6 big ideas to inspire people to support local businesses

Local businesses are vital to the heart of our communities, but they face increasing challenges from online retail giants. Despite these challenges, the community's support can make a significant difference. Did you know that for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays within the community, helping to create jobs and support local schools and services? In fact, small businesses are responsible for generating 65% of net new jobs in the U.S. since 2000, and they create 1.5 times more jobs per dollar spent than larger chains​.

Yet, many community members may not know the best ways to offer their support. Data in a Worldmetrics.org study shows that 91% of consumers believe supporting local businesses is crucial for the future of their community​, but they often need a little encouragement to take action. Let’s explore six impactful ways to inspire more local support and keep our communities thriving.

Idea 1: Send customers a link to leave you a review

Online reviews are one of the easiest ways satisfied customers can support local businesses. It only takes a couple of minutes, and as long as the customer is sent a simple link to your Google reviews , most people are usually more than happy to oblige. The best way to reach out for a customer review is via SMS because it has the highest open rate of any marketing channel (almost 100% by some estimates). If you don’t collect your customers’ phone numbers (it’s not typical practice for general stores, for example), place QR codes by the register and on receipts so customers don’t have to waste time searching for your review platform – and possibly getting distracted in the process.

Idea 2: Reply to all reviews with a personal message

It’s also important to respond to all the reviews you get, both positive and negative, as we mention above, to demonstrate you’re an active business that takes its customers’ feedback seriously and appreciates them supporting local businesses.

Replying to reviews also encourages others to leave reviews of their own. A study from Harvard Business Review found that businesses received 12% more reviews by thanking their customers, likely due to it being clear that their comments would actually be read. Streamline your efforts: Reviews don’t always come in via Google. Customers can support local businesses with reviews on Facebook, Yelp and several other listings platforms that allow users to submit feedback. But instead of reacting to every notification of a new review, let Semrush Local's Review Management tool collect them all for you so you can get back to them when you aren’t so busy.

Idea 3: Offer discounts on the next purchase

People love a good bargain, so handing them a coupon to save money on their next visit is a great way to encourage their continued support. If it’s not in your budget to give money off products and services, invest in some affordable candy or similar small gift you can hand them with their receipt so they leave with a good feeling about coming again. Or consider a loyalty card that customers can get stamped every time they make a purchase. This is a more cost-effective way to entice customers back to support your business, because you'll guarantee profit from the previous purchases.

Idea 4: Encourage people to engage on social media

A strong social media presence keeps you top of mind with the very people who support your local business. Promote your goods or services in local groups, comment on other local business pages and start conversations when customers mention you online. And why not simply put out a post asking for your community to support your local business? It might feel a little vulnerable to reach out for help so directly, but you’d be surprised at how many people will respond. Supporting local businesses feels much better than ordering online or going through a self-service checkout at the supermarket, so people are often happy to show their support on social media by liking and sharing.

Busy schedule: Small businesses often struggle to find the time to be consistent on social media because they’ve got their hands full doing everything else necessary to keep things running. Semrush Local  subscribers also get access to the platform’s other features, including Social Poster, which allows you to schedule social media posts in advance so there’ll always be content for your audience to engage with.

Idea 5: Ask customers to recommend you to family and friends

There are many reasons why supporting local businesses benefits the individual, from boosting the local economy and reducing their carbon footprint to the simple joys of a unique shopping experience. But ultimately, people love the feeling of being a local expert and being able to recommend great businesses to their friends and family. Incentive schemes that offer both parties a discount or gift card when you introduce a new customer can work to get the word out. Or consider handing out free samples that customers can give as gifts and credit the amazing local business that gives them the VIP treatment. But when people believe they’ve found a truly great local business that others might not know about, chances are they’ll be happy to talk you up simply because it makes them feel like a trusted guide that knows all the hot spots.

Idea 6:Host a fun event for the community

There’s no better way to get people to support your local business than the promise of free food, drinks and great music. Involve local musicians and artists who are looking for a platform to sell their latest EP or paintings. Or perhaps make it a fundraiser for a local charity to earn even more goodwill from the community. If you don’t have a physical space suitable for an event, get involved in local festivals and bring your business to the people. Just don’t forget the free samples and QR codes to get people to leave reviews.