3 Ways to Support Local Businesses without Using Instagram | August Social Media Detox Week 2

2 Weeks Off of Social Media

I have been off of social media for 2 weeks and it hit me this week that I really miss the opportunity that social media has given me to support small, local businesses that I love. It took being off of Instagram for me to realize how often I tag local businesses that I am a patron of & share why I enjoy investing in their products & services. 

For example, our daughter River turned 2 this week and her birthday was made really special by some local businesses. She drank her favorite Cruze Farm chocolate milk, enjoyed bagels for breakfast at K Brew, and had the cutest, rainbow-explosion, colorful balloon decorations made by Mojo Balloons to make her feel special! 

I thought, I can’t wait to share this photo of Riv (to celebrate her birthday!) and tag these awesome businesses we love. But I quickly remembered my social media sabbatical and it got me thinking about other ways I could support these friends and businesses. So, I thought I would share some ideas here with you! Keep reading below!

3 Ways to Support Local Businesses Without Using Instagram

1. Give them your money.

Ha. This is a duh! But whenever you’re making the choice to spend your money on food, gifts, entertainment, etc., I think it’s fun to think through some small, local businesses you love first and start there.

I am not against franchises - hello, Chickfila makes a major dent in my bank account each month… but when we can, supporting the small, local businesses right in our city is a great way to show our support and help keep them alive and thriving! Especially after the past year and a half that we’ve had where many smaller businesses have taken a major hit.

2. Leave them a Google review! (& upload a photo.)

This is such a great way to help your favorite businesses show up higher in relevant search results and encourage other people that they will not regret spending their time or money with them. And you know what’s even better than leaving a review? Adding a photo of your own with the review. Does your favorite coffee shop have a super cute ambiance? Do you have a favorite photo from your last session with a photographer? Do you know someone who makes the most beautiful jewelry? A picture helps show people who are searching on the internet just what they can expect and encourage them that they are making a great decision in choosing that business.

P.S. If you are a local business owner and you don’t have a Google My Business account set up, I highly encourage you to do so. My friend and digital strategist, Danielle Magner, helps people with their online goals for a living and she can help you with this if you’re interested in hiring this out!

P.P.S. Don’t have a website yet where people can find your local business online? My other dear friend and web designer, Victoria, can design you a gorgeous website through her business BrandWell Designs. She designed my new site!

3. Tell your friends!

In our digital world, word of mouth referrals are still oh so helpful!

When I get my nails done, I go to a small salon near my house that I had never even noticed from the road before, all because someone I trusted told me that I would have a great experience and quality service. And they were right!

Don’t hide your love for the businesses that have served you well - tell your friends! Your opinion means a lot to those that know and trust you.

Become a Client, Customer, or Student of Mine!

If you’re local to Knoxville, I would love to be your photographer. You can book a session here! If you ain’t from around here, I would still love to serve you through my mobile Lightroom presets or my online digital photography course. Check them out below!

Leave Me a Review

And in the spirit of supporting small local businesses, THANK YOU. Thank you for supporting my photography business and my family. I am grateful! If you’ve been a client, student, or customer of mine, I would love if you’d leave me a Google review here. It means the WORLD!

I hope you feel encouraged and inspired to support the small, local businesses you love in your city! Thanks for being here!

xo, Suzy

I’ve had the privilege of providing branding photography for some incredible local businesses, check out these blogs to see more!