How customers can help small town businesses thrive
Community support is a must for small-town businesses and downtown districts.
Small town businesses are the backbone of communities like Windsor, Ahoskie, and Murfreesboro. From family-run cafés to mom-and-pop shops, these local businesses bring character, jobs, and a sense of pride to our area. But running a small business in a rural town is not always easy. With fewer customers, limited advertising budgets, and competition from big box stores or online shopping, many small town businesses struggle to keep their doors open.
The good news is that local customers have the power to help our small town businesses thrive. Every purchase, every word of encouragement, and every recommendation makes a difference. If you’ve ever wondered how you can support local businesses in your hometown, here are practical ways to do it.
Shop Local First
The simplest way to help small town businesses is to choose them first. Before driving to a big box store in another county or clicking “add to cart” on an online retailer, check to see if a shop in Windsor, Ahoskie, or Murfreesboro carries what you need. Even if the price is a little higher, your dollars go right back into your community. Local business owners pay local taxes, hire local workers, and reinvest profits close to home. That makes your purchase an investment in your neighbors and your town’s future.
Spread the Word
Word-of-mouth is still one of the strongest marketing tools for small town businesses. If you love a shop, café, or service provider, tell your friends and family. Recommend them on Facebook groups, share their posts, or bring a friend along the next time you visit. Online reviews are especially powerful. Leaving a positive review on Google or Facebook helps other people trust that business and increases its visibility. A few kind words online can attract new customers who otherwise might have never heard about them.
Attend Local Events That Support Small Town Businesses
Many small town businesses participate in or sponsor community events like the Watermelon Festival, church bazaars, or school fundraisers. Showing up to these events is an easy way to support local businesses. Buy a plate at a fundraiser dinner, stop by vendor booths, or purchase raffle tickets. Not only are you supporting the businesses directly, but you’re also keeping community traditions alive.
Be Patient and Kind
Small businesses don’t have the staff or resources of big chains. That sometimes means longer wait times, limited hours, or products selling out quickly. Instead of getting frustrated, remember that you’re dealing with your neighbors, not a giant corporation. A little patience and kindness go a long way. Owners and employees will remember your positive attitude, and it builds stronger relationships between you and the businesses you support.
Share on Social Media
In small towns, social media is often the primary way businesses communicate with customers. Sharing their posts, tagging friends, or leaving encouraging comments can dramatically increase their reach. Social media algorithms reward engagement, so even a simple “like” helps more people see their posts. Think of it as free advertising you can give your favorite local businesses.
Buy Gift Cards
Purchasing gift cards is a smart way to support small town businesses, especially during slow seasons. Gift cards provide immediate cash flow for the business, and the recipient often spends more than the card’s value when they visit. Gift cards also encourage new customers to try out businesses they may not have considered before. Restaurant gift cards are always a welcome gift.
Tip Generously
When you dine at a local restaurant, visit a coffee shop, or hire a small service provider, tipping generously shows appreciation and helps workers directly. Service jobs are not always high-paying, and your generosity can make a meaningful difference to someone in your community.
Choose Local Services
Supporting small town businesses isn’t just about shopping. It’s also about the services you use. Need a plumber, lawn care, auto repair, or cleaning service? Call a local business owner. These service providers rely heavily on local customers and are often more responsive and trustworthy than faraway companies. Every contract or service call helps sustain their livelihood.
Get Involved
Supporting small town businesses also means being part of the bigger picture. Join local chambers of commerce events, support “shop local” campaigns, or volunteer at events that promote area businesses. Even something as simple as following Bertie Hertford Hub online and sharing listings of or reviewing new businesses can amplify the impact of local entrepreneurs.
Why Small Town Businesses Matters
When small town businesses thrive, the entire community thrives. More local jobs are created, more tax revenue supports schools and infrastructure, and downtown areas stay vibrant instead of empty. Shopping local helps keep money circulating within the community, which strengthens the economy from the ground up.
For towns like Windsor, Ahoskie, and Murfreesboro, where every dollar counts, the choices of local customers make all the difference. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to have an impact. Every purchase, every kind word, and every online review builds momentum for small business success.
Final Thoughts
Small town businesses are more than just shops and restaurants — they are neighbors, families, and friends working hard to keep our communities strong. By choosing to shop local, spread the word, and show consistent support, you can help these businesses not only survive but thrive.
The next time you’re deciding where to shop, eat, or hire services, remember: supporting a local business is supporting your own community. Together, we can keep small town businesses at the heart of Windsor, Ahoskie, Winton, Murfreesboro, and beyond.
Do your favorite local business owner a favor and tell them to claim a free listing on the Bertie-Hertford Business Hub – our directory is a great way to spread the word.
