Chambre de commerce de l'île Mercer

Let’s face it, our daily habits often run on autopilot. We grab coffee from the same place, click the same websites when we shop, and call the same service providers without a second thought. Loyalty is great but what if, just for a moment, we paused and considered the impact of those everyday purchases? Small Business Month is the perfect opportunity to rethink where your dollars go. Instead of defaulting to businesses that may have no connection to the community, consider supporting those that are actively invested in it, Chamber members. These businesses, both large and small, contribute time, resources, and leadership to make your town thrive. From sponsoring events to hiring local talent, they show up for the community every day. Supporting small and local doesn’t always mean spending more. It just means being intentional. What if you swapped your routine drive-thru stop for a visit to the neighborhood coffee shop—even just once a month? Or replace a service you use with a chamber-member provider just down the road? Those small swaps can lead to big results for your community, and they’re often more rewarding, too. Where to Start? Try these swaps: Morning Routine . Your go-to coffee spot might be convenient, but have you tried a chamber member café lately? Many offer unique blends, homemade baked goods, and personalized service. Best of all, your dollars stay close to home, supporting jobs, community causes, and your neighbors. Grocery Shopping . From local markets to butcher shops and farmers’ markets, you’ll find fresh products and friendly faces. Swapping even a portion of your grocery list to local vendors supports farmers, entrepreneurs, and small producers in your area. Health & Wellness . Where do you work out? Where do you get your healthcare needs met? Many chamber-member businesses in these sectors offer wellness consultations, fitness classes, and personal service. Some cities even offer free or low-cost programs that introduce you to local instructors. Dining Out . Next time you’re hungry, try a chamber-member restaurant. Whether it’s a taco stand, food truck, or family-owned diner, you’ll enjoy a unique dining experience, and know your meal helps a neighbor succeed. Special Occasions . Need a gift, flowers, or a card? Shop small first. Local boutiques, florists, and artisans often carry one-of-a-kind items that are far more memorable than what you’ll find online. Many chamber members offer gift guides, curated selections, and even local delivery. Ideas for Making the Switch If you're ready to support local and chamber-member businesses, try this: · Swap one of your regular purchases to a chamber member this month. · Choose a chamber-member restaurant for your next meal out. · Use your local chamber’s business directory to find trusted service providers. · Visit a farmers' market or craft fair to buy locally made products. · Look for the Chamber Member decal (or badge online), ask a business if they’re involved in the community, or next time you’re at an area event see which businesses are there and patronize them in the future. What About Franchises? Yes, many franchises are small businesses and chamber members too. Often, they're owned by residents who are invested in your community. That corner sandwich shop, dry cleaner, or gym? Chances are good the owner lives in town, employs local workers, and contributes to the same causes we all care about. If they’re Chamber members too, you can feel confident your dollars are staying local. Why This Matters When you support local businesses, especially Chamber members, you’re doing more than making a purchase. You’re investing in your community. Chamber-member businesses are often the first to step up and support schools, sponsor festivals, and donate to local nonprofits. They hire locally, mentor young professionals, and create the kind of vibrant, thriving economy we all want to see. This Small Business Month, challenge yourself to be intentional in your purchases. Try a 30-day chamber member spending challenge and discover just how many great businesses are in your backyard or set aside a dollar amount to be spent with your neighbors. Not only will you enjoy personalized service and quality products, but you’ll also be part of something bigger—a stronger, more connected community. And, in that, everyone wins.

You know the old adage, “It takes money to make money”? While that may be true, marketing and advertising don’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the most effective ways to get your business noticed are either free or surprisingly affordable (especially with the technology available). Whether you’re just getting started or trying to grow on a tight budget, here are 15 creative and cost-effective ideas to boost your visibility and draw in customers. 15 (plus one bonus) Cost-effective Ways to Get Your Business Noticed 1. Partner with Your Chamber of Commerce Your local Chamber is a marketing gem hiding in plain sight. Many chambers offer affordable sponsorships, advertising in their newsletters, banner placement on their website, and opportunities to speak at or host events. Chamber membership also often includes social media shoutouts, ribbon cuttings, and business directory listings—all built-in exposure for your brand. Chambers have excellent reputations in their communities as well as good relationships. Many tourists and new residents rely on referrals from the chamber when they come to town. Plus, the rates chamber’s charge for this type of high-quality exposure is very reasonable. 2. Get Active on Social Media You don’t need to be on every platform—just the ones where your customers spend their time. Create short videos, behind-the-scenes posts, tutorials, or even humorous content to show off your brand’s personality. Authenticity performs better than high-budget polish. Be consistent with your posting too. The more people see you, the more they notice and recognize you. Soon you will be on their mind. 3. Run a Giveaway or Contest People love free stuff. Give away a product or service in exchange for likes, shares, or email signups. It’s an inexpensive way to create buzz and grow your audience fast. Or run a contest when you host a pop-up or sponsor a table at an outdoor event (if it fits for your business). You’ll get to talk to a variety of people. A fun contest that also gets you more visibility is encouraging people to check-in when they’re at your business. Then provide a quarterly prize to the person with the most check-ins. 4. Create Google Business Profile Posts Google Business Profiles (formerly Google My Business) are free and powerful. Use posts to highlight new products, offers, events, or blog content. Bonus: It helps with your SEO. 5. Use Customer Testimonials and Reviews Happy customers are your best marketers. Share their testimonials on social media, your website, and even printed materials. Ask loyal customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Many people will write them when asked and when you make it easy for them to do so. Use links to get them where they need to be. 6. Get Involved in Community Events Sponsor a little league team, host a booth at a local fair, or donate a prize to a nonprofit raffle. Community involvement builds trust and visibility with your target audience. 7. Start a Referral Program Reward your current customers for referring new ones. A simple discount, freebie, or exclusive perk can motivate people to spread the word about your business. 8. Offer Free Workshops or Classes If you’re an expert at something, share your knowledge. Hosting a free online or in-person workshop can position you as an authority while attracting new leads. Share hashtags at your event to remind people to share on social. 9. Pitch Local Media Send story ideas or press releases to your local newspaper, TV station, or community blog. Journalists are always looking for local angles—your business could be the next feature. 10. Use Window or Sidewalk Signs Creatively A clever chalkboard sign or window display can stop foot traffic in its tracks. Make people smile, laugh, or think—and they’ll remember your business. 11. Create a Loyalty or Punch Card Program Encourage repeat business by rewarding customers who come back. Whether digital or old-school punch cards, loyalty programs keep your brand top-of-mind. It can also sway people to choose you more often. For instance, if they know they’ll get points from buying with you, they may go out of their way to do so knowing that they will benefit from it. 12. Offer a Limited-Time Promotion Scarcity sells. Use urgency—“for 3 days only,” “first 10 people,” or “today only”—to create buzz and spike short-term interest. 13. Join (or Start) a Local Business Collaboration Team up with complementary businesses for cross-promotions. For example, a coffee shop and a bookstore might do a “Read & Recharge” special. You both win. 14. Start an Email Newsletter Email is still one of the highest-ROI marketing tools. A simple monthly email with updates, deals, or helpful tips can keep customers engaged and coming back. 15. Use Your Vehicle as a Moving Billboard A magnetic car sign or vinyl decal can turn your commute into an advertising campaign. It's a one-time investment that works 24/7. Bonus: Watch your favorite brands. What makes you stop what you’re doing or stops you from scrolling. Even if they’re in a completely different industry, ask yourself how you might use what they do to improve your marketing. You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. With some creativity and a willingness to show up where your audience is, you can get your business noticed without breaking the bank. And this isn’t a “choose one and you’re done” idea. These ideas are designed to get you thinking about what your audience will respond to. Then give it to them consistently so they get used to seeing you around. And remember—your Chamber of Commerce is here to help. Reach out and ask about marketing opportunities available to members. You might be surprised by how many resources are already at your fingertips.