Starting a side-hustle or owning a small business is becoming more common. According to Side Hustle Nation, 45% of Americans – nearly 70 million people – have one. Whether it’s crafting, consulting, photographing, selling, or something else, you likely know several people who are earning extra income on the side.

In fact, it’s estimated that small businesses generate nearly 45% of the U.S. economy.

These businesses need customers to stay afloat. The good news is, there are a number of ways you can support those you know with side-hustles or small businesses, and it doesn’t have to be costly or time consuming.

Here is a list of 7 ways you can support your favorite people, brands and businesses without breaking the bank.

engage on social media

It costs $0 and only takes a couple of seconds to like and follow your favorite small business’s social media pages. Take it a step further and react to, comment on and share their updates.

Social media algorithms currently ranks the posts each user sees in the order that they’re likely to enjoy them, based on a variety of factors. The algorithms also prioritize posts from friends and family members over those of businesses and brands. This means if followers don’t engage with a brand’s posts, the algorithms will suppress the posts from the followers’ newsfeeds.

The more people engage with their posts, the more likely the brand is to be seen. Plus, by sharing their posts, you are exposing your own network to that brand, increasing the likelihood others will see, follow and even purchase from them.

There’s a reason you see businesses post “like, comment and share this post for XYZ.” It’s because it helps them get seen by more eyes, ultimately generating more leads and sales.

subscribe to emails and newsletters

This is another $0, quick action you can take to help support the brands you love. Visit their website and see if they have an email newsletter you can sign up for. When you get the email, if there is information you find interesting or helpful, forward it to your friends. This is an easy way to share the small business with others. You can even encourage them to sign up themselves.

write a review

Write a review on their social media pages, Yelp, Google, and any other review site that makes sense. Share any products or services you purchased, what your experience was like, and your feelings about the brand. Encourage others to purchase from the businesses as well.

93% of consumers stated that online reviews helped influence their purchasing decisions. Nearly 100% of consumers use online media when researching products or services in their local area. Customers are willing to spend 31% more on a business with excellent reviews. By writing a positive review, you’re helping direct these consumers to your favorite brands.

purchase gift cards

Whether it’s for a friend, family member, coworker, or a random act of kindness, gift cards can be an appreciated gift. Next time you have to buy one, instead of going for Amazon, Starbucks or another big box retailer, see what your local spots or favorite small businesses have to offer.

If the business is online only, or not local, see if they will offer electronic gift cards or gift certificates.

share your favorites and purchases

People trust their friends and family 5x more than a brand, and 77% of consumers are more likely to buy a new product when learning about it from friends or family. 81% of online consumers’ purchase decisions are influenced by their friend’s social media posts.

If you do own something from the small business, share a photo or video of you using it. Post it on your own social media channels and encourage your followers to check it out. You can even share it in a review about the business.

Don’t forget to tag the store or business in your post as an additional, easy way to promote it.

refer a friend

People are 90% more likely to make a purchase based on a referral from friends and family. So, tell people you know about the businesses you love. Word of mouth is a great, easy way for businesses to earn customers, and it’s free for you to show your support.

Some businesses even offer an incentive for sending in qualified referrals. If your favorite brand offers something like this, don’t be afraid to take advantage of it. The value of a new customer will outweigh anything the business gives you for the referral.

stop by and make a purchase

Sometimes, you can support your favorite brands by purchasing from them.

Instead of shopping at the Target or TJMaxx in your neighborhood, see if someone you know or a small, local business offers the same or similar products and purchase from them instead.

Or, treat yourself to a special purchase, supporting the brand and getting a little something extra for yourself.