Does Your Chamber of Commerce Have a 'Fun Things To Do' Website Page?

Not long ago, I was discussing Chamber of Commerce website designs with a website consultant. He had an interesting take on all of this, first he noted something I've always thought; "most of the chamber websites and internet presence is lacking clarity, direction, simplicity, depth, and they clearly don't understand the realities of social networking. For all of these reasons they end up doing a disservice to both their members and to the consumers who come to those websites hoping to support community minded companies. Okay so, let's talk.



What should chamber websites have on them? Surely they need a directory of businesses, but why not all businesses, both members and non-members (potential future members). Further, why not have things for the community, regardless of the chambers involvement. Why? Well, how about to support tourism. I'd like to focus the remainder of my time on two main concepts. These are two things that every chamber of commerce website ought to have;

1.) Activities
2.) Events Calendar

If a chamber has an airport nearby they ought to list such things as Airplane Rides and "Learn to Fly" activities along with pictures and phone numbers, with a map of how to get there. If your city has a harbor, why not consider having boat rides, sport-fishing trips, para-sailing, sailing lessons? If your city has museums, they should all be listed. In fact, whatever your city is known for the Chamber of Commerce should help with tourism and direct visiting consumers to those locations.

Further, if there are big events going on in your town, they should be listed too. It is amazing how many people, especially business people - when they travel to another city - always look at the Chamber of Commerce website to find information. If you do not list the activities and events, you will miss a huge number folks and a large chunk of the traveling public. Consider if you will that 10% of Americans own their own company. It may be a small company, maybe it is a one-person entrepreneurial business they operate out of their home. Either way they are business people.

If you have festivals, rodeos, art events, or even speaking engagements, events at the library, or nonprofit fundraising events, they should all be listed. In fact, the chamber website should be a place to go for the local community, and also anyone visiting. That's the least you can do, and something that not all chambers do. You have to ask yourself why this is - because it just doesn't seem right. People want information, and they trust the Chamber of Commerce to give it to them. Don't let them down. These people are spending real money. Please consider all this and think on it.