Is “Support My Business”Enough to Make Somebody Buy?
We hear “support my business” all the time—but does knowing someone mean you should automatically buy from them? Maybe real support and being a customer aren't always the same thing.
I see it all the time.
“Support my business!”
And listen, I absolutely believe in supporting small businesses. I know what it takes to build something from the ground up.
But I've been thinking…
Is “support me” actually a good enough reason for somebody to spend their money? 👀
Because there's a difference between wanting people to support you and giving people a reason to buy from you.
People Don't Owe Us a Purchase
This might be uncomfortable, but somebody following you doesn't automatically make them your customer.
Neither does being your friend.
Or your cousin.
Or your coworker.
People can genuinely want to see you win and still not need what you're selling.
And sometimes I think business owners take that personally.
“Nobody supports me.”
But wait.
Did they not support you?
Or did they just not buy something?
Those aren't always the same thing.
Someone can share your post, recommend you to somebody else, leave a review, show up to your event or simply tell people about your business.
That's support too.
Give Me a Reason to Buy
If I'm spending my money, I need to understand what I'm getting.
What problem does your product solve?
What makes your service worth the price?
Why should I choose you instead of the other 15 businesses offering something similar?
And sometimes the answer really can be you.
Your customer service.
Your creativity.
Your quality.
Your personality.
Your experience.
The way you make customers feel.
But there still needs to be a reason beyond:
“Because you know me.” 😂
Your Friends Aren't Your Marketing Plan
This is a big one.
You cannot build an entire business around hoping your Facebook friends buy something every time you post.
At some point, your business has to reach people who don't know you at all.
People who see your product and think:
“I need that.”
Not:
“Well, I know her, so let me buy something.”
Because strangers don't care that you're trying to build a business.
They care whether what you're selling is worth their money.
And honestly?
That's not a bad thing.
It forces us to make our businesses better.
Support Is Great. Value Is Better.
Absolutely tell people about your business.
Promote yourself.
Ask people to share.
Be proud of what you're building.
But instead of only saying:
“Support my business.”
Maybe the better question is:
“Have I given people a reason to WANT to support my business?”
Because support might get somebody to buy from you once.
A great product, great service and great experience are what make them come back.
And I'd rather have customers who genuinely love what I'm offering than people buying something because they feel guilty if they don't.
So what do you think?
Should friends and family make an effort to support your business—or should business never come with that expectation? 👀
