Running a small business isn’t always easy, but one thing that makes it better is the community around us.
In East Devon, we’re lucky to have brilliant cafés, shops, trades, charities and service providers on our doorsteps. And while we can all shop local in person, there’s another simple way to support each other: giving a shout-out online.
It doesn’t cost a penny, but it can make a huge difference to another business’s visibility.
Tagging them on Facebook
When you mention another business on Facebook, tag their page so people can click through.
- Just type
@followed by the business name and select it from the list. - Their name becomes a clickable link, and they’ll get notified.
- This helps them reach new people, and it makes your post look more connected to the community.
Tip: Make sure your own Facebook URL is easy to share too — here’s my guide on how to customise your Facebook Business URL.
Giving a mention on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is fantastic for professional shout-outs.
- Use
@and start typing their name or company — they’ll get notified. - Share what you liked about working with them or the service you received.
- Keep it personal — a short, genuine note goes much further than corporate fluff.
For example: “Big thank you to @JaneSmithDesign for the new branding — already getting compliments!”
Share their posts and add a line of your own
Another quick win is to share a local business’s update or post .
- Hit share, but don’t just repost silently — add your own words.
- Say why you like what they’re doing, or how you’ve worked with them.
It adds authenticity, and your audience trusts it more.
Leave a review or testimonial
This one’s gold dust for small businesses.
- A short Google or Facebook review helps them show up in search results.
- On LinkedIn, you can leave a recommendation that sits on their profile.
I can’t tell you how often clients mention reviews when they find me;
it really does matter.
Team up for joint posts
Why not create content together?
- A café could tag the local farm they source ingredients from.
- A tradesperson might share a before-and-after job and mention the decorator or electrician they worked alongside.
These little collaborations get both of you in front of a bigger audience.
Wrapping up
Supporting local doesn’t always mean spending money.
By tagging, mentioning, and giving online shout-outs, you can make a huge difference to another business’s visibility.
And of course, it works both ways,
the more we highlight each other, the stronger our local community feels, both online and on the high street.