Entrepreneurship is one of the most humbling experiences. It can be especially challenging for people pleasers, who have to find the balance between providing excellent service and experience and making a profit to cover expenses. Whether you’re an advocate for shopping small and local or want to find a way to support your favorite small businesses, here are a couple of ways to show your support that don’t require a financial investment.

Word of mouth remains one of the oldest and most effective marketing tools out there. Have a product or service that you absolutely love from a small business? Spread the word! Customer testimonials are key to building trust with new customers. Whether you are raving about your favorite product to someone in person or leaving a 5 star review on someone’s business page, the potential ripple effect of your words and actions is endless. I rely on good customer reviews when I am contemplating trying out a new product. Positive words are just the nudge I need many times to take the plunge and give it a go.

Comment, like, or share your favorite small businesses’ posts. The algorithm is constantly changing, and it’s maddening to keep up with the trends. Your comments, likes, and shares ensure that more people see and are made aware of what your favorite businesses have to offer. While small businesses should not rely solely on social media for their marketing, it can be a great leveraging tool to get the word out there about what they have to offer. Your engagement in their posts and stories ensures that more people will be exposed to your favorite local shops.

Use your voice in person or via social media platforms to encourage others to shop small and check out your favorite products and services from businesses that you know, like, and trust. Your words and actions go a long way. In fact, they’re priceless.