If you have been around here for a while, you know how passionate I am about supporting local businesses and building strong community connections. It is truly at the heart of everything I do whether that is through Des Moines Parent, events, partnerships, or simply sharing places our family loves.

One of my favorite ways to bring that mission to life? Community voting contests.

At first glance, they might seem like just a fun online activity, but they are so much more than that. They are a powerful tool for visibility, connection, and growth for small businesses right here in our communities.

Supporting Small Businesses in a Meaningful Way

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. They are run by parents, neighbors, and friends, people who are pouring their time, energy, and heart into what they do.

But here is the reality: many of these businesses don’t have large marketing budgets. They rely on word-of-mouth, loyal customers, and community support to grow.

That is where community voting contests come in.

When you take a moment to vote for your favorite local business, you are:

Helping increase their visibility
Boosting their credibility
Giving them a platform they may not otherwise have

It is a simple action that can have a big ripple effect.

Helping Families Discover Hidden Gems

One of the biggest reasons I created a voting contest on Des Moines Parent was to help families discover businesses they may have never heard of.

We all have our go-to spots, our favorite coffee shop, daycare, pediatrician, or place to take the kids on a rainy day. But there are so many incredible local businesses that fly under the radar.

Voting contests shine a light on those hidden gems.

As people scroll through categories and nominees, they are introduced to:

New family-friendly businesses
Local services they didn’t know existed
Unique experiences right in their own backyard

It turns into more than just voting. It becomes a discovery tool for the entire community.

A Creative Way to Share Reviews and Recommendations

We are all used to reading reviews online, but voting contests offer a different, more engaging way to share what you love.

Instead of writing a long review, you’re casting a vote that says:
“This business is worth checking out.”

It’s quick. It’s simple. And it’s powerful.

For many families, it’s also more approachable than leaving a formal review. And when hundreds (or thousands) of votes come in, it creates a strong, community-driven endorsement that carries real weight.

Giving Businesses a Platform to Promote Themselves

Another reason I love these contests is because they give businesses a built-in opportunity to share their story.

When a business is nominated or included in a voting contest, they naturally want to:

Share it with their audience
Encourage their customers to vote
Celebrate their nomination

This creates a ripple effect of visibility, Not just for one business, but for all the businesses involved.

It becomes a collaborative moment where everyone is lifting each other up.

And from a marketing perspective, it is incredibly valuable. Businesses are able to:

Reach new audiences
Re-engage current customers
Build excitement around their brand

All in a way that feels authentic and community-driven.

Building a Stronger, More Connected Community

At the end of the day, community voting contests are about connection.

They bring people together around a shared goal: supporting local.

They spark conversations:
“Have you tried this place?”
“We love them. You should check it out.”

They remind us that behind every business is a person, a family, and a story.

And when we show up, by voting, sharing, and supporting, we help create a community where small businesses can truly thrive.

How You Can Support Local Businesses Today

If you are wondering how you can make an impact, here are a few simple ways:

Vote in local contests
Share your favorite businesses on social media
Recommend them to friends and neighbors
Shop local whenever possible

It does not have to be complicated. Small actions add up.

Community voting contests are more than just a fun activity. They are a meaningful way to support small businesses, discover new favorites, and strengthen the connections that make our communities so special.

And as someone who deeply believes in the power of community, I can confidently say: when we show up for local businesses, incredible things happen.