Prove You’re Not a Hater: 30 Ways to Support A Friend’s Business

Think You’re Supporting Your Friend’s Business? If you’re not doing any of these 30 things for them, think again! Picture this: your friend finally takes the leap and starts their own business. You’re pumped for them—you really are! But then they drop a casual comment about feeling like their closest friends don’t support them, and suddenly you’re spiraling, wondering if you’re the villain in their success story.

Think about it. Your friend started a business and you haven’t shown any type of support—are you secretly being a hater without realizing it? It’s not that you don’t want to show support; you probably just don’t know how.

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Many entrepreneurs say that the people who cheer them online are usually total strangers. While their own friends and family never so much as like a post. The silence from friends on our business’s social posts is LOUD.

But don’t worry—this guide is your cheat sheet for showing up without spending a dime. Whether they’re launching a boutique, coaching biz, or influencer empire, these tips will have them feeling like the main character they deserve to be.

Prove You’re Not a Hater: 30 Free Ways to Support A Friend’s Business

Here’s the tea: starting a business is hard enough without feeling like your closest people are secretly rooting for your downfall. Entrepreneurs often feel isolated, even when surrounded by friends.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to let your friend know you applaud what they’re doing without spending any money. Here’s how to support your friend’s small business – 30 simple ways to be the friend every entrepreneur wishes they had.

30 Free Ways to Show Up for Your Friend’s Small Business

This list of 30 ways to support your friend’s small business will make a BIG impact on your friend, and it won’t cost you a cent.

1. Engage on Social Media (Like Their Posts!)

If you saw your friend on the street, you would say hi, right? You wouldn’t run past her and pretend you didn’t see her. So why didn’t you like her latest post when it landed on your FYP today?

Scroll, double-tap, repeat. It’s that easy. Something you can do that costs no money and almost no time is to like their business’ social media posts. Whether it’s a perfectly crafted latte on Instagram or a great tip for knitting a blanket, be sure to hit the like button as you scroll by.

Bonus points if you comment something supportive (not just “cute!”—go for depth), share their post on your story, and let the algorithm do its thing. It takes five seconds and gives their biz a major visibility boost.

2. Leave Them Reviews

If you’ve ever interacted with their product, service, or even just admired their branding, leave a review on Yelp, Google, or their Facebook page. Those five stars aren’t just for Uber rides—they can make or break a small business.

3. Allow Them To Be Cringe

Let’s be real—every new business goes through a “cringe phase.” Their posts might have some questionable graphic design choices, their webinars might feel a little awkward, and their marketing might be… a work in progress. But that’s exactly what it is!

Here’s the thing: climbing ‘cringe mountain’ is part of the game and it’s required to reach ‘success valley’.

Every successful entrepreneur starts somewhere, and the only way to get better is by practicing—publicly. Your job? Cheer them on anyway. Laugh with her, not at her, and remind her that progress is what matters.

The people who make it are the ones who push through the awkward phases and never give up. So, give your friend the grace to grow, and in a year, you’ll be looking back with her, laughing about how far she’s come.

4. Attend Events

It doesn’t matter if it’s a product launch, a new brand collab they are advertising, or an awkward live stream where they’re figuring out how to unmute themselves. Show up. Your presence is free but priceless—it tells them, “I see you hustling, and I’m here for it.”

5. Word of Mouth

You’re chatting with a coworker, and they mention needing custom gifts, a great coach, or a content creator to rep a brand. That’s your cue. “Oh, my friend has an amazing small business for that!” Boom. Referral made.

6. Tag Them

Snapping a pic of their product or at their event? Tag them in your post. That little tag connects your audience to their page, and you’ve just given them free advertising without lifting more than a finger.

7. Refer Friends and Family

When someone in your circle mentions needing something your friend offers, don’t gatekeep! Send a link to their shop or Instagram page. You’re not just hyping their business; you’re expanding their customer base.

8. Follow Their Pages and Share Their Content

Follow their business accounts on every platform, even if it’s LinkedIn (yes, LinkedIn). It doesn’t matter if you use the platform often. Every follow counts, especially when they’re trying to grow their audience.

Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to small business content. Hit that “share” button on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest and let your own followers discover their stuff.

9. Use Their Branded Hashtags

Does their business have a cute hashtag? Use it! Whether you’re posting about their product or an event, that hashtag makes their brand searchable and more legit.

10. Comment Thoughtfully

Take five seconds to drop a meaningful comment on their posts. “Love this!” is nice, but “This looks incredible—your hard work is so inspiring!” feels personal. Plus, engagement boosts the algorithm, and that’s a win for their biz.

11. Save and Pin Their Posts

Did you know saving Instagram posts or pinning Pinterest content actually helps their reach? It’s like bookmarking their success. Save posts you genuinely love, and bonus: you’ll have them on hand for inspo later.

12. Give Them Shoutouts

Take a moment to highlight their work in your stories or posts. Something as simple as “Can’t get over how amazing my friend’s shop is—check it out!” can introduce them to people who didn’t even know they needed their business.

13. Celebrate Their Wins

Did they hit a milestone? Launch a new product? Get featured somewhere cool? Hype them up like they just won a Grammy. Send a text, post a congrats story, or show up with that same energy you’d bring to a Taylor Swift ticket drop.

14. Offer Words of Encouragement

Sometimes, the best thing you can say is, “I see how hard you’re working, and it’s inspiring.” It’s free, it’s heartfelt, and it might be exactly what they need to keep pushing through the hard days.

15. Show Support During Setbacks

Businesses have rough patches—it’s just part of the ride. Instead of offering unsolicited advice, just listen. A simple “That sucks, but I know you’ll figure it out” can make them feel seen and supported without adding pressure.

16. Volunteer Your Skills

Are you good at photography? Writing? Organizing? Offer to lend a hand. “Hey, I could take some product photos for your website” or “Want me to help brainstorm content ideas?” might be the assist they didn’t know they needed.

17. Help at Events

If they’re running a booth or hosting a workshop, offer to help. You don’t need to be their unpaid employee—just pitch in where you can, like setting up, handing out flyers, or even being the hype-person who gets the crowd excited.

18. Offer Feedback (Only If They Ask!)

If your friend asks for your thoughts on a product or idea, be honest but kind. Frame it like this: “This is amazing—what if you also tried ___?” Constructive feedback shows you care about their success, not just saying “It’s great!” to keep things easy.

But please don’t offer unsolicited advice if they didn’t ask for any.

19. Use Free Resources

Do they have a freebie like an eBook, guide, or newsletter? Download it. Sign up. Engage with it. You’re not just a supporter—you’re now officially a fan who knows what they’re offering.

20. Test Their Product

If they’re in the testing phase, volunteer to try it out. Give honest feedback (nicely) so they can improve before launching it to the world. Think of yourself as their very own focus group.

21. Engage with Online Events

Whether it’s a free webinar or an Instagram Live, tune in. Even if you’re multitasking in the background, your name popping up in the attendee list shows them you’re rooting for their success.

22. Advocate Locally

If their business is location-based, suggest them for local events, markets, or collaborations. “Hey, you should connect with ___ for this market—they’d love your stuff!” gives them connections they might not have had on their radar.

23. Nominate Them

Submit their name for awards, “best of” lists, or any recognition opportunities you see. That “Best Local Bakery” plaque or “Best Vegan Food Blog” nod in a roundup article? Could be their business if you step in.

24. Support Collaboration

Think about who you know that could benefit from partnering with them. “I have a friend who runs a similar business—want me to introduce you?” Networking isn’t just for big corporations—it’s a game-changer for small businesses too.

25. Respect Their Boundaries

Starting a business can be overwhelming, and your friend is probably juggling 47 things at once. If they don’t answer your text right away or seem distracted, don’t take it personally. Instead, send a message like, “I know you’re busy—let me know when you’re free to catch up!”

26. Avoid Asking for Discounts

Yes, you are friends, but they’re trying to make a living. And it’s the opposite of being supportive to ask them if you can pay less when their business is small, and they can use every penny.

Listen, their business isn’t a flea market, and they’re not out here handing out two-for-one deals to every acquaintance. Pay full price when you can, but if money’s tight, support them in other ways (this whole list is free, remember?).

27. Show Interest

Ask them about their business—what they’re working on, what they’re excited about, or what challenges they’re facing. Show genuine curiosity, and they’ll feel like you’re invested in their journey. Bonus: you’ll probably learn something cool.

28. Be Consistent

Support isn’t just a one-time thing. Keep liking their posts, sharing their wins, and being their cheerleader even after the launch buzz dies down. Building a business takes time, and knowing you’re in their corner makes all the difference.

29. Check-In Regularly

Send a quick text: “Saw you’re doing a webinar this week – so stoked for you!!” It takes two seconds but reminds them that you care about their success. Plus, it opens the door for them to share their wins—or vent, if needed.

30. Be Patient

Success doesn’t happen overnight. Your friend is grinding, learning, and probably making mistakes along the way. Celebrate their persistence, remind them how far they’ve come, and keep being their hype person for the long haul.

30 Genius Ways to Show You’re Actually Supporting Your Friend’s Business – Conclusion

Supporting your friend’s small business doesn’t mean spending money or dedicating your entire life to their hustle. It’s about showing up in the little ways that remind them they’re not alone.

Starting a business can feel like climbing a mountain with zero map, but knowing they have someone cheering from the sidelines? Game changer.

Pick a few tips from this list and start supporting your entrepreneurial friend today—they deserve it, and honestly, so do you. Because when they make it big, you’ll know you were part of their success story from day one.

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