Why join your chamber: the online perks too
When someone tells us their chamber of commerce isn't doing anything for them, we ask one question: how much are you doing for the chamber?
A chamber is a group of local business people working to advance each other's interests. Most North Georgia counties have one, and larger towns may have a city chamber as well. Which one fits depends on your business and your reach, but the advice is usually the same: go local. A strong chamber needs good leadership and a solid board, and most of all, members who show up.
Make the in-person side work
Attend things. Business After Hours is a start. Try ribbon cuttings, committee meetings and workshops too. If it looks like nothing is going on, call and ask.
Meet new people. Skip the huddle by the coffee with the people you already know. Wear a name tag, ask what people do and swap contact details. Some of them will become clients, partners or friends.
Hook people up. When you hear about an opportunity that fits another member, pass it along. Word-of-mouth is still the best promotion there is, and the people you help become your fans.
Get involved. Pick a committee or project that fits your schedule. Tell the director you want to help, then follow through.
The online benefits people forget
This is the part that has changed most since we first wrote this post. Your membership can also do real work for your website.
Directory listings
Most chambers have an online member directory. Make sure your listing has your correct business name, address, phone, website, hours and a short description. Keep it exactly the same as your website and your Google listing. Details that don't match confuse customers and search engines alike.
A link to your website
Directory listings usually link back to your site. A link from a trusted local organization is a good sign to search engines that you're a real local business, and it can send visitors who are already looking to buy locally. Make sure the link works and goes to the right page.
Event calendars
Hosting a workshop, open house or sale? Many chambers will post member events on their calendar and share them in newsletters or on social media. That's free exposure to a local audience.
Pairing it with your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing people see when they search for you. Chamber activity gives you plenty to post there, like ribbon cutting photos, event announcements and community news. Keep your name, address and phone the same across your profile, your chamber listing and your site. Our help article on Google Business Profile setup walks through it.
Quick wins for this month
- Log in to your chamber's member portal and update your listing.
- Add your website link if it's missing.
- Submit your next event to the chamber calendar.
- Post a photo from your last chamber event to your Google Business Profile.
It still comes down to showing up
The online perks are a bonus. The real value is still the relationships. We've talked to chambers and business groups about online marketing for years, including the session we wrote up in Electronic Marketing Talk at UGA Bootcamp. The lesson hasn't changed: the members who get the most out of it are the ones who take part.
Related reading
Want your website ready for that new local traffic? Call 678-379-9321 or email