This is my Personal Experience of changes that happened to some Small Businesses in my city Las Pinas during the past few months. I tend to see those changes not as a normal person but as a local guide. I’ve watched some businesses getting closed, or struggling very much to survive and some who managed to survive and even to thrive. This feels really important now, especially in the International Small Businesses Week. As a developing local guide these are my stories:
There’s this Turkish restaurant, Shawarma rolls, which was opened by the end of the lockdown. Thankfully I could guide them from the beginning by adding them to Google maps and informing them about GMB. Later on I explained to them about the possibilities of advertising through social media platforms. Now the restaurant is thriving and I feel very happy that I could help them.
There was a restaurant called Cocomarte near my apartment which used to be my favorite bubble tea shop. As a local guide I helped them to start using GMB and Google maps. But unfortunately due to the lack of customers during the pandemic and also because the owner couldn’t provide online delivery of the food, the restaurant got closed permanently in the last month.
When it comes to Bharath Rich Cuisine, one of the other struggling restaurants, which was closed during lockdown and reopened recently. As they had only delivery, they were not added to Google maps. I had a word with the owner and explained the significance of getting added to Google maps and promoting through GMB. Now it is one of the best local restaurants in Metro Manila which serves Indian food.
Eatery, a small Filipino restaurant where we used to go frequently during college days. But in lockdown, when college was shut, it was so struggling for the owner. She had to close the old shop and started a new one recently in another building nearby. When I visited the restaurant last month, it was showing the old location in Google maps. I did all the edits needed and updated the information in my review also. I shared in my social media about this location change so that people from this area and my college mates will come to know. I’ve informed her about GMB and now she’s waiting for the confirmation letter from Google.
Some tips I’ve learned by myself about how to help small businesses
- Always give reviews even if it’s a small purchase or if it was an online delivery.
- Mention if they have dine-in, delivery or pick-up in the reviews
- Check the information on maps if it’s updated or try to edit.
- Add the place, other information like phone number, dine-in or take out for restaurants etc.
- Always talk about the GMB and how it can help.
- Make them aware of the possibilities of promoting businesses through social media
- Share the food review through your social media if possible
- Answer the yes/no questions about these places
After all everyone knows this is the Main Point; Try to buy groceries, food and other items from nearby small businesses as possible. They need our support especially during these days of struggle. And what makes all happy and helpful is not expecting anything in return. I know all my colleagues on connect will agree on that.
I’m always searching for new methods to help small businesses around me. Please share your views in the comments.
Don’t mind me talking about restaurants only. I’m a foodie and that’s what made up my Google maps mostly.
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