’s really that easy.

And while we’re at it, please consider tipping the people who serve you, just like you’d tip them if you were dining in. Even if it’s “just” handing you a bag. Because times are tough. And every little bit helps.

2. Buy gift cards

Another way to support small businesses is by buying gift cards. Why’s that? It’s like a mini interest-free loan that you’re giving to the small business owner. Seriously. You’re giving them free money. I mean, selling just gift cards probably won’t be enough to keep a business afloat. But every little bit helps,

3. Leave a positive review

Leave positive reviews for small businesses.

Did you have a good experience when you picked up something curbside from your local art establishment? Tell people about it! Did the local restaurant do a great job on your order? Tell people about it!

Seriously.

Tell. people. about. good. experiences.

People have been weaponizing their reviews for years. We’ve seen it quite a bit when people have disagreed with a company’s political stance. And we’ve seen it happen a whole lot more in the midst of pandemic-related restrictions. A local coffeehouse recently received a negative review because they required the customers to wear facemasks. They left a negative review and claimed that the employee “spit in my friend’s drink.” The company handled it well. And now they even sell mugs that have “Spit Free since 2005” printed on them. Well-played, Strange Brew. Well-played.

When people are unhappy, they’re likely to complain – even if their complaint is baseless like the above example. I get it. They’re on edge. We all are. So it makes sense that people are more likely to leave a negative review than they are to leave a positive review.

Think about it. When’s the last time you left a positive review on anything – even a really good experience?

I read somewhere that it takes approximately four five-star reviews to make up for a single one-star review. You want to help local small businesses? Leave honest, positive reviews after your experience with one of them. Let’s start canceling out the negative overreactions.

Yelp, Google, Facebook, you pick! Leave a review on any site you choose.

It’s a small thing.

Matt Todd

Howdy. I'm Matt. My wife, Christy, and I have four kids and two dogs, I'm passionate about orphan care. I'm a die-hard fan of the Evansville Aces, the Indiana Hoosiers, and Star Wars. I'm trying to live life by the Todd family motto: "It behooves us to live!"