September 26, 2025 – By: Nicole Sherwood • Marketing Coordinator
Over half of Americans shop locally at least once a month (54.8%). National Good Neighbor Day, celebrated on September 28th, emphasizes the power of local support and connection. Originally created to foster community spirit and encourage acts of kindness between neighbors, the holiday is often marked by community events and informal gatherings. But you don’t need to wait for just one day a year to engage with your community. Here are some ways your business can build connections year-round:
Join Local Events
Local events such as fairs, festivals, and farmer’s markets are a great opportunity to interact directly with members of your community and generate more visibility for your business. Showcasing your products or services in this setting not only builds brand awareness, it also creates personal connections that encourage event-goers to visit your business or website later. The relationships you build at these events can lead to new customers walking through your doors and sharing your business with friends and family.
Collaborate with Other Businesses
When building your business’s reputation within the community, don’t forget to connect with other local businesses. Teaming up with complementary businesses for cross-promotions, shared loyalty programs, or co-hosted events can expand your reach and introduce your business to new audiences. These collaborations can be especially powerful during “shop local” campaigns, which often take place during fall festivals and the holiday season.
Sponsor Local Causes
Sponsoring local sports teams, charity events, and community fundraisers is another excellent way to boost your business’s reputation while also giving back. A 2020 survey on consumer preferences for shopping locally shows that 30% of consumers said they would be more likely to shop locally if businesses supported the community. Supporting local causes doesn’t always require a monetary cost. You can also participate in fundraisers by hosting supply drives, raising awareness with flyers on bulletin boards, or offering sidewalk space outside your business for tabling events.
Offer Community-Focused Programs and Incentives
Providing special discounts or loyalty programs for local residents can increase visibility and encourage repeat visits to your business. In fact, 50% of consumers said they would be more likely to shop locally if businesses offered discounts. Sending direct mail offers to new residents and birthday celebrants in your community can boost awareness among those who may not be familiar with your business. Combine that with an enticing offer, and you are much more likely to see new customers come through your door. Once you get them in, staying top-of-mind is key. Loyalty programs or email marketing allow you to continue to communicate with them and provide additional offers to show your appreciation for their business.
Engage with the Local Community on Social Media
In today’s digital age, your business’s online reputation is just as important as its reputation offline. Younger generations, such as millennials and Gen Z, are more willing to shop locally than their older counterparts, making social media an important tool to connect with them. By engaging with local influencers, reposting community content, and sharing original posts with local hashtags, your business can showcase its values while reaching a broader audience. Beyond organic content, digital advertising is equally powerful. Since 97% of consumers search online for a local business, running targeted ads on platforms such as Google, Facebook, or Instagram ensures you’re visible no matter how customers choose to look for you.
