So you like the idea of TryLocalFirst, but maybe you are wondering exactly what you can do to help. Frankly, it’s really easy to help and there are a lot of ways to help.
Change Your Way Of Thinking
Probably the most difficult thing to do is change your way of thinking. The mission statement of TryLocalFirst says it all: “Before You Buy Somewhere Else, Try Local First!” But that is easier said than done. In fact, I caught myself twice just this week before I went with the default answer of buying things either online or at a big box store. After stopping to consider my needs for just a few seconds, I realized that both of the items I wanted were available at local businesses right here in Meridian. It took me no longer, cost about the same and I visited with the owners who were happy to see me come in their store. We are conditioned to remember the signs and advertising of those who spend a lot of money to condition you to remember their signs. But over time when you start doing business with local businesses, you’ll start to remember their faces, their personalities, and hopefully the great experience you had the last time you were there.
Start Using TryLocalFirst Yourself
I get it, early on we don’t have a lot of businesses listed here, but start now to use this website to help remind you to think of local businesses were you can shop. But over time, if you are using this site on a regular basis, it will be 100% easier to get other businesses to post their information. It’s a symbiotic relationship really. If you are looking for local businesses where you can spend your dollars, there will be local businesses who want to sell their goods to you. And if you can’t find a local business which can meet your needs, then go to the big box store or order online with a clear conscience knowing you gave it your best effort.
Recommend TryLocalFirst To Business Owners
If you are already shopping at a local business, the next time you are in their shop, recommend TryLocalFirst to them. It’s free for any business to get listed. They just visit the site and click on the “Add Listing” button in the top right hand corner of the webpage. If they do not have an account already one will be created for them when they submit their listing and they will receive an email with a password so they can log back in and make changes to their page whenever they want. It’s easy to do and mostly just filling in the blanks to get started. Add a few pictures and viola! a new business has joined our efforts.
Share And Share Alike
Share the website link on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram and remind others to begin thinking about buying local first. If you find a business on this site that you like, post the link to their page on your social media. Let everyone know about the great experiences you have had and help promote the stars of our local business community.
Review A Listed Business
Just remember that you’ll have to login with your real email address and your real name before you can post reviews and they are subject to approval before they will be send publicly. No flaming reviews, no cursing and no trolling or you’ll be banned. If you happen to have a bad experience, here’s a suggestion, use the form on the bottom right-hand portion of the business’s page and send your complaint directly to the business. Good businesses appreciate getting the opportunity to make bad situations right, but they cannot do so if they do not know you had a problem. Use the forms to communicate directly to the business and get a response as quickly as they can.
Tell Businesses You Found Them On TryLocalFirst
If you start using TryLocalFirst and you find a great experience at a local business you discovered here on the website, please tell the business this is where you found them. The feedback that TryLocalFirst works would be incredible and prove that TryLocalFirst is working for them. I would personally appreciate it.
Help A Business To Get A Page
If you have computer skills and your favorite local business does not have those same skills, consider volunteering to help them get a listing on TryLocalFirst. It should take between 30 and 60 minutes from start to finish depending on whether you have the necessary copy and pictures. If they already have a website or a Facebook page, consider using some of the same information and pictures from their website to match their existing branding. This is a community effort so help your community!
