You might have seen information about chambers of commerce and wondered if it was worth it for your business to become a member. You don’t want to spend money on a membership that won’t help your business. One benefit that chambers of commerce provide their members is with free marketing opportunities.
Chambers are always looking for member-related news to share with the community through their own advertising networks and social media. Chambers rarely spend money advertising the chamber as an organization; they spend on advertising opportunities that members can utilize.
Many chambers of commerce run programs that welcome new businesses into the community. Plus, members receive an online listing with a link to help people find your business through Google searches. If you want to take full advantage of these perks, consider offering coupons or some kind of other promotional giveaway like water bottles featuring your logo. This could be helpful for people who are moving into the area or other people trying to find something cool to check out in the community. That sweet coupon or promotional gift gives you an edge over the competition!
Chambers of commerce have access to mailing lists that you wouldn’t be able to access otherwise. These are especially helpful if your business is primarily Business to Business, because you’ll be able to directly contact or visit the person in charge instead of throwing darts in the dark hoping to reach someone with buying power. Also keep in mind that chambers are more likely to refer members’ products and services over non-members’, which means you’ll also gain referral opportunities. It always helps to know someone, and the local chamber of commerce will help you build a network of people who have your back.
Beyond the paid advertising options, chambers also have ways to provide additional business promotion for free through monthly and annual awards, social media, regular enewsletters, and even printed materials. Amazingly, even some member businesses do not take advantage of the free marketing opportunities provided through chambers of commerce. Make sure you get the most out of your Chamber of Commerce membership.