I have watched, and encouraged, as friends and clients alike take major risks to become their own boss. Small businesses comprise the backbone of our communities and are the parts of our cities we often cherish most. This virus outbreak threatens the livelihood of so many brick and mortar locations with mandated closings across the country and world. Online creators, or those without physical products, are likewise impacted with a slow in online traffic to sites, overall reduction in spending, and general panic in the wake of the unknown. Below, you’ll find a list of actions you can take as a consumer to support small and local businesses, particularly the ones that thrive online. Further, there is a short list of actions business owners can take right now to redirect income and find support.
This isn’t a popular opinion being vocalized widely right now, and I’ve wrestled with sharing it here because it doesn’t sound the most selfless. We absolutely need stories of heroism, kindness, and generosity right now. BUT, if you are personally in financial hardship or your livelihood has been severely threatened, do not give recklessly. I know the kindest folks are often creators and small businesses themselves or have once struggled, and therefore understand better than anyone some of the dire situations plaguing our communities now. We have more opportunities to spend and financially support others thrust into our faces and phones vying for our attention than ever before – because nearly every small business you know and love is personally impacted right now. I have already witnessed firsthand selfless restaurant owners, small businesses, crafters, photographers, and more giving beyond their means in this crisis and putting their own well-being at greater risk.
Selfless acts are essential right now, but no one is in a position to effectively support others if they are not well, nourished, and stable themselves. There are countless ways to support our communities and those in need without financial contributions if you are facing hardship yourself. Recommendations I make towards spending are aimed at individuals who are financially stable and those still being paid as expected by their employers. Do not jeopardize your own or your family’s basic needs to buy a gift card from your favorite bar. Share a Facebook post instead. Read on for tips for consumers and businesses alike that also include free ways to support.
Right now, consumers can:
- Schedule phone or virtual consulting time in which you pay online creators or small business owners to give you insight to business management, getting started, industry-specific marketing, etc. Ask them for a fixed amount of time to “pick their brain” and compensate them based on rates they set. If your favorite online innovator doesn’t typically offer these services, inquire now. They may not realize this is a viable stream of revenue for them.
- Shop with affiliate links. Thinking about buying ANYTHING online, right now? Message on online creator for shopping links to the product you’d like to buy. They will make a small amount of commission on your purchase. Using the link costs you nothing.
- Be vocal and tell your online creators what you’re interested in seeing from them during this time of quarantine. They will listen and provide content that caters to your desires. Responds to polls and questions when creators ask what content you’ll actually consume.
- Buy gift cards and certificates for future gifts, not just for use immediately after this crisis is over. Immediate purchasing of gift cards will keep small businesses afloat in the interim, but an influx of gift card usage after quarantine ends will create another wave of low to no immediate income. As you can, purchase tangible items from online storefronts for gifts needed throughout the year if you don’t have funds available for personal shopping.
- Share social media posts. While sharing content you love is helpful at any time, specifically share details and changes to service procedures for the businesses you love. Having access to your online audience, in addition to theirs, will provide more opportunities for those who are able to financially support those creators and small businesses to see what’s available. If you are purchasing, tell your own digital community about your experience and what you picked up.
- Leave reviews on Facebook pages and Google, send testimonials about your experiences via email that can be shared on websites or in social media captions. Provide thoughtful responses in full sentences. Doing so allows business owners to use unique and personalized reviews across multiple platforms.
- Allow ads to play on video content on platforms like YouTube and Facebook instead of skipping or click an ad that displays in a content creator’s article. They will likely make commission based on viewership and clicks.
- Buy digital products such as e-books, how-to guides, and workbooks. Contact-less transactions via digital purchasing mitigates virus spread and gets you something useful in exchange for your financial contribution.
- Avoid asking for refunds for products or future services, if possible. Consider rescheduling any cancellation instead of asking for the amount you paid to be returned if something you paid for has been delayed in delivery.
- Buy from someone’s essentials list. Creators, small businesses, and nonprofits alike can make Amazon Wish Lists. Ask for someone you support’s direct link or ask them to create one so you can purchase supplies for them directly if they are in a time of financial hardship to ensure your money goes where you want it to.
- Make a future marketing plan that includes digital creators and influencer marketing. In your downtime, if you can make decisions or recommendations within your own company, ask that upcoming marketing plans includes these individuals in the future. Influencer marketing is a viable career, as so many have proven, but depends on companies continuing to value this work.
What Small Businesses and Online Creators Can Do Right Now
- Halt all scheduled social media posts and email campaigns. They might sound tone deaf at the moment. Review all content before it goes out to make sure it is still relevant in a crisis. Advise any virtual assistants or support staff accordingly.
- Let folks know what you need. If you’re in need of resources, supplies, dollars, make it known. Use your digital platforms to be vocal and be direct. Likewise, share your appreciation and gratitude publicly for those who support you.
- Create virtual educational opportunities to generate income. Whether you open digital office hours, create an online class, make a digital product or eBook, you can convert your knowledge into a purchasable product to alleviate financial strain.
- Create buy now, redeem later exclusive deals for clients that will enticing to purchase.
