The current global pandemic has affected many businesses, with some struggling to stay afloat and forcing others to close. Because of this, many apps are extending a helping hand to support small and medium businesses--the backbone of many economies. The social networking app, Nextdoor, is rolling out new updates to do just that. This was made possible through the help of users' posts on the app, asking how they can support their favorite businesses. These new changes will give them the ability to do that within the convenience of their smartphones. 

Nextdoor's new updates are especially helpful right now

Customers of different businesses are buying gift cards as a way to help their favorite neighborhood businesses stay alive during this lockdown. Many websites are providing easy way to buy gift cards and are also waiving fees. One of these is OpenTable's Gift Market Place which already waived their gift card fees.

(Photo : Screenshot from Twitter post of @Nextdoor)
Updates of Nextdoor App

Meanwhile, Nexdoor App will also be making new changes to its platform to provide assistance to those local businesses that are in dire need of support. This will allow local business to easily connect Nextdoor's users with websites or fundraisers that are already running.

On the updated version of the app, local merchants can add their gift card web address to their business profile. This will allow users to visit the site and purchase as many gift cards as they want for their family or friends to enjoy after the lockdown. If the business already has a "GoFundMe" campaign, they can also easily add the link in the "Story Section" of their Nextdoor's Business Page.

Another update will allow local businesses to customize their delivery and take-out options. This will be helpful to those food businesses that just started offering to-go products or meals. The businesses that are tagged by the app's users as "Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite" will have the access to post on Nextdoor's main news feed. Additionally, the app already has a "Coronavirus Resource Center" that provides updates on news and gives business advice.  

Nextdoor's #ICanHelpChallenge: How can you participate? 

The Nextdoor App is also using their Instagram and Twitter account to encourage other to join their #ICanHelpChallenge, which also aims to support local businesses.

The challenge has three simple steps: first, the users must take a selfie holding a sign that says "I Can Help". Second, they need to share what they did to help their community during the pandemic. And lastly, the participants must tag three of their friends using the #ICanHelpChallenge hashtag and tagging @Nextdoor.

Many people have already sharing their great stories on how they are trying to help their favorite local businesses in their communities. Are you up with the challenge?  

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