Get Local is a new partnership launched by local information hub Nextdoor and Barclays to help connect people across the UK with local businesses in their communities.

Get Local will enable UK businesses on Nextdoor to directly connect and communicate with local customers. The new features will also allow businesses to opt-in to a dedicated ‘Coronavirus Open for Business Directory’. This allows residents to easily see which local businesses are trading.

Furthermore, businesses will be able to publish two posts for free per month. For instance, to share vital information such as new opening hours, delivery options and special offers.

Compared to other social media platforms that require businesses to build up followers or likes for engagement, Nextdoor offers thousands of instant and direct connections. Barclays business customers who sign up to Nextdoor will also be able to take advantage of a free ‘Local Deal’; a targeted commercial ad to the local area worth up to hundreds of pounds in marketing spend.

Social distancing and lockdown measures have helped highlight the importance of local businesses and services.

Nextdoor has seen a spike of 91% in engagement on the UK platform from Feb to April. Conversations about supporting local businesses have also increased considerably.

Commenting is Nick Lisher, head of EMEA at Nextdoor. “At Nextdoor, we believe when local businesses thrive, communities thrive. We are proud to be partnering with Barclays to launch ‘Get Local’ to support local businesses during this challenging time. We know that shopping local is important to neighbours on Nextdoor. Our members are eager to help support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In a recent survey, nearly 70% of Nextdoor members told us that they would prefer to shop at a local independent business over a high-street chain.”

“Through Nextdoor, local businesses will be able to boost their marketing efforts, grow their customer base and spread awareness of their business or service with those customers that matter most to them: their local community.”

Also commenting is Hannah Bernard, managing director for Barclays Business Banking. “We understand that small businesses up and down the country are struggling with the impacts of coronavirus right now. We will do everything we possibly can to support them. At the same time, we recognise people want and need to purchase key items locally whilst abiding by social distancing measures.

“This partnership builds on the other schemes we’ve launched for small businesses to access help. It lets business owners promote their services to their local community in a safe way. We want to do everything possible to support local communities and businesses through this difficult time.

“We’re happy to partner with Nextdoor to help firms continue trading, even if their physical premises have had to close, and help prepare local communities as we start to emerge from the lockdown.”

Local businesses are encouraged to sign-up to Nextdoor and start connecting and communicating with their local community. To set up your free Nextdoor business page and take advantage of free business posts please click here. Barclays Business Customers can also claim their free ‘Local Deal’ by clicking here.