More and more Americans are buying their gifts on the internet this holiday season. Black Friday online sales hit a new record, according to the Associated Press. As if the pandemic wasn’t enough, local businesses are also challenged with getting shoppers to notice them online.
“I enlist the help of those in the website businesses,” said Kristin Schmitt, owner of Inik Soap Company. “If a customer is searching for something specific on Google, my store will come up.”
The pandemic has forced Schmitt to move to a web-based only store.
“I have missed out on the craft fairs and markets,” she explained.
Therefore, Schmitt and other businesses are hoping to capitalize on the surge of internet customers.
“My main goal is getting out there on social media,” she said. “I recommend shoppers go through a collective.”
Online collectives are directories, where local businesses can be included in search engines.
Waxwing, MKEBlack, and Snook Trinkets & Doodads all collectives in the Milwaukee area.
Local businesses do have one request this holiday:
“Don’t forget the little guys,” said Kara Rankin, owner of Scout and Molly’s in Brookfield. “Small businesses have supported your baseball teams, or your youth sports. They’ve given back to your causes.”
“Don’t forget about (us) because we do need your help.”