10 Free and Simple Ways to Promote a Small Business You Love

Small businesses bring charm, uniqueness, and personal touches to our communities, but they often face tough competition. The good news? You don’t have to spend a dime to help them thrive.

Here are 10 easy, free ways you can make a big difference for your favorite small businesses.

1. Write a Positive Review - Head to platforms like Google, Yelp, Facebook, or TripAdvisor and leave a glowing review. Highlight what you love most about the business—whether it’s their exceptional service, unique products, or friendly atmosphere. Reviews build trust and attract new customers.
2. Follow and Engage on Social Media - Social media algorithms love engagement, so your interactions help their posts reach more people.
3. Follow Them: Make sure you’re following the business on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or other platforms.
4. Like, Comment, Share: Liking a post boosts its visibility; commenting adds authenticity, and sharing introduces the business to your friends.
5. Tag the Business in Your Posts - Share your positive experiences on your own social media. Whether you’re enjoying a meal, showing off a new product, or attending their event, tag the business in your photos or stories. This creates word-of-mouth buzz and makes your recommendation visible to your followers.
6. Recommend Them in Community Groups - Many neighborhoods have local Facebook groups, Nextdoor communities, or forums where people ask for recommendations. If someone needs a product or service the business offers, don’t hesitate to chime in and recommend them.
7. Invite Friends to Follow Their Social Pages - Use Facebook’s “Invite Friends” feature to spread the word. The more followers a page has, the more credibility and visibility it gains.
8. On their page, tap the three dots in the top corner.
9. Select “Invite Friends” and click “Invite All.”
10. Share Their Promotions or Events - Whenever a business announces a sale, promotion, or event, share it on your personal social media. A simple post like, “Check out this amazing deal at [Business Name]!” can bring in new customers.
11. Use Their Hashtags - Many small businesses create unique hashtags for their brand or campaigns. Use these hashtags when posting about them to boost their visibility.
12. Show Off Their Products or Services - If you’ve bought something from the business, take a picture and share it online. Mention the business name and why you love the product or service. For example: “Loving this handmade coffee mug from [Business Name]. Such amazing craftsmanship!”
13. Participate in Their Online Contests - Many small businesses host giveaways or contests on social media. Entering shows your support and boosts engagement on their page, drawing attention from potential new customers.
14. Network on Their Behalf
15. Tell friends, family, and coworkers about the business in conversations.
16. If someone mentions needing a specific product or service, recommend the business.
17. Share their business cards or flyers in appropriate settings, like bulletin boards at work or local cafes.

Why These Small Actions Matter

Small businesses thrive on word-of-mouth and community support. By simply interacting with their content, leaving reviews, or recommending them to others, you help them grow their audience and attract new customers. These efforts cost you nothing but can mean everything to a small business owner.

Take Action Today: Choose one or more of these steps and start promoting a small business you love. Your support can make all the difference!