Want to support and positively impact your favorite local businesses? Show them love online.

I'm obsessed with Lavash Cafe, One Six Five Jewelry, and Ambushed Salon (among tons of other locally-owned businesses in Columbus). I love supporting them by visiting as much as I can. But how else can I help?

I can do what I'm doing at this very moment! I'm writing about them online, bragging about how much I love their food, product, service, or whatever the reason is that I keep on returning. And you don't even have to be a blogger to show your love! You can easily write reviews, post photos, and share what you love on Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, etc.

​Lately, I wanted to show our city's small, locally-owned businesses my support. Over the past four months, I wrote 100 reviews on Google so that when others might seek advice about buying from, hiring, or visiting a local business, they could see a local patron's stamp of approval, plus notes on why the spot is so great. I put a reminder on my calendar each week to write 5 reviews over the span of 20 weeks. It took me about 5 minutes per week, and it can be done on any platform. (I chose one platform to keep it simple for myself.)

I hear people brag on their favorite businesses all the time - why not make your voice heard to the world? Your favorite local businesses would love your support - I know I would. ;)

Happy Friday!
Autumn

P.S. I realize this isn't photography-related, but photography is one small part of an overall marketing strategy. My 7+ years of marketing experience taught me a lot, and makes me realize how valuable my marketing knowledge is to companies who hire me as their photographer. After all, my bread and butter is brand, product, event, and portrait photography for businesses! I'm a better help to them if I can speak intelligently about how my work supports their overall mission.