How to Use the Elgin Chamber to Market Your Company Online

July 27, 2008

As a business owner, one of the most valuable investments you can make is to join your local chamber of commerce and participate actively. As for our company, mhn Internet Marketing and PR, we are strong supporters of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce in Elgin, Illinois. We are very active in attending networking events as well as generally communicating with Elgin Chamber staff as well as fellow chamber members. However, despite this, I found that there are many opportunities that are easy to miss. Also, there are many businesses in Elgin that simply don’t take advantage of the main opportunities, much less the smaller marketing opportunities.

That’s why I prepared this overview of Internet marketing opportunities available to chamber members.

1. Elgin Chamber Online Profile:

This is probably the biggest benefit that most business owners consider when they sign up, especially the small business owner.

However, when you create the profile, think of how people might find you. For instance, if you are a salon owner, don’t simply write “full service salon” … include keywords that reflect your expertise and that people might be searching for. So, instead of just “full service salon” try, “Full service salon including waxing, hair coloring, and manicures.” This way when someone searches for “hair coloring” you’ll be there for them!

2. Online Events Calendar:

The Elgin Chamber’s online events calendar is a free service for members and people really do read it! It is quick and easy to submit events and while there is a bit of delay as the chamber staff check to make sure it is appropriate, they are very quick about getting updates posted.

Pretty much anything related to your business that is available to the public is allowed the calendar. Some ideas might be talks and presentations, fundraisers, parties and events, and if you have specials such as Thanksgiving buffet dinner at your restaurant you can post it here too.

3. Elgin Chamber News Section:

Just like with the online events calendar, the chamber website’s news section is a free service for chamber members and you can post press releases and news about your company. Possible news posts include new additions to your company, awards and accomplishments, even major press coverage about your company.

4. Building an Email List of Elgin Business Owners:

The Elgin chamber is exceptional in regards to the number of events that are available to its membership. There is literally an after-hours event nearly every week as well as other events periodically. Don’t simply look at these events as opportunities to get some free food and check out another company’s digs. These are great opportunities to build your email list too!

At very least, you should follow-up with people you meet by email, if not also via phone. Make sure you send them your contact info and website address so they can learn more about your business.

5. Host an After-Hours or other Event

Attending a business after-hours event is great, but if you host one it can help your business tool. Design something about the event to highlight your website, build your email list, or maybe get people to sign up for your email newsletter. 

At very least, you should send a thank you card or letter to each attendee and include your website address on the thank you note so they can learn more about you. You should also take this opportunity to once again invite them to join your email newsletter.

6. New Member Orientation

Introduce yourself at the New Member Orientation Even if you aren’t a new member. You might even provide something that promotes your website such as a handout, swag, or even a white paper. At very least, you should leave your cards on the table for people to pick up during the networking portion of the orientation. It is very possible that someone might be looking for your service and this is a great way to connect.

7. Members-Only Specials:

Members-Only specials are a great way to show good will towards fellow Elgin Chamber members. But don’t simply say “20% off your next order” you might also include your URL in the newsletter, so people can learn more.

8. Local Search:

The Elgin Chamber’s online directory helps your website rank well in Search Engines, even if you don’t have a website already! Many chamber or geography-based membership organizations tend to be considered “authority sites” by search engines like Google. By being a member and being listed in their membership directory online, it may help your site rank well in geographic search queries. For instance, “public relations agency, elgin il”

9. Online Business Directory

You may only consider the online business directory to be a resource that potential customers can use to find you, but what about using the Online Directory to search for new business partners as well? Not every business is going to want to partner with you. However, if you are looking for a service for your business, or maybe a business that operates in a similar space but doesn’t compete, the Elgin Chamber’s online business directory can absolutely help.

10. Online Advertising Opportunities:

The Elgin Chamber, like most professional membership organizations offers a variety of marketing opportunities in their weekly email newsletters as well as banner advertisements on the website. For the Elgin Cham

While these ideas are tailored specifically for Elgin Chamber members, you will probably notice similar opportunities in most professional membership groups. Does your group have an interesting opportunity available to your members that you would like to share?

Tell us about how your group helps members market online …

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