How to Support Small Businesses During COVID-19

It’s an unsettling time right now for many small business owners and our community. Business owners have to think about the safety of their employees first and foremost, how they’re going to pay each employee and … how they can continue to serve their customers in the best way possible.

At SmithWerks, we take steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are requiring our staff to take all precautions. This includes frequent hand washing, using alcohol- based sanitizers and the use of latex gloves on the job. Our staff, in the interest of limiting contact, will not be shaking hands during this period.

Read the full COVID-19 statement on our website.

It is essential to think about how we can continue to support our community and small businesses while practising social distancing. We, as consumers, can get creative and positively affect small businesses who may be struggling by closing their doors, having less staff on hand or limiting their operations. Here are a few suggestions:

Like, Comment & Share

We all know the power of social media. It makes it easier than ever to stay connected. Spread the love and help local businesses! When you like, comment and share their posts they are more likely to reach new customers who may not have known about their business before. Especially during this time, being seen by new people will help a business’ come back be a little bit easier. Simply commenting on a post using a few words and some emojis encourages the social media algorithm to favour that post and display it to more people!

Tag a Friend

Similarly to liking, commenting and sharing posts, tagging a friend can help a small business reach new loyal customers. With many businesses adapting their business structures to accommodate remote working, having more people engaged and involved in their business online will allow them to continue their growth instead of halt it altogether. If you take the time to share some new businesses online with a few friends, it will greatly boost their engagement on social media while helping your friends find their new favourite business. It’s a win-win!

Purchase a Gift Card

Purchase a gift card now to use later! This will give them cash flow that they can use to support themselves while their doors are shut or business has severely slowed down. Alternatively, many businesses are switching over to providing gift cards virtually. This will allow you to shop from the comfort and safety of your home.

Spread the Word

Right now, many businesses are making radical shifts in the way they work. This could mean turning to online experiences such as live-streaming yoga classes to restaurants offering free delivery to your home. A great way to support these new initiatives small business owners are implementing is to spread the word. Share special offers and deals on social media This allows our community to engage in business as usual, but in a new and adapted way.

Leave a Review

One can easily become frustrated if they’re trying to access products and services that are their go-to but are now unavailable. We must remember that this is a trying time for everyone. Google your favourite businesses and leave a review! Alternatively, leave one when you have received your purchase. If you’re interested in learning how to write a great review, check out: How to Support a Small Business without Spending any Money

Shop Online

Just because you are stuck at home for long periods of time, doesn’t mean you can’t still shop! Shopping online is common practice for many people, but with businesses looking at quick ways to make their products more accessible, shopping online is ever-prevalent. This can be done in a variety of ways – from ordering food from restaurants and having it delivered, to pre-ordering products for pick up or even purchasing virtual products such as gift cards, courses or e-books.

Use Delivery or Pickup Options

With social distancing being a method of prevention for COVID-19, it can be tough to reduce or eliminate your daily interactions. Treat yourself by choosing delivery or local pickup options. This allows you to either get out of the house for some fresh air or gives you the opportunity to be delivered something that makes you excited! With businesses pivoting their efforts to align with social distancing, there are so many ways you can continue to support local business while remaining at home.

(Parts of this text was adapted from: https://greaterkwchamber.com/how-to-support-small-businesses-during-the-covid-19-coronavirus-pandemic/)

Please check out this website for more information on our carpet and upholstery cleaning services and contact us for a quote. We look forward to serving you in the near future! Stay healthy and safe,

Your SmithWerks Team