Learn how you can support shopping small and show your community some love.
Real estate is a local industry by nature, and we know agents who spend time supporting their communities reap lots of benefits. Supporting local businesses is a great way to help grow your network, create a welcome environment for your clients at open houses, and connect with people in the community. With Small Business Saturday approaching, there are many ways you can include other small businesses and shops as a real estate agent.
We’ve gathered 8 great ways to support local businesses during this holiday season and beyond.
1. Buy closing gifts from local gift shops.
If you like to give your clients a closing gift for their new home, consider shopping at local gift shops.
Create a small gift basket and include some of the following items:
- Candles
- Treats from local producers
- Kitchen towels
- Picture frames
- Potted plants
- Coasters and drinkware
Consider including the shop’s business card in the basket, so your buyers will know where you got the items from!
For more tips on designing your own business card, check out our post here!
“Partner with a local bakery or restaurant to provide refreshments at open houses and other events.”
2. Provide treats from local bakeries or restaurants at open houses.
If your area allows open houses or events, partner with a local bakery or restaurant to provide snacks and treats for the attendees. This is a great way to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at your event while supporting a small business.
3. Use small businesses when preparing to sell.
Consider hiring local companies to complete repairs or landscaping projects before putting a house on the market.
Remember, before taking photos or hosting an open house, the home needs to look its best. Hire a local cleaning company!
4. Showcase local products at open houses.
When staging a home to sell, include home goods from a local shop and add a little sign advertising for the shop. Staging the home helps it sell faster, and people will be happy to know that they can easily find the home goods at a local retailer.
5. Print your marketing materials with My Marketing Matters.
When you get your marketing materials printed with My Marketing Matters, you help support a local business!
My Marketing Matters is a small, woman-owned company serving Montgomery County and beyond since 1982. Our team is comprised of real estate experts, master printers, graphic designers, and customer service pros; all focused on creating effective marketing solutions that help you reach your business goals.
“Many local shops are offering online ordering, curbside pickup, and delivery.”
6. Hire a local real estate photographer.
When getting photographs taken for a listing, hire a photographer in your area. Local photographers will also be familiar with the area’s real estate market and can help promote your business, too.
For tips on how to work with real estate photographers, check out our blog post here.
7. Shop online.
Since going in and out of stores is a little more complicated these days, consider shopping online from small businesses. Many small businesses have opened websites to offer the same products they sell in stores.
8. Create a go-to guide for new residents.
Create a list of all the great small businesses in the area! Be sure to include:
- Gift shops
- Restaurants
- Markets
- Cleaning companies
- Landscapers
- Repair companies
The list is a great way to welcome families to the neighborhood while supporting local businesses.
Once you’ve designed your guide to local businesses, upload it to the My Marketing Matters design portal to get it printed!
To help you find some great local businesses and show our support for shopping small, we’re sharing a few of our favorites.
- Tabletop D.C. – home goods, gifts, and jewelry
- DC Brau – local brewery offering take-home beers
- Nagadi Coffee – coffee roaster offering shipping and pickup
- Loyalty Bookstores – community-oriented bookstore
- Coal Fire Pizza – friendly staff and delicious pizza
- Artisan’s Gifts – gift shop offering online shopping and curbside pickup
- Classic Bakery – cakes and yummy baked goods
- My Big Finds – hip, vintage, local gifts
