Helping Portland’s Small Businesses Get Seen, Supported, and Sustainable
At Portland Monthly, we know that small businesses are the soul of this city. From handmade ceramics in St. Johns to vegan food carts in Lents, the entrepreneurial energy here is as unique as the neighborhoods that shape it. These aren’t just shops and services. They’re stories. They’re risk-takers. They’re what make Portland, Portland.
But in an era of rising costs, tighter margins, and increasing digital noise, being great at what you do isn’t always enough. Many local businesses are asking: How do I get in front of the right people? How do I stand out without burning out?
Whether you’re ready to advertise or just trying to stay visible, we’re here to help. This guide offers practical tips, local resources, and real examples of what’s working for Portland businesses right now—and how Portland Monthly can help when you’re ready to grow.
Strategies Portland Businesses Are Employing to Thrive
Recent insights from Prosper Portland highlight that over 40% of local small business owners have made significant changes to their business models in the past year. Here's what some are doing:
Embracing Multi-Channel Sales
Businesses that once relied solely on foot traffic are now expanding their reach online.
-
Fern & Flask, a home fragrance brand in North Portland, reports that 60% of their sales now come through their Shopify store, allowing them to maintain their local identity while reaching a broader audience.
Leveraging Local Collaborations
In Portland, community collaboration is more than a trend—it's a growth strategy.
-
In inner Southeast, several boutiques have initiated rotating pop-up spaces to feature local artists and share customer traffic.
-
Restaurants are partnering with local artisans for events that draw diverse crowds.
-
Cross-promotions, such as joint giveaways between brands, have proven to be cost-effective methods to expand reach without significant advertising spend.
Optimizing for Local Search
Ensuring your business appears in local search results is crucial.
-
Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile helps your business show up when potential customers search for services or products you offer.
-
Regularly updating your profile with accurate information and engaging visuals can significantly enhance your online presence.
Utilizing Local Directories
Being listed in local directories can boost your visibility.
-
Platforms like Mercatus (for BIPOC-owned businesses) and Supportland connect you with communities actively seeking to support local enterprises.
Resources Available to Portland Small Businesses
Beyond individual strategies, several organizations and programs offer support:
-
Portland Office of Small Business: A centralized resource providing assistance with starting and managing businesses, including information on permitting and funding.
-
Prosper Portland: Offers various programs, including grants and loans, to support small business growth and sustainability.
-
ShopSmallPDX: A directory of over 1,800 local businesses, making it easier for consumers to support local enterprises.
How Portland Monthly Can Support Your Business Growth
When you're ready to expand your reach, Portland Monthly offers more than just advertising space—we provide a platform to tell your story and connect with the community.
Editorial-Quality Sponsored Content
Our sponsored content is crafted to resonate with readers, blending seamlessly with our editorial pieces. This approach ensures your story is told authentically, engaging our audience effectively.
Targeted Advertising Across Platforms
With a loyal readership across our website, newsletters, and social media channels, we help you reach customers who value local businesses and are eager to support them.
Strategic Support and Transparent Metrics
We collaborate with you to define clear goals and provide insights into your campaign's performance, ensuring your investment translates into tangible results.
Print and Digital Synergy
While digital presence is vital, our print magazine offers lasting visibility. Our readers spend quality time with each issue, providing your business with sustained exposure.
Success Stories from Local Partners
“Our campaign with Portland Monthly brought in more foot traffic in one weekend than we’d seen all month. And the write-up? People still talk about it.”
— Leah, owner of a Sellwood-based home goods shop
“We saw a big SEO boost after our sponsored post. It helped us show up in Google results and gave us content we could share all year.”
— Josh, co-founder of a NE Portland craft beverage brand
Let's Collaborate to Strengthen Portland's Small Business Community
Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to scale an existing one, Portland Monthly is here to support your journey. Our mission is rooted in celebrating local excellence and empowering entrepreneurs.
Explore our advertising options and discover how we can help amplify your brand:
Together, we can ensure Portland's small business community continues to thrive.
