3 Easy Ways To Impact Your Favorite Austin Small Businesses
Make a difference for your favorite small businesses with these free and easy ways to create impact.
Your photographer knocked your socks off. Your wedding planner executed your event with precision. You purchased a custom-handcrafted piece from a local artisan that makes your heart sing Every. Time. You. Look. At. It.
Safe to say, most of us have experienced wow-worthy moments from small businesses. (And if you haven’t…OMG, let me give you some recs!)
You see, I LOVE small businesses, freelancers, solopreneurs, and creative sellers – all of ‘em. I LOVE how they provide unique products and services that you’ll never find anywhere else because they do it with such a uniquely personal touch.
So why do some many GREAT small businesses struggle?
For many small businesses, it comes down to the amount of money and time it takes to market and promote a business. For this reason, many small businesses struggle with bringing in new customers and clients – no matter how great they are.
But as a consumer or client, YOU have the power to make a difference. Sure, by simply buying from your favorite small businesses, you help them survive in one way…but there’s only so much one customer can do in this respect.
Luckily, purchasing products and services is not the only way to throw some support to your favorite small business.
And the best part? Making a difference can be free and easy.
In this article, we will explore some of the most effective ways you can support your favorite small businesses and impact their chances of success. Read on and discover how you can make a difference in 5 minutes or less.
1. Leave a review that moves the needle for them.
Simply leaving a review is good, but leaving a review that sells is GREAT.
Reviews are the bread and butter of small businesses. 97% of people read online reviews before making a purchase, and 93% say those reviews impacted whether they made a purchase or not. (I suppose the other 4% are reading reviews just for fun?) This means that reviews can make a BIG difference to a small business, making it one of the most important ways you can support your favorite small business.
Whether it's on Google, Yelp, or their Facebook page, a positive review can help boost their visibility and attract new customers. But not all reviews are created equal. If you want to make a real difference, you need to leave a review that sells and moves the needle for them.
Start by highlighting what makes this particular business unique from others like them. Be specific, and mention any details that impress you. Above all, keep your review honest and authentic. Genuine reviews build trust.
So if you want to give a business a quick boost right now, it’s super easy!
With a 5-star review on Google and 2 minutes of your time, you can make all the difference in the world to your favorite small businesses.
Pick A Prompt To Write A Killer Review
Prompt A: The “This Was The Solution I Needed” Review
What problems/struggles were you facing before? What challenges led you to look for this product or service? How did it/they help solve your issues?
Prompt B: The “I’m Pleasantly Surprised” Review
What kept you from buying or working with them sooner? What about this business puts your fears to rest? What surprised you the most about your experience?
Prompt C: The “I Can’t Stop Raving” Review
What have you liked most about this business? What kind of results have you experienced? Any specific benefits that you think other people need to experience for themselves?
2. Give the gift of a video testimonial
If written reviews are helpful, then video testimonials are powerful.
Video testimonials provide a face and a voice to the recommendation, making it more personal and compelling. If you've had a positive experience with a small business, consider recording a short video testimonial.
Video testimonials don't need to be professionally produced. You can record one on your phone, as long as the audio and lighting are good.
Here are 6 steps for an effective video testimonial:
Start with the reason(s) why you looked for this kind of business or how you found it.
Explain why you love it and any way that they’ve helped you.
Be specific, and share any memorable experiences you've had.
If possible, include footage of the business or its products. This will help bring your testimonial to life and give viewers a better sense of what the business has to offer.
Keep it short and to the point.
Share it on social media and tag the business.
3. Track your results (with data if possible!)
If this is a service that has given you real results, sharing those results can be endlessly impactful. Look for any data that will show how this service has impacted you and let them know!
Send them a direct message or an email and include any notes or comments about your experience. This will not only brighten their day by helping them see how their business is truly impacting others, but it will also give them valuable help for their marketing efforts.
Bonus Tip: Don't gate-keep. Share the love.
One of the most effective ways to support small businesses is by spreading the word. If you’ve had a great experience, tell your friends. Tell your family. Tell your colleagues. Just quit gatekeeping and keeping your favorite businesses to yourself.
Share their social media posts, tag them in your posts, and encourage your friends to give them a try. Word can travel fast.
Planting the seed – even with someone who may not even use that business, but who may tell another friend who will – is super helpful.
Are you a small business owner? Share this post.
We know that helpful support for your small business is more important now than ever before, and your customers truly want to help. They just may not know how.
Feel free to share this post on social media or via email so that your audience knows the other effective ways they can support you (besides purchasing), and then go support YOUR favorite small businesses with reviews, testimonials, and results.
We hope to create a ripple effect of small business love. Business ownership is hard – and you shouldn’t have to do it alone.
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And if you’re looking for the perfect space to host your event, workshop, or clients — our rentable Austin Studio location may be perfect for you! Our North Austin photography studio is fully furnished, beautifully decorated, clean, fully stocked, and full of natural light. Check out our rentals page!