10 Ways You Can Support a Black Owned Blogging Business

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This month is Black History Month. While the original post was written in the height of the deplorable acts that took place in the summer of 2020, it has been updated and is still relevant today.

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I sent out an email to my list last night asking if “they were OK?”. I got a few responses back. But I received one email that was unexpected. My client in Utah. Coincidentally, as I was “working from home”, the word “Utah” was emblazoned on the side of my pants.

“Checking in, Lisa. how are you doing?”

That reply brought tears to my eyes. You know why? Because in my online life where I give and give and give, I hardly get asked, “How I am doing?”

I’m a type A personality with a capital A. I move. I plan. I work. I strategize. I create. I hardly complain.

The advice, the resources, the prizes, time and people soak it up. And while I continue to love what I do, when the community that I’ve built doesn’t support me in return, it can sting.

As I continue to work through the emotions, here’s how I’m doing.

I founded a website and community that brings education, information, recipes and entertainment to people all over the globe every single day. By the way, can you believe that I founded this website 12 years ago?

I never thought that it mattered but, according to Google, 85% of my community are of Caucasian descent. My community (no matter the color of their skin) brings me JOY.

I’m black and so is my family. My forever boyfriend and I came to the continental United States from the Caribbean for a change of pace and of course more opportunities. To have a better life. We are entrepreneurs, we are hard workers, we are black in America.

We have been hard hit with financial burdens that come with working for yourself especially during the last two years and no big support system to speak of.

People are asking others in private conversations, in Facebook groups and statuses…They’re asking how they can help a black business, how they can talk to their kids, how they can be better humans.

It occurred to me that many people (even the ones that follow me), are not aware how they can support my small business.

A black owned business.

I don’t sell tangibles…YET. My business is primarily information. In fact, when information is inquired of me, many expect me open book like an encyclopedia with no thought into how my business survives.

So here are a few quick things you can do. Many of these tips will apply to other bloggers you know across the board.

1. Join the Community: Stop being a lurker. Sign up for the newsletter. In this case, I’m also giving away my e-cookbook for Free.
2. Tell your friends. Honestly, if you like the information and recipes so much, why not share it with your friends and colleagues? This is how you can support.
3. Follow on social media. Social media is not about vanity. In online businesses, it’s an asset that helps attract the right partnerships. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, Twitter. No, it’s not enough to log into see the content when it’s convenient. Hit “follow”. Hit subscribe. Thank you. Thank you very much.
4. Share the blog in Facebook groups. There are several communities online, and people always need resources. Please share.
5. Shop in my online shop: I have an Amazon shop with tons of vetted resources. I mean, you shop at Amazon anyway. The resources are categorized according to health. reading, travel, style and more: Once you click on my storefront link, I get a small commission for anything you purchase. No, it doesn’t have to be the exact item I recommended. https://www.amazon.com/shop/theDomesticLifeStylist
6. Get Quality Groceries Online. I’m a proud affiliate of Perdue. When you shop with them using my link, I get a small commission at no cost to you. It’s an easy way to shop for things you would buy from the grocery store anyway. Shop for quality chicken, beef, lamb and pork using my link). I’m also a huge fan of SunBasket. It’s an easy way to get dinner on the table fast!
7. Rate My Recipes: This is a really easy one. Under each recipe there is a rating system. You just pick the number of stars to indicate your approval. If you don’t like the recipe, please skip this part. Alrighty then…
8. Share and like posts: See something that resonates with you? Hit the “like”. Share the posts. That doesn’t cost you anything.
9. Open those emails: since you’ve already subscribed to the mailing list, go ahead and open those emails and whitelist them.
10. Buy Products: If you’re following a blogger or creator, you can buy products, books or merchandise they have. Hint* There may be something coming. I’ll keep you posted.

So as you search for ways to support black influencers/creators beyond Black History Month, keep in mind that most of these actions can be applied to just about any creator.

Are you showing your support? Have you asked your black friends and associates and colleagues, “How are you doing?”

The way that you can help is closer and easier than you think. Feel free to use these tips to support any black owned online creators and businesses.

You may also find these articles useful as navigate and do your part.

https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234

https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/04/health/how-to-be-an-anti-racist-wellness/index.html