What Are The Best Ways To Support Local Businesses?

The high street is dying, so the media says, but only if we let it happen. Independent shops, cafes and tradespeople give a high street its character, yet many are competing against larger chains with bigger marketing budgets and lower prices.

But local businesses have something the chains simply don’t, which is individuality, personality, authenticity and genuine community ties. Yes, bigger brands have the comfort of familiarity and they’re a known quantity, but they can’t offer the same human connection and unique value as independent traders. If we lose that, the high street will become a very sad place indeed.

Fortunately, you can do your bit to keep the high street alive by supporting your local independent traders very easily. It doesn’t mean completely overhauling the way you shop, just making a few little changes which make a big difference over time and ensure the independent character of Britain’s villages, towns and cities remains intact for years to come.

Why Supporting Local Businesses Matters

The impact of shopping locally goes further than many people realise. Research from the Federation of Small Businesses found that for every pound spent with a small or medium-sized business, up to 63p stays within the local economy, compared to a much smaller share when spent with a large chain. That local spending supports jobs, other local suppliers and community initiatives that larger businesses are less likely to invest in.

This effect, often called the local multiplier, means the benefit of a single purchase rarely stops with the business you paid. Independent shops tend to use local accountants, order from local suppliers where they can and employ people who live nearby. So money spent locally tends to circulate through the community rather than disappearing straight to a head office elsewhere.

Best Ways To Support Local Businesses

A few simple habits go a long way towards helping local businesses thrive:

• Make the effort to visit your local high street, since buying in person keeps independent shops visible and the area active.
• Shop with local independent businesses for everyday items, meals and services to keep money in the local economy.
• Leave positive reviews and recommend businesses to friends and family, since word of mouth strongly influences local choice.
• Attend local markets, fairs and community events so businesses can reach more people face-to-face.
• Share local business posts on social media or sign up for newsletters to help them stay visible in the community.

Supporting Businesses Beyond Spending

Not every way of supporting a local business involves spending money. Following a business on social media, sharing its posts, tagging friends who might be interested or simply telling people about a good experience all help raise its visibility without costing anything. For businesses competing against much larger marketing budgets, this kind of organic word of mouth can be just as valuable as a sale.

Timing is important as well. Many independent businesses experience quieter periods during the week or particular seasons, and choosing to visit during these times, rather than only at weekends or peak periods, can genuinely help spread demand more evenly and support a business through slower patches.

Helping New And Growing Businesses Specifically

New businesses and sole traders often need the most support early on, since they’re still building a customer base and a reputation without the benefit of an established local following. A first visit, an early review or simply spreading the word to friends and family can make a disproportionate difference to a business in its first year or two, compared to the same gesture for a well-established shop that already has strong footfall.

Community groups, local forums and neighbourhood pages are often the first place a new business gets noticed, which is why engaging with these channels, rather than only visiting shops you already know, tends to spread support more evenly across a local high street.

Small Choices, Big Impact

None of these actions require a large budget or a significant amount of time, yet collectively they help keep high streets active, distinctive and full of the kind of independent character that chain stores rarely offer. Choosing a local business over a national chain, even occasionally, is a small vote of confidence that helps that business stay open.

How Does Loci Help Support Local Businesses?

Finding and keeping track of local businesses worth supporting is often the hardest part. The Loci App makes it easier to discover, follow and stay engaged with independent businesses near you, so supporting them becomes part of your normal routine.

Supporting local businesses helps them thrive through positive visibility and influence that brings economical growth to the local area. Download the Loci App today to discover how you can support local businesses near you.

Image Source: Envato