5 Ways to Support Your Friends’ Work for Free (or Cheap) for the Holidays

Photo by Rebecca Grant on Unsplash

It’s 2019 and we have the internet — you probably have a friend or seventeen who sell their wares or work online as a home business. I have friends who sew, make vinyl decals, deliver babies, write, create jewelry, perform, coach, farm, and consult. I support these friends with purchases — but also by sharing about them when others are in need of their products or services.

1. Share Their Posts: While you’re scrolling your social media, take a moment to react, comment, and share social media posts to help your friend’s business get more reach. (PS. All of my Medium stories go out on Twitter).
2. Talk About Them: If you’re in a conversation that’s relevant and you can organically mention a friend’s business or work, bring it up! A conversation about leaving out cookies for Santa can easily lead to “I have a friend who makes custom Santa plates for Christmas, do you want her information?” without being invasive or demanding. You’re sharing a resource and they can ask for more information or decline.
3. Make a Post: Make a social media post about how much you love the work of your friends. Share their links for people to follow them. People can take it if it’s relevant and keep scrolling if it’s not — but for the person who has been wondering where they can get a custom made dress…