Local is lekker. Many local South African brands produce high-quality products and services for your enjoyment but how can you support your favourite local brand and why should you?
1. Buy local
By purchasing from local entrepreneurs, you help to strengthen the economy. According to a report by the International Finance Corporation up to 60% of South Africa’s workforce is employed by small businesses and these businesses contribute 34% to the country’s GDP. Try to order your next meal from an individual-owned eatery rather than a global franchise. Look for local companies which sell apparel or gifts. By buying from local producers you help to strengthen our country. You can find some local producers here.
2. Share your favourite experience
Many small businesses rely on word-of-mouth advertising. If you have had a great experience at a business let people know on your social media platforms and also consider writing a review on the business’ Facebook page or other review sites where the business is featured.
3. Spread the love
If your favourite local brand has a promotion, help them out by sharing their promotion on your social networks. This will help them to reach other audiences which they may not have been able to reach otherwise. You can also suggest certain brands to your friends who you think would appreciate the brand.
4. Build a community
If you are a manufacturing business, try to get your resources locally. Partner with a local complementary company and share each other’s posts and feature each other to help build rapport for the business within your different audiences. If you are a consumer, try to buy your goods from the local shops in your area. This will help to build the community spirit in your area. You will also receive more personalised service as the local businesses get to know your preferences when you interact with them.
Now that we know how to support local businesses what are the benefits besides the boost to our economy:
1. Protecting the environment
By purchasing local products you reduce your carbon footprint because the product doesn’t have to be imported into the country and be transported using vehicles which can have a negative impact on the carbon footprint of the world.
2. Designed with you in mind
Local products have the local client in mind and ensure that it fits to your specific regional requirements. By buying products designed in South Africa, you know that they have made them to suit you as a South African. They are focused on what matters to you as a South African consumer.
3. Deliveries are less hassle
If you order things from overseas, you may be subject to import taxes which weren’t originally specified. You will also struggle to return the goods if there is a manufacturing problem with it. By buying locally, the delivery is easier and you can take better recourses if there is a problem with the product or service you bought.
By buying from local service and product providers you can make a real contribution to strengthening the local economy of our country and developing a legacy for future generations to build on.
It’s the biggest small business day of the year!
#AbsaSmallBizFriday is springing into action once again, heralding opportunities for every South African to help a small business along by supporting them on Friday, 1 September 2023.
Small business owners, entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners are invited to join the Official #AbsaSmallBizFriday National Celebration hosted by Absa and NSBC.Africa on 01 September 2023 at 9:30. This live virtual event honours the impact of small businesses and dives deeper into this nation-building initiative. Be inspired and learn from like-minded business professionals and be part of the national movement mobilising South Africa to support small businesses. Register here.
