A lockdown period seems to be a very real part of mostly every small business owner’s life here in Canada, myself included. Many businesses in Toronto have shut down again on November 23rd, while the surrounding areas were open until December 14th, and December 26th. My own business was ordered to shut down, for the second time, on Dec 14th, right smack in the middle of our busiest season. Many other businesses, in the fitness and restaurant world especially, have been open a mere 3 months out of 12, in 2020. To say it’s been a wild, trying time would been putting it lightly.
Many businesses have had to pivot and adapt. Many business have gone online. How does this service industry, like beauty, go online? Retail.
At this point, retail is our bread and butter. That being said, many of our clients are also without jobs, shorter hours, pay cuts, etc. so not everyone has the funds to support the way they would like to.
I’ve decided to create this list to show you how you can support your favourite small business, with or without money through a lockdown period:
Leave a Google Review
Reviews are what inclines the next client to come and visit us. Through your reviews, they begin to trust us and our services, food quality, etc. Our reviews are an indication of whether people like our business. Many people trust online reviews as they would a referral from a friend. In turn, the more reviews we have, the better Google ranks us.
Refer a Friend
Like Google reviews, your friends will trust word of mouth. Why not share some of your hidden gems with them? Let’s face it, many of us cannot wait to start working again; not only for the money, but we miss the interaction with our clients. You are like family to us, so when you refer your own family members and friends, not only does it help with our brand awareness but we feel like a part of your family, too!
Interact with us on Social Media
Social Media is a powerful tool so while you don’t think you’re doing a whole lot by liking our posts, the more you interact with us, the more people Instagram will show our posts too. Liking, Commenting, and Sharing our posts really help us! So don’t forget to interact with your favourite small business – follow, like, comment, share, and respond to their stories!
Purchase a Gift Card
If you can afford to, purchase a gift card. Not only does it help your favourite small business pay a bill that month, but it also gives you something to look forward to when they open back up!
Shop Online during lockdown
Many of your favourite small businesses are offering retail and curbside pick up. Next time you’re searching for something on Amazon, check out your favourite businesses online store! Many of us have expanded our retail in hopes that you’ll find something you love, need, or want, and shop with us!
Call the Restaurant Directly
I know many restaurants have joined food delivery services like UberEats and SkipTheDishes, and even still these restaurants are taking a hit because of how exorbitant the fees are. Next time you’re placing an order, call the restaurant directly and see if they offer their own delivery, and if not, maybe think about picking up instead (if you can!)
Join the Waitlist during lockdown
A waitlist is that business’s way of being proactive and trying to manage their schedule before their reopening date. When you join their waitlist, they will contact you directly to book your appointment. Not only will you be able to have priority booking, it also gives us something to look forward to, and allows us to better manage the rush once we are reopen.
Join an Online Class
I know it’s not ideal, and if you’re anything like me, you really dislike working out at home, but when you join your favourite gym or instructors class, it motivates them to keep doing what they’re doing,.. and let’s face it, you won’t regret the work out, anyway!
Did you know we have an online store? Click here to shop!