Supporting Local: Is Your Digital Impact Harming Small Businesses?
We all love the convenience of digital interactions, but have you ever considered the profound impact your online actions have on the local businesses you frequent?
At Open Sky Agency, we believe in fostering strong communities, and that includes empowering our local entrepreneurs. Let’s explore how your digital choices can either lift them up or inadvertently cause harm.
Unintentional Harm: The Digital Downside
Sometimes our online actions, even with good intentions, can create hurdles for small businesses.
- Marking as Spam: That newsletter you no longer want? Instead of marking it as spam, take the extra second to unsubscribe. Marking as spam can damage a business’s email reputation and ability to reach other customers.
- Chargebacks for Routine Mistakes: Mistakes happen. If there’s an issue, reach out to the business directly first. A chargeback, especially for a minor error, can be costly and damaging to their merchant standing.
- Volatile Reviews & Reviewing Only When Mad: We all have bad days. But using online reviews as an outlet for frustration, or only reviewing when upset, can disproportionately impact a small business.
- Delaying Bill Pay: For small businesses, cash flow is king. Prompt payment for services rendered is crucial for their operations.
- Ghosting Communications: If you’ve inquired about a service or product, even if you decide against it, a quick “thanks, but no thanks” goes a long way. Ghosting leaves businesses in limbo.
How to Be a Digital Champion for Local Businesses
Now for the good stuff! Here’s how you can actively support your favorite local spots online:
Choose Small Over Big Box: Before clicking that “add to cart” on a large retailer, pause. Could you get that item from a local shop instead? Your dollars stay in the community, supporting local jobs and dreams.
Share the Love: Your enthusiastic recommendation is golden! Tell others who your favorite vendors are. A simple social media shout-out or a mention to a friend makes a huge difference.
Host a “Favorite Things” Gift Exchange: This is a fantastic way to introduce friends and family to your go-to local businesses. Imagine the ripple effect!
Take 10 Seconds to Review: This is probably the easiest and most impactful action. Loved your coffee? Had a great experience with a service? Leave a quick, positive review. It boosts their visibility and credibility.
Give Them a Digital Thanks: A simple thank you in an email, a comment on social media, or even a quick text to acknowledge great service is incredibly affirming.
Small Business Saturday & Beyond: Remember that feeling of community during Small Business Saturday? Make that a year-round mindset.
