Stronger Together: Support That Shows

Support Publicly + Genuinely

Supporting other small businesses doesn’t have to mean spending money — though we love when you do! Sometimes the most impactful support is completely free and takes just a few seconds. In a small town, reputation travels fast, and authentic word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful tools for growth.

Here are simple, genuine ways to lift up your fellow local businesses — without spending a dime:

Like, Comment, Share — and Mean It

Engagement on social media helps small businesses stay visible. Every like, comment, save, and share tells the algorithm, “This business matters.”

Instead of just scrolling by:

• Leave a thoughtful comment (“These cookies look AMAZING!” beats just an emoji)

• Share posts to your own page or stories

• Tag a friend who would love what they’re offering

• Save posts that inspire you (Instagram sees that as a big boost!)

Pro Tip: Set aside 5–10 minutes a few times a week to intentionally support your fellow businesses online. It’s free marketing with a personal touch.

Leave a 5-Star Review

If you’ve had a great experience — whether it’s a perfect cup of coffee, a thoughtful gift, or a stunning custom design — say so! Positive reviews on Google, Facebook, or Etsy are one of the easiest (and free!) ways to support a small business.

Your kind words do more than just make someone’s day — they help local businesses:

• Build trust with new customers

• Stand out in search results

• Grow their reach without spending on ads

Here’s how to make your review count:

• Mention specifics – call out the exact product, service, or staff member who made your experience great.

• Add a photo – a snapshot of your purchase or experience goes a long way.

• Copy + paste to multiple platforms – Google, Facebook, Yelp, or even a quick tag on Instagram.

Taking 2–3 minutes to share your experience can have a lasting impact — and might be the reason the next customer decides to shop local too.

Talk Them Up — Organically

Referrals go a long way in small towns. If someone asks where to find a good cake, a go-to handyman, or a custom sticker printer (👋), be ready to recommend your favorite local pros.

Easy ways to spread the word:

• Keep business cards or flyers from your favorite businesses in your shop

• Link to their pages in your newsletter or blog

• Mention them by name when chatting with customers

• Give shoutouts to other vendors at events or markets

Shop Local First (When You Can)

We know price and convenience matter — sometimes the big-box store or overnight shipping just makes sense. But even shifting a small portion of your purchases to local vendors makes a real impact. Every dollar spent locally helps keep jobs in our community, supports other small business owners, and strengthens the local economy.

Think about where you can swap even just one or two purchases each month:

• Order your branded packaging, stickers, or signage from a local print shop (like Amelia Print + Design 😉).

• Source gifts, client thank-you items, or decor from nearby artisans or boutique shops.

• Buy baked goods, flowers, or coffee for your events locally — they’ll taste fresher and keep your dollars close to home.

• Hire local pros when you need services — from photographers to caterers to lawn care.

Here are a few of our Amelia-area favorites if you need inspiration:

• Books & Beans – For your next favorite book, unique gifts, and a cozy place to meet clients.

• Tin Can Coffee Co – our go-to coffee, smoothie, and beverage truck (and don’t miss their breakfast treats from local micro bakeries — the lemon blueberry scones are a personal favorite!).

• Farmers Market Vendors – for fresh produce, handmade jams, soaps, and more.

• Archer’s BBQ Food Truck – for a delicious lunch or dinner when you want to skip cooking.

• Baked by Jill – for incredible sourdough (the Hawaiian loaf and cinnamon rolls are family favorites).

• Red Handle Farm – for fresh, locally grown cut flowers that make any space feel special.

• Local Bakers + Cooks – from pop-up bake sales to special-order cakes supporting local kids’ programs.

Even the smallest shifts add up — and you might be surprised at how many unique, high-quality options are right here in Amelia.

Collaborate Instead of Compete

Sometimes the best way to show support is simply by saying, “We’re all in this together.” When small businesses lift each other up, everyone benefits — including the customers who get connected with exactly what they need.

Here are a few ways to collaborate instead of compete:

• Recommend a fellow business – if you’re booked, out of stock, or don’t offer what someone needs, send them to a trusted peer. That goodwill often comes back your way.

• Share + tag generously – when you post photos from a shared event, market, or styled shoot, tag every vendor involved. It gives everyone more exposure and shows your audience how connected your community really is.

• Host pop-ups or pickups – if you have a physical space, let another business use it for a special sale, order pickup, or mini photoshoot. It draws fresh foot traffic for both of you.

• Create collaborative packages – team up with complementary businesses to offer bundled services or co-host workshops, giveaways, or events. (Think: a florist + baker Mother’s Day bundle or a local boutique + photographer holiday lookbook.)

• Cheer them on publicly – a quick share or shoutout on social media can introduce your audience to another great local option — and shows you believe there’s enough business for everyone.

Collaboration sends a powerful message that your community is a place where small businesses support each other, not compete in isolation. It creates a rising-tide effect — lifting everyone a little higher.

Celebrate Their Wins

Did another business just hit a milestone? Launch a new product? Open their doors for the first time? Take a moment to cheer them on! Sharing their good news — whether it’s a ribbon cutting, an anniversary, a big award, or a simple “we finally got that new piece of equipment!” — helps build a culture of encouragement in your community.

You can:

• Shout them out on social media – tag their business + share a few words of congratulations.

• Stop by in person – even a quick visit to say “way to go!” means a lot.

• Send a card, flowers, or small gift – thoughtful gestures are remembered.

• Spread the word – tell your friends and customers about their win so it reaches more people.

It costs nothing to be someone’s biggest fan — and we all remember who showed up.

At Amelia Print + Design, we’re proud to be part of a local business community that cheers each other on. Whether we’re printing signs, designing logos, or tagging a fellow vendor in a social post, we believe when one of us grows, we all grow.

Let’s keep showing up for each other — online, in person, and in print.