6 Tips for Planning a Safe, Romantic Valentine’s Day in 2021

For more than a year now, life, as we know it, has changed dramatically. Holidays, unfortunately, have been no exception, and the pandemic has forced us to rethink how we celebrate.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and a pandemic shouldn’t stop you from celebrating your love, whether it’s brand new or long-established. But, that doesn’t mean that you should throw caution to the wind and give up all of the precautions you’ve taken to stay safe.

There are lots of ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day and celebrate it with the one you love while also minimizing your risk and staying safe.

How to plan a safe, romantic Valentine’s Day during a pandemic

#1. Order in

During a normal year, Valentine’s day is the perfect day to reserve a table at your favorite romantic spot and enjoy the hustle and bustle of dining out. But, this year, consider celebrating in a more intimate setting — your own home!

Eating at home means that you and your partner can enjoy each other’s company in a setting where you can actually hear each other talk! But, just because you’re eating at home doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your favorite dishes.

Support a restaurant near you by ordering carry-out or delivery. You’ll enjoy a delicious, one-on-one meal with your partner while also supporting a hard-working local restaurant.

#2. Treat your special someone

We could all use a little rest and relaxation about now, and if you’re looking for something great to give your special someone this year, why not pamper them a little this year? Or, better yet, why not pamper you both?

Here are a few ideas:

  • Schedule an in-home couple’s massage with your local massage therapist
  • Book an appointment at your local nail or hair salon for a spruce up
  • Take a relaxing yoga class together online
  • Support your local florist and fill your home with fresh flowers
  • Order something sweet from your community bakery

Indulging in a little pampering will leave you both feeling rejuvenated and help you make the most of your Valentine’s Day.

#3. Do something new

Our shared experiences are what bring us together, and if you’re looking for a great way to get close to your partner this Valentine’s Day, trying something new together can work wonders.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Take an online cooking class and learn how to make something new
  • Take an online fitness class you’ve never done before
  • Try a new hobby that you’re both interested in, like building a diorama or baking
  • Play a board game or video game you’ve never played before

Doing something new together will help to make this Valentine’s Day memorable. Plus, it gives you something new to talk about, which can be a challenge for couples who have been staying home together!

#4. Rekindle the flame

If you’re looking to turn up the heat this Valentine’s Day, why not take the literal approach by cozying up next to a fire?

Sitting by a fire is the perfect way to relax, unwind and get warm, and it has the added benefit of being a great outdoor activity. This is ideal if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with someone who isn’t in your bubble.

Whether you’re lighting the fire in your fireplace or outdoor fire pit, bring the marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers for a fun, cozy evening getting toasty by the fire.

#5. Go one a romantic retreat

Need to get out of the house for a while? I don’t blame you. I think we could all use a vacation these days. But, vacation doesn’t have to mean flying across the world and laying on a beach.

There are plenty of places nearby where you could enjoy a romantic retreat with your partner, even if it’s just for a day or two. Personal vacation rentals are a fun, affordable way to get away from it all.

Alternatively, you could book a stay at a local bed and breakfast or hotel in the next town over. You don’t need to go far to feel like you’re getting a vacation!

#6. Connect in the great outdoors

Indoor activities can be a little riskier when you’re spending Valentine’s Day with someone who isn’t in your bubble, Luckily, there are plenty of great outdoor activities you can do that will help you get to know each other better and enjoy each other’s company.

It’s cold out, but as long as it’s not too cold (i.e. if you’re in one of the many places hit by a giant snowstorm, it’s probably best to stay in!), you could bundle up and enjoy lots of great outdoor activities. Here are a few cold-weather ideas:

Visit an outdoor ice skating rink

  • Go snowshoeing
  • Ride down a nearby hill on sleds
  • Build a snowman or have a snowball fight

If it’s warm enough where you are, you could:

  • Go on a hike or a long walk
  • Grab takeout from your favorite local restaurant and have a picnic
  • Play a round or two of mini-golf or hit the batting cages
  • Ride bikes or go rollerskating

Whether your plan for this Valentine’s Day is to get carry-out from a romantic restaurant, schedule an at-home couple’s massage or surprise your partner with jewelry or flowers, start your local business search with Top Rated Local®.

With Top Rated Local, you can compare the highest-rated local businesses in your area side by side, read a local business’s reviews from across the web, get a glimpse of a business’s overall online reputation and more.

Make the most of Valentine’s Day 2021, and support the amazing local businesses near you!

Why Resolve to Support Local Businesses in 2021

It’s finally New Year’s Eve, the last day of 2020. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the last year and think ahead of what’s to come in 2021.

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we have very little control over the future, but what we can do is make a conscious effort to change the way we live our lives. When all is said and done, that’s what New Year’s resolutions are all about.

This is the perfect year to change the way you spend money by making a commitment to yourself to shop local whenever possible.

7 reasons to make supporting local businesses your 2021 New Year’s resolution

#1. It’s easy to keep

Did you know that the vast majority of New Year’s resolutions people make are abandoned by February? There are many reasons for this, but one of the biggest reasons is that a lot of people make resolutions that are too vague to actually achieve.

For example, a lot of people resolve to lose weight in the New Year. But, “losing weight” can mean anything, and unless you have a specific goal in mind, it’s not really possible to actually reach it.

On the other hand, specific goals are only acceptable if they are also achievable. If your goal is to lose 50 pounds, the chances of reaching it aren’t good. But, simply committing to shopping at local businesses whenever possible is both easy and achievable.

#2. You’ll be supporting local jobs

Cities will often do almost anything to attract big businesses. Just look at how many cities offered millions of dollars in tax incentives to Amazon when it was looking for new headquarters a couple of years ago.

You’d think with all the hoopla that big businesses are what employ most Americans, but the fact of the matter is that local businesses are responsible for many, many local jobs.

When local businesses do well, they hire more people within your community. That creates and supports quality jobs that often provide better job satisfaction than similar jobs at corporations and big businesses.

#3. You don’t need any special equipment

For some resolutions, everything you need to achieve them you already have. But, that’s not the case with every resolution.

Let’s look at the weight loss example again. In order to actually lose weight, you may need to sign up for a gym membership or sessions with a personal trainer. You may need to restock your pantry with healthier options, or invest in a new pair of running shoes.

When you resolve to support local businesses, you don’t need to sign up for extra services or spend an arm and a leg on extra equipment. You simply need to choose a local business for your needs.

#4. More of your money will stay in your community

When you spend money at a big box store, much of the profit goes to shareholders who have absolutely no ties or connection to your community. Furthermore, products and supplies likely won’t come from your community; most won’t even come from the United States at all.

Local businesses, on the other hand, are a lot more likely to get the equipment and supplies they need locally, and to choose local manufacturers or artists for their inventory. Furthermore, their rent will go to a local landlord, their profits benefit the local economy and their charitable donations will go to local nonprofits.

When you support local businesses, you help to support your community. It’s as simple as that.

#5. Find new, go-to spots around town

I’ve lived in the same city for more than a decade. You’d think I’d have visited every restaurant and little shop it has to offer, but the truth is that I have a few favorite places and rarely ever check out any of the other great local businesses my city has to offer.

If you’re anything like me, you may need a little something to push you away from your comfort zone. Making the commitment to support local businesses gives you an incentive to do just that, and you may just find some new go-to spots along the way.

Let’s say you love a good hamburger. Rather than stopping at the drive-thru of a chain, order take-out from a local hamburger place instead. You’re almost guaranteed to have a better experience, and a new favorite restaurant to grab a burger.

#6. You’ll help to keep your community special

Almost every city in the United States has the same Walmart with the same layout, as well as the same McDonald’s and Starbucks with the same menus, etc.

There’s a reason why you chose the community you’re living in, and it’s not because it’s exactly like every other community in the nation. It’s because it has something special, and small businesses are what help to make it special.

Local businesses are the lifeblood of their community. By making a choice to support the local businesses in your community, you’re also helping to support the very thing that makes your community so special and unique.

#7. You don’t need a plan to be successful

Most New Year’s resolutions often consist of big goals that take major lifestyle changes in order to accomplish. Weight loss is another great example of this.

Losing weight — and actually keeping it off — requires major disruptions in how you go about your daily routine. Where you once might have enjoyed heating up a frozen pizza for dinner while catching up on your favorite show, you now spend your evenings going for a run and preparing your food for the next day. In other words, you need to have a plan.

The beauty of making supporting local businesses your resolution is that you don’t have to change your normal routine all that much, nor do you need a big, sweeping plan to achieve your objective.


Want to support the local businesses in your community? Find great local businesses near you with Top Rated Local®.

Top Rated Local is a local business directory like no other. Not only does it make it easy to find local businesses in your area, but you can also compare local businesses side by side, read reviews from across the web and identify the highest-rated businesses near you.

Why Shop Local This Holiday Season

There’s a lot to love about the holidays — amazing food, beautiful lights and decorations and of course, the presents! Finding the perfect gift for someone you love is high on the list of things that just make you feel good.

When you do your holiday shopping this year, consider shopping locally. Now, more than ever, local businesses need our support, and this holiday season is the perfect time to start giving back to the local businesses that make our communities great.

Here are just a few of the many reasons to do your holiday shopping with the local businesses near you.

3 big reasons to shop local this holiday season

#1. Local businesses make their communities special

If every city and town across the country had the same, few big-box stores and no local businesses, there really wouldn’t be a whole lot of distinction between communities. But, thanks to many amazing local businesses, there are one-of-kind communities across the country.

Small business owners are very much a part of the communities they serve, they share the same concerns and they understand what their communities value. In other words, they are uniquely equipped to help define and reinforce the personality of their communities.

#2. Local businesses give back

Small, local businesses help to keep their communities great in many different ways, notably by keeping their money within their community, supporting other local businesses and donating to local charities and nonprofits.

When you choose to shop with and support the local businesses in your community, you’ll know that your money isn’t going to shareholders who have no interest in your community, but back into the community itself.

#3. Local businesses create jobs

Did you know that small businesses in the United States employ more than 59 million people? That’s about 47% of the country’s workforce (Small Business Trends).

Small businesses give back to their communities in a lot of different ways, but one of the most proud and impactful ways is the amount of jobs they create. Best of all, those jobs are largely local.

Whether through automation or outsourcing, a lot of major corporations have sacrificed their American workforce in order to save money. But luckily, local businesses provide reliable jobs for their friends and neighbors in their communities.


We know how easy it would be to order your gifts this holiday season from online retailers and just be done with it, and with the pandemic in full swing, that idea is even more tempting to many people. However, there are a lot of things you can do to keep yourself safe while still supporting the local businesses you love.

5 tips for staying safe while shopping local

#1. Take advantage of curbside

A lot of local businesses have opened supplemental online stores or websites, and while not all of them are able to offer delivery (particularly the free delivery you might enjoy from some bigger retailers) many are able to offer curbside delivery.

If you don’t feel comfortable shopping in person, visit your favorite local stores online to see if they offer curbside. Even if they don’t advertise it on their website, some may be willing to bring your purchase out to you if you simply ask!

#2. Buy gift cards

Still looking for great gift ideas for the people you care about? Consider giving them gift cards to some of your favorite local spots around town!

This is the perfect way to give your friends, family and loved ones a gift that they can really use, and it comes with the added benefit of supporting your go-to local businesses. Best of all, oftentimes, gift cards can be completely digital, so you won’t even have to leave your home!

#3. Avoid shopping during peak hours

A crowded small business is hardly the ideal place to be during a pandemic, but sometimes, you have no option but to shop in person if you want to support the local businesses you care about. In cases like these, your best bet is to shop when it’s least busy.

In general, evenings and weekends are probably the worst times to shop if you want to avoid big crowds. Most places are less busy if you shop in the mornings or afternoons during the week.

If you’re unsure about when a specific local business is busiest, you can often find peak hours on Google Maps. Or, you can always call and ask about the best times to shop to avoid a crowd.

#4. Make a list (and check it twice)

Have you ever gone to the grocery store without a list? If you’re anything like me, it takes at least twice as much time and you come home with a lot of chips and cookies but not a lot of vegetables or actual meal ingredients.

Shopping around can be a fun way to find holiday gifts for your loved ones, but it also means spending a lot more time among the crowds of holiday shoppers. That’s why it’s best to have a list and some idea of what you’re looking for before you go.

If you want to shop around and you don’t know exactly what you want, consider shopping with your favorite local businesses online.

#5. Follow safety protocols and guidelines

Whether you’re shopping for milk and eggs, toilet paper or holiday gifts, it’s always important to follow safety protocols and guidelines when you’re out and about.

These guidelines include not going out if you feel sick, wearing a mask when required, staying at least six feet away from other shoppers, refraining from touching things you aren’t going to buy and washing your hands frequently.


Find great local businesses near you, read reviews and compare the local businesses in your area side by side with Top Rated Local®. Plus, learn more about why we love and support local businesses at Top Rated Local and how to stay safe while you’re out shopping today.

How to Save More Energy This Summer

Staying cool during the summer doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Keep reading to learn how to stay cool while saving more energy this summer.

7 Tips for a More Energy Efficient Summer

#1. Alter your menu.

Nothing will warm up your home more than turning on the oven or cooking over a stove, which can make your air conditioning work harder to catch up. But, this doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a home-cooked meal this summer.

Luckily, there are a lot of ways to prepare delicious, healthy food at home without warming up the kitchen:

  • Fire up the grill – Summer is the perfect time of the year to start cooking more on the grill.
  • Eat fresh – Not every meal needs to be cooked. When it’s hot out, a fresh salad can really hit the spot. Smoothies full of fresh fruit and vegetables are also a great summertime option, as are cold sandwiches.
  • Cook for leftovers – Cook a big meal that you can eat leftovers from for a few days, like chili or spaghetti. Reheating food in the microwave won’t warm up your home like cooking a new meal every night will, and you can cook in bulk in the morning or at night when it’s cool.

#2. Keep the blinds closed.

If you want your home to stay cool during the day while saving as much energy as possible, consider keeping your blinds closed and/or shades drawn during the day. This is especially helpful if you have energy-efficient blinds or shades.

Natural sunlight is nice, but unfortunately, it can warm up your home. By keeping the blinds closed, you’ll keep your home cooler. This will also prevent your carpet, paint, photographs and artwork from fading in the sunlight.

If you’re like me, and you can’t bear to keep the blinds closed while it’s sunny and beautiful out, consider contacting your local window treatment specialist. New window treatments can protect your home from UV rays and increase efficiency.

#3. Get your HVAC system maintained.

When your HVAC system is working properly and running smoothly, it’s also working as efficiently as possible. That’s why keeping your system in great shape with regular HVAC maintenance is an essential part of keeping your energy bills as affordable as possible.

There are, of course, many things you can do on your own to keep your energy system in good shape. This includes replacing your filters on a monthly basis, cleaning dust and debris off of your system, and clearing any leaves building up around outdoor systems.

Having a local HVAC contractor come out to have a look at your system will make it last longer. It will also help you catch minor issues before they can lead to expensive repairs or even replacement.

#4. Wash with cold water.

Did you know that when you run the washing machine, the part that takes up the most energy is actually warming the water up? Even if the cold water cycle takes longer, you’ll end up saving a lot more energy if you wash in cold water than warm, and luckily, cold water works just as well for cleaning clothes.

It all comes down to detergent. Back in the day, when hand-washing was the norm, detergents required hot water to work most efficiently. Hot water also cut down on the time people had to spend scrubbing their clothes. Modern detergents are formulated to work efficiently regardless of water temperature.

Not only does washing your laundry with cold water help you save energy; it’s also better for your clothes in most cases. Warm water is much harder on the fibers in your clothes, and washing in cold water could actually make your clothes last longer.

The benefits of washing with cold water go beyond laundry. Cold water is also better for your skin and hair. If you can handle it, turn down or off the warm water while you shower.

#5. Make sure your home is properly insulated.

Proper insulation plays a big role in how energy efficient your home is. The better your home is insulated, the more effective it will be at keeping the cool air inside your home and the warm air out. This will make your air conditioner’s job easier, saving you more energy.

According to NAIMA (the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association), 90 percent of homes in the United States aren’t properly insulated. That means that most American households are paying more for their energy bills than they could be, and many don’t even realize it.

If you’re not sure whether or not your home could use additional insulation, contact an insulation contractor near you to find out. Proper insulation will not only help you save more energy, but it can also keep your home quieter and more comfortable.

#6. Be strategic with your landscaping.

Many people realize that landscaping is an important part of curb appeal. The right landscape can make your home look like the best on the block. But, did you know that it could help you save more energy?

Shade can be a very powerful thing for keeping your space cool. A few well-placed trees or bushes could provide your home with a lot more shade, while also adding to your home’s curb appeal.

Work with your local landscaping company to develop a landscaping strategy to keep your home cooler while adding to the aesthetics of your home.

#7. Upgrade your thermostat.

Upgrading to a programmable thermostat is an excellent way to save more energy in your home, especially if you learn how to use your thermostat strategically.

Modern thermostats can be programmed to make adjustments automatically based on your schedule. This way, you won’t be paying to keep your air conditioner running when you don’t need it to, for example, when you’re at work or asleep.

They can also be controlled remotely, so you can turn your thermostat down or off when you’re away from home.


Need help making your home as comfortable and efficient as possible? Find the best home contractors and other local businesses near you with Top Rated Local. With our one-of-a-kind local directory, you can read home contractor reviews from across the web and compare local businesses side by side.

Get started today.

Your Guide to Supporting Local Businesses

Here at Top Rated Local®, it’s no secret that we love local businesses. They’re the lifeblood of what we do because we know that our community wouldn’t be the same without them, and neither would yours.

It’s also no secret that the small businesses that make our communities unique and special need our support right now.

Small businesses have had to make so many changes, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, that have hurt many bottom lines. Some local businesses, unfortunately, have had to close their doors already, and many more are fighting to stay alive.

If you love the local businesses in your area as much as we do, now is the time to start giving back and doing your part. And, luckily, there are plenty of ways that you can support the local businesses you love.

How to Support the Local Businesses You Love

#1. Always shop local first.

One of the very best ways you can show local businesses a little love is by making the simple choice to always shop local before you turn to Amazon or a big box store. For example, if you’re looking for some flowers, start by visiting your local garden center.

You’ll be surprised at just how much you can find in your local community. Too often, people just don’t look because they know that the big box store has what they need, and it’s convenient. However, a little inconvenience is a small price to pay to save the local businesses you love.

Whether you’re shopping for arts and crafts supplies to keep you busy at home or you’re looking for a pest control company to help you keep your home pest-free, always look for a local source first. Even when you’re shopping online, look for local businesses first.

#2. Buy gift cards.

Thanks to the coronavirus, you may not be able to visit your local beauty salon or barber shop, or you may not be able to get a massage or pamper yourself with a pedicure. But, just because in-person services are less accessible right now, it doesn’t mean that you can’t show your support.

Buying gift cards helps you show support to your favorite local businesses in multiple ways. Obviously, it allows you to financially support them, but it also helps you provide emotional support.

When you buy a gift card, you’re sending the business in question the message that you plan to work with them in the future. You have faith that they’ll be around when you feel safe going out and getting your nails done again or visiting your hairstylist. That hope is contagious and a powerful motivator.

#3. Write positive reviews.

Most consumers don’t understand the full weight of what reviews do for local businesses. They seem them as a way to give feedback and inform other consumers, but for businesses, they provide powerful testimonies that encourage other consumers to have their own experiences with the business. Reviews also help to make local businesses more visible online.

Reviews are everything to your modern-day local business, and if you want to support your favorite businesses, writing reviews is a great way to do so. The best part about this kind of support is that you don’t have to spend any money, at a time when financial support may just not be in your budget right now.

Take some time to write reviews for the local businesses in your community that you’ve come to rely on over the years. Be honest about your experience, and use the opportunity to let them know why they’re so important to you.

#4. Refer them to your friends and family.

Another powerful way that you can help local businesses in your community stay afloat is by sending business their way. You may not need what they have to provide, but if you know someone who does, let them know who to turn to.

People trust their friends and family to send them to someone they can rely on. Referrals almost always lead to business for local companies.

Not only are you helping local businesses when you make referrals, but you’re also helping your friends and family. It takes time to research local businesses online, but a quick referral from you helps them find someone they can trust right away.

#5. Share the love on social media.

In this day and age, a local business’s visibility online can make or break its success. There’s a lot of competition online these days, and since most people don’t look past the first page of Google, it means that a lot of businesses are competing for only a handful of rankings for competitive keywords.

One way you can help the businesses you love to be more visible online — and therefore, more successful — is to promote them on social media. You can share about an experience you’ve had or just express your gratitude for how they’ve impacted your community.

Even if you don’t have thousands of followers, anything you can do to spread the word about the local businesses you love will make an impact.

#6. Take advantage of online services.

A lot of businesses that have had to restrict or eliminate in-person services have shifted to offering services online. For instance, some fitness centers are offering online classes and online personal training sessions, and some hairstylists are offering online consultations.

Stay connected with the local businesses you love online so that you can be in the know about any online services they’re offering. Visit their website regularly, follow them on social media, and sign up for email newsletters to stay up to date.


If you’re in the market for a local business to support, start with Top Rated Local — your go-to local business directory. Search for local businesses near you in a wide range of categories, read a business’s reviews from across the web, and directly compare local businesses to each other side by side — all from one place.

Start your local business search with Top Rated Local today.

How to Stay Safe While Out Shopping

Want to stay safe while you’re out shopping?

The coronavirus pandemic has made a lot of simple things much more complicated, including shopping. But, whether you need a new pair of socks or to replenish your pantry, it’s something we can’t avoid doing forever. The good news is that there are a lot of things you can do to stay safe while you’re out shopping. Here are just a few of them:

#1. Do curbside pickup when you can.

The best way to stay safe while out shopping is to avoid it altogether! Luckily, that’s easier to do now than ever before, with so many stores adopting curbside pickup. It used to be that only a select few grocery stores offered curbside pickup, but now you can find it at just about any store. Even some beauty salons and nail salons have put together curbside at-home kits that you can use to keep up your beauty routine at home.

With lots of retailers, you can now order online, and they’ll bring it out to your car. But, if the store in question doesn’t offer online shopping, don’t hesitate to call and ask if they’ll do curbside pickup. Many will gladly do so and will accept orders over the phone.

#2. Have a plan.

In order to minimize your time out in the public, you want to avoid browsing while you’re in the store. You should have a plan in place before you go out shopping, which means that you should put together a list of what you want/need ahead of time.

One of the best ways to ensure that you get out of the store as quickly as possible is to organize your list by aisle, and put your list in order by what you’ll pass in the store first. Of course, this requires you to be familiar with the store you’re going to, which can also help to save a lot of time.

If you’re not 100-percent sure which items are found in which aisles, you can still make your trip faster by organizing your list by type. For instance, if you’re going to the grocery store, list all of your produce together, all of your dairy together, all of your frozen goods together, etc.

#3. Try to avoid using your fingertips.

High-touch surfaces, like door handles, can harbor lots of invisible germs that can be transferred to your face when you touch them with your fingertips. If the door to the store is not propped open or doesn’t have a sensor that will automatically open the door for you, you can often avoid touching the handle with your fingertips by using your elbow or hip to push the handicapped button. You can also use these alternatives when pushing the door open.

#4. Wear a mask when out in public.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all Americans wear cloth face coverings when out in public, especially in crowded indoor areas, like retail stores and grocery stores. This is meant to keep others around you safe, which is important because COVID-19 can be transferred before symptoms start to appear.

#5. Stay at least six feet away from others.

When you’re in the store, make it a point to steer clear of other shoppers. If there are arrows in the store indicating which direction you should walk in, make sure to pay attention to them and follow them. If an aisle looks crowded, wait for a few minutes for it to clear up before you go down it. Or, if someone is standing in front of something you want to grab, let them make their selection and walk away before you to get what you need.

Maintaining your distance while out shopping is one of the most important steps you can take to keep yourself, and those around you, safe. The downside, though, is that it can make your shopping trip longer because you have to wait for a clear path before you go down a certain aisle or grab certain products. That’s why it’s always good to give yourself a little more time when you’re going out these days.

Another important step you can take to ensure that you can keep your distance while shopping is to avoid going out when the store you’re visiting is crowded. If you’re unsure about when that might be, don’t hesitate to call and ask about the store’s busiest hours.

#6. Look before you touch.

In order to avoid spreading more germs than you have to, you should refrain from actually touching things as much as possible while out shopping. A lot of people like to browse with their hands, handling each item, reading the packaging. This, unfortunately, leads to a lot of unnecessary handling of products that end up getting put back on the shelves.

To avoid this, look with your eyes instead of with your hands. If possible, compare similar products ahead of time online so that you have an idea of what you want before you go to the store.

#7. Wash your hands.

The advice not to touch your face is sound, but it is much easier said than done for many of us. If you’re anything like me, the second I tell myself that I won’t touch my face is the second my nose starts itching like crazy. That’s why good hygiene is so important during this pandemic.

When you get in the car after shopping, eliminate the germs that may be living on your hands by using some hand sanitizer. And, when you get home, after you’ve put your groceries or other goods away, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.


Want to shop at a local retailer near you? Start your local business search with Top Rated Local®. Top Rated Local is not your average local business directory. When you search for local businesses with us, you’ll be be able to easily compare retailers side by side by looking at their Rating Score™ — which is a quick snapshot of what a business’ online reputation looks like overall — as well as read a business’s reviews from across every verified review site it’s listed on. Get started today!

How to Find a Local Business You Can Trust

It’s never been more important to support local businesses, and it’s also never been more important to find a local business you can trust.

Local businesses across the country are facing an uphill battle at the moment, and they are more in need of your support than ever before. But, with the number of coronavirus cases growing by the day, you also want to know that you can trust any local business that you hire.

6 Tips for Finding a Local Business You Can Trust

#1. Check for any necessary licensing or accreditation.

Most industries are under some form of regulation, and many different businesses require some sort of licensing or accreditation. This includes everything from roofers and plumbers to nail salons and massage clinics.

Any time you’re working with a local business that requires a license or accreditation, you should, at the very least, make sure that they have them. If the business isn’t properly licensed or accredited, you shouldn’t even consider working with them.

If you’re hiring a local business to do something inside your home, it’s also essential that you ensure that they are properly insured. This not only prevents them from liability, but you, as well.

#2. Look them up on Google.

You don’t have to hire a private investigator to learn what kind of organization a business is. In fact, you can learn a lot about a business simply by looking it up on Google.

You’ll find the business’ website, Facebook page, local listings, etc. but you can also look for any news that’s been associated with the business in question. For example, if you’re looking for a local restaurant that you can safely support amidst the pandemic, a Google search could help you learn about any previous health code violations they may have had.

#3. Read reviews.

The number one way to learn about what actually working with a local business is like is to go straight to the source — it’s current customers. Here are a few things you can do to get the most out of reading reviews:

  • Read multiple reviews – Individual experience is just that — individual — so reading just one review may or may not be reflective of what the typical customer experience is like. Reading multiple reviews allows you to look for common themes and learn about the customer experience overall rather than just one-off experiences.
  • Read recent reviews – Businesses change all the time. They hire new employees, offer new products or services, and adapt to meet the changing needs of their customers. Someone’s experience three years ago may have very little bearing on the typical experience at the present moment, so make sure that you read recent reviews.
  • Read positive and negative reviews – Don’t just read a business’ five-star reviews or one-star reviews. Read a mix of reviews so that you can get an idea of what the best- and worst-case scenario looks like.
  • Read reviews on multiple sites – A business’s reputation on Yelp isn’t always indicative of its reputation on Google or Facebook, or vice versa. In order to really learn about a business, you need to learn about their online reputation overall, which means that you need to read reviews from more than one review source.

#4. Pay attention to how they respond to feedback.

If a business has a one-star review or two, it’s not the end of the world, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that they can’t be trusted. We all make mistakes; it’s just a part of life. But, it’s how a business responds to those mistakes that can tell you a lot about what working with it is like.

When someone has had a poor experience with a business and gives them a one-star review, it’s a red flag if the business doesn’t respond because it indicates that they either don’t care that their customer didn’t have a good experience or that they don’t pay attention to the feedback they get online.

When a business does respond to a one-star review, on the other hand, it can tell you a lot about what kind of business they are. Did they get defensive and petty when they responded to the negative feedback, or did they own up to their mistake and try to make it right?

A business that can’t accept feedback and doesn’t take responsibility is not the kind of local business you want to work with.

#5. Find out how they treat their employees.

Not only should you ensure that any local business you work with treats its customers well; you should also look at how a business treats its employees, especially right now.

With coronavirus, the last thing that anyone wants is to work with a business that isn’t properly protecting its employees, particularly if those employees work directly with customers. It’s more important than ever to ensure that a local business you work with encourages employees to stay home when they’re sick and keeps employees safe by enforcing social distancing requirements while at work.

#6. Learn about safety precautions.

These aren’t typical times, which makes finding a local business a little more complicated than it typically would be. Whether you’re hiring someone to work in your home or you’re visiting them at a store or an office, you want to know that they have your safety in mind. Make sure that you ask about what the business is doing to keep people safe.


Start your local business search with Top Rated Local®.

When you’re looking for any kind of business near you, whether it’s a barber shop, roofing company, or restaurant, start your search with Top Rated Local. With Top Rated Local, you can read a business’s reviews from across the web, and you’ll get a quick glimpse of a business’s online reputation, overall, by looking at its Rating Score™.

Find a local business near you with Top Rated Local today!

6 Reasons to Support Local Businesses

The coronavirus pandemic has affected us all in some way or another. Some of us have sick friends or family members, or have even been sick ourselves. Some of us have lost our jobs or have seen a reduction in our income. Some of us have had to adapt to working from home or homeschooling our children.

Local businesses haven’t been immune to the effects of coronavirus. Many have had to close their doors entirely, while others have had to make drastic changes in order to stay afloat. Still, with all of this, we hear stories daily of local businesses that have stepped up to help their communities, even though it often has meant making huge sacrifices in order to do so.

These businesses need our support more than ever before, and they are incredibly deserving of that support for many, many different reasons.

Why We Should All Make it a Point to Support Local Businesses

#1. Support jobs in your community.

Local businesses do a lot for the communities they serve, but their biggest contribution is the jobs they create. Businesses that are locally owned create more jobs in their communities than large chains. Furthermore, in many sectors, local businesses even offer higher wages than those chains.

When you choose to support a local business, not only are you supporting the people who own and manage that business; you’re helping to support every person they employ. As unemployment rates have reached almost 17 percent, the local businesses that are still operating and employing people in our communities absolutely deserve our support.

#2. Support your local economy.

Local businesses support local economies far more than their big-box competitors do because they recycle a much larger percentage of their revenue back into their local economies. One way they do this is by working with other local businesses for the supplies and equipment they need to operate.

In addition to supporting other local businesses in your community, local businesses, on average, give more to local nonprofits and charities. This helps to support the people in your community who need help the most.

#3. Protect your local environment.

The term “big-box” doesn’t just apply to the revenue a large corporation makes or the size of its workforce; it also often applies to the sheer size of the stores themselves. Big-box stores, like Walmart, Target, and the like, require a lot of space and take up a lot of resources. They also have much larger carbon footprints.

The fact of the matter is that local businesses don’t require nearly the infrastructure that big businesses do, nor the resources, which helps to protect your local environment. And, since many of them turn to local sources for the equipment and supplies they need, it means fewer trucks transporting goods from across the country.

#4. Celebrate what makes your community unique.

You can go into a big-box store in any state or any city across the country and find the same products that you’ll find anywhere else. There are, of course, a few regional differences, but for the most part, the product offerings in these stores are identical. In some ways, this is a good thing, because many of us have the same wants and needs, but it also threatens what makes individual communities unique.

Local businesses, on the other hand, are born out of their local communities and are a direct reflection of them. They offer unique products and services that were designed to meet the immediate wants and needs of the community they serve. In this way, local businesses introduce diversity in the marketplace and create competition, which is the cornerstone of capitalism.

#5. Support businesses that innovate.

You’d think that, with how much money they rake in, large corporations would be constantly innovating and leading the way in the creation of new products and services. That, however, is just not the case. Surprisingly, a study from the Small Business Administration found that small businesses produced 16 times more patents than larger firms.

One of the biggest reasons why local businesses tend to be so innovative is that they’re much more connected to the people they serve. When your customers are your friends, family, and neighbors, it’s easy to see how you would have a better understanding of their needs than people working out of a boardroom across the country would have.

#6. Support businesses that provide great service.

Local businesses have a reputation for providing a higher level of service than large corporations and big box stores. As I mentioned, their customers are their friends, family members, and neighbors, and they have to face them in their daily life. This means that local businesses are held more accountable for their actions.

Furthermore, there’s a lot more at stake for local businesses than there is for big-box stores and chains. If a large corporation loses a customer, it potentially has millions more that it can rely on. But, for a local business that has a much smaller customer base, every time a customer is lost, it’s acutely felt. That gives local businesses a greater incentive to take care of their customers in the best possible way.


Support the local businesses that make your community great with Top Rated Local®.

These are just a few of the many reasons to support the local businesses in your community, and there are lots of wonderful ways to do so. In a previous blog, I talked about a few things consumers can do to support the local businesses in their communities, one of which is writing reviews for the local businesses you love.

Use our one-of-a-kind local business directory and review site — Top Rated Local — to find and support the local businesses that make your community what it is.

Creative Ways Local Businesses Are Adapting to Coronavirus Restrictions

Local businesses have had to surmount a lot of obstacles amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Fear and economic uncertainty have caused consumers to pull back, and social distancing has forced many businesses to shut down their physical locations and completely change the way they do business.

Throughout every recession and difficulty, we’ve faced as a nation, there have always been businesses that have bucked the odds and overcome, and there have already been many success stories coming out amid this one. Businesses that have survived during times like these are always the ones that have been nimble and creative.

Here are a few of the creative things local businesses have done to adapt to the new reality under coronavirus, not only to stay in business, but to give back to their communities.

How Local Businesses Are Adapting to Coronavirus Restrictions

Grocery Stores Keep Seniors Safe

We all want to stay safe and healthy throughout this pandemic, but for many people, the risk is much higher than it is for others. Although there are many things that can affect someone’s risk, age is certainly a factor that can’t be ignored. That’s why, for many older people, even grocery shopping can be scary at a time like this. Luckily, there are some grocery stores that have stepped up to help out.

In order to minimize the risks of being around others, some grocery stores have set aside specific hours just for seniors. Even though this means fewer customers for grocery stores during those hours, it’s a move that helps to keep seniors safe and demonstrates a real concern for their customers and communities.

A Coffee Shop That Delivers

In New York City, a coffee shop that had only been open for a few months had to close their doors. But, instead of accepting defeat, the owners completely changed the business model to start offering online ordering and delivery. They now deliver lattes to their customers’ doors, and they also offer latte kits that allow their customers to recreate their favorite at home.

A coffee shop’s primary source of business comes from people coming in and ordering. Without that ability, many have had to close their doors completely, but instead, this one adapted to online shopping and delivery in order to continue serving their customers.

A Book Store Takes Appointments

With so many people being stuck at home and only eight episodes of Tiger King to binge, a lot of people have a lot of free time on their hands these days. Books have become an essential form of entertainment for many people, but local bookstores across the country have had to close to the public. Some have managed to transition to online shopping, but one store has found a unique solution.

Delivery wasn’t an affordable option for a bookstore, but instead of closing down completely, they decided to make shopping safer for their customers. They allow customers to reserve appointments so they can have the store to themselves for an hour. After every appointment, the store is sanitized.

A Salon Keeps its Clients Looking Great

Barber shops and salons and other businesses that require close, personal interaction in order to operate have had a tougher time than most throughout this pandemic. However, knowing that people need a little pick-me-up right now and could benefit from the confidence that looking their best gives them, one salon has found a new way to stay in business while serving its clients.

Just because this salon was no longer able to serve its clients in person didn’t mean that it had to stop helping them look and feel their best from home. This salon started doing video consultations to teach their clients what they can do at home to keep up with their style. They also started putting together custom color kits with detailed instructions for their clients.

A Distillery Starts Making Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is in high demand right now, not only by consumers but by countless local businesses as well. Even though it meant a reduction in revenue, one distillery switched its focus to manufacturing hand sanitizer for its community. By offering free hand sanitizer to local businesses and people in its community, this distillery is garnering goodwill and loyalty that will be remembered.

A Bakery Prioritizes Transparency

Many people want to support local businesses in their communities but are uneasy about the idea of taking unnecessary risks. This has been especially concerning for local businesses in the food service industry. One bakery decided to combat its customers fears by making transparency its number one priority.

Lots of businesses have taken precautions to keep customers and employees safe, like taking extra steps to ensure sanitation, ensuring that sick employees stay home, and eliminating physical contact. This bakery has taken its efforts to be transparent one step further by live streamlining its kitchen so that customers can watch the magic happen.


Support the local businesses near you!

Lots of local businesses have bent over backward to serve their communities and give back, even though they are in the midst of coping with their own difficulties. The least we can do is support them!

If you’re looking to support the local businesses in your community while staying safe, one great way to do so is by finding the local businesses you love online and writing a review for them! Reviews can give businesses a morale boost and helps them to stand out online and be more visible. Plus, it’s free to write reviews, which means that you can still support the local businesses you love even if you can’t do so financially.

Check out my previous blog to learn about a few more ways you can support your favorite local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. And, find the businesses you love on Top Rated Local® today to leave your review!

7 Uplifting Stories to Brighten Your Day

There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, and it can feel like a very dark place in many ways. However, the worst circumstances tend to bring out the best in some people, and there are a ton of stories out there that can help to shine a light on the world right now and bring a little positivity to your life.

Brighten Your Day With 7 Uplifting Stories

Story #1. 3D printing for the frontlines of the pandemic.

James Fambrough, a Marketing Executive at Marketing 360® and owner of Maker 3D Printing, has stepped up in a big way to help the men and women on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic by printing respiratory face masks and face shields for hospitals, doctors, and first responders in Northern Colorado.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, James was establishing Maker 3D Printing’s YouTube channel, which was devoted to educating people about 3D printing, but within just a few days of the quarantine, Maker 3D Printing had partnered with Wuxn 3D to print PPE for healthcare workers. In addition to printing PPE, Maker 3D Printing offers templates on its website for COVID-19 respirator masks, face shields, and ventilator valves along with instructions, allowing others with 3D printers to help make a difference.

Visit Maker 3D Printing online today to learn more, download 3D printing templates, or donate to the cause!

Story #2. Cities cheer healthcare workers.

The people who are on the front lines of this pandemic are absolutely the healthcare workers who compassionately take care of the people in their care despite the risk of getting infected themselves. The people of New York City and other big cities from around the country have decided to head onto their roofs or open their windows to applaud the men and women who put their lives on the line each day to take care of others every night at 7 pm.

The #ClapBecauseWeCare movement started circulating on social media last Friday. If you’re in a big city and would like to be a part of it, or if you’d like to learn more, click here.

Story #3. Peyton Manning donates blood.

Social distancing restrictions are necessary for preventing widespread infection, but there are many unforeseen complications that come with it. One of these consequences is the decline in blood donations. With blood drives being canceled across the country, there is now a severe shortage of blood donations for those who need them.

Lots of people are feeling helpless and looking for ways to help, and donating blood is a great way to make a difference right now. Peyton Manning, along with Brandon Stokley, decided to lead by example by donating blood to the Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Blood Donor Center on Thursday.

Click here to learn more about Peyton’s donation and how to make your own.

Story #4. Italians connect using music.

Struck hard by coronavirus, Italians have been quarantined in their homes for weeks. With physical distance separating them, many Italians have learned to connect with each other in other ways, namely, with music.

With the help of a radio station, people all over Italy tuned in to the same station and sang their national anthem in unison. Many opened their windows or wandered onto balconies so that they could fly Italian flags and sing with their neighbors and community.

Click here to learn more and watch the many videos of this touching moment of solidarity.

Story #5. NBA players cover the wages of arena workers who have lost their jobs.

The cancelation of the rest of the NBA season came so abruptly that it happened right before tipoff of the Oklahoma City Thunder/Utah Jazz game, after a Jazz player tested positive for coronavirus. Not only did this affect the players, the coaches, the team owners, and the many, many fans, it also affected thousands of arena employees who were immediately out of their livelihood.

This fact has not been lost to NBA players, and many have set out to help the people who, they say, are a critical part of what makes going to games so great. Three of the players that have come out to support arena employees include Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Love, and Zion Williamson, who have all pledged thousands of dollars to protect the paychecks of the workers in their home arenas.

Click here to learn more about how NBA players have rallied to help arena workers.

Story #6. Uber Eats is making delivery possible.

The vast majority of businesses have been affected by coronavirus and the social distancing requirements designed to prevent its spread, but restaurants have been among the hardest hit. Many restaurants have adapted to offering carry-out and — for the ones that can — delivery options for the first time in order to avoid closing their dogs altogether. However, for many independent restaurants, delivery has not been an option.

UberEats has set out to make delivery possible for independent restaurants by waiving delivery fees. According to Uber Eats, that’s no small feat, as there are more than 100,000 independent restaurants on the app.

Click here to learn more about how Uber Eats is making delivery possible for thousands of independent restaurants.

Story #7. Neighbors support each other through Nextdoor.

For many people, getting the essentials they need is as easy as going to the grocery store or the pharmacy while maintaining a six-foot distance and washing their hands carefully afterward. But, for millions of Americans, the risk of going to the grocery store or the pharmacy is just too high to take. Luckily, people have been using the Nextdoor app to connect with their neighbors and help those in need.

People falling into high-risk categories have been reaching out to their neighbors on Nextdoor requesting help with things like grocery shopping and pharmacy pickups, and their neighbors have been stepping up in large numbers to help. Nextdoor has even launched a Help Map to make connecting with your neighbors in need easier.


There’s no denying that things are tough for a lot of people right now, but there are plenty of good things going on that can uplift and inspire you.

There are so many ways that you can do your part to help during this difficult time. One such way is to leave a review for the small businesses you love and rely on in your community. Those reviews help small businesses stand out online and can provide a little encouragement for a small business that really needs it.

Find your favorite local businesses with Top Rated Local® — your go-to business directory — today and leave a review!