As COVID-19 restrictions and mandates are lifted across Canadian provinces, it is now more important than ever to support our Small Local Businesses as they recover from the impact of the pandemic, and learn to adapt to a world post-COVID.
At the onset of the pandemic, it became essential for businesses to transition their operations online, but many Small Local Businesses in particular, have lacked the resources to do so. Having a strong digital presence, has become a vital contributor towards the survival of Small Businesses globally, through driving sales, engagement and trust, however, the reality for many is that they lack the time and funds needed to keep up with fast-changing marketing trends while at the same time having to sustain their daily operations.
“97% of people learn more about a local company online as opposed to anywhere else.”
This is a significant problem considering that studies show that 76% of consumers look at online presence before physically visiting a business, and 97% of people learn more about a local company online as opposed to anywhere else. This means that businesses without a robust online presence, are negatively impacting their bottom line and chances of survival to a large extent because they are failing to reach, connect, and engage with their target customers online.
Now, you may ask yourself why this matters, and why we should care as a community? The simple answer, because Small Businesses are the backbone of our local communities. Making up 98% of all Employer-led businesses in Canada in 2020, and employing 9.7 Million people, it’s evident that Small Businesses are the driving force behind the Canadian economy, and therefore, play an essential role in Canada’s economic recovery post-COVID, which ultimately impacts us all.
How can you help?
Below are just a few ways in which together, as a community, we can contribute towards the success of our Small Local Businesses as they navigate a long road to recovery:
1. Find your favorite local restaurants and stores on social media. Follow, like, tag and share their content.
2. Refer them within your immediate network of friends and family.
3. A quick check-in goes a long way. Reach out to your friends and family members who own businesses and ask them in which ways you can support them if you are not able to do so financially.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have more ways in which to offer support.