Here's Why No One Is Using Your Chamber of Commerce Directory
- team9186
- Jan 11, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 28, 2024
Head to just about any chamber of commerce website, and you’re likely to find a business directory that’s been gathering virtual dust for years.
You know what we’re talking about, typically it’s just a long list of local businesses with some basic information. If you’re lucky, it will be organized alphabetically, maybe even separated by type of business.
It’s not really adding value for local business owners or community members. It’s almost as if its sole purpose is to tick a box.
But, now that Google Maps is around, what’s the point anyway? Right?
NOOOO. False. This couldn’t be further from the truth!
Google Maps has definitely changed the game. But we’re here to show you how your chamber of commerce can blow Google Maps out of the water with a new and improved directory experience that your community members will actually use.
Why Traditional Directories Aren’t Cutting It Anymore
In case you’re in the minority who does see some traffic to your traditional business directory, this is for you.
Let's take an honest look at why it's officially time to retire these old-school directories:
Difficult to Navigate: They are not user-friendly, plain and simple. The reality is, people don’t want to scan down a never ending list of businesses, even if they are in alphabetical order (Yellow Pages, we’re looking at you). Modern users expect something a bit more intuitive.
Limited Accessibility: Most users are looking for businesses when they are on the go, in other words, the majority of your users are on their cell phone. But very few business directories are truly optimized for mobile and they are often a bit buried on the chamber of commerce’s website.
Generic: There’s not a whole lot you can do with a traditional business directory to meet your community’s unique needs. They tend to be cookie cutter approaches that fail to address the diversity of needs in your community or your chamber’s unique objectives.
Lack of Added Value: If you're struggling to imagine parting ways with the traditional business directory, ask yourself this: What does your directory offer that Google Maps does not? Our guess is you’ll be hard pressed to come up with a compelling answer.
The Game-Changing Alternative
Now for the good part. How can you revamp your business directory to offer an experience for your community members that beats out Google Maps? How do we take your business directory from a digital paperweight to a hub of community engagement?
Enter the era of interactive, customizable maps.
Let’s look at the possibilities and what makes this such a powerful shift from the traditional approach:
Curate a Custom Experience: Here’s where you can set yourself apart from Google. By customizing the experience through filters and data collected, you can provide users information they can’t find anywhere else like, is it locally-owned, pet-friendly, family-friendly, and so much more. Remember, Google doesn’t know your community members and their unique needs and interests like you do!
Easy to Navigate (even on the go): Multi-level filters make it easy for users to find what they’re looking for and being able to see results on a map provides the experience modern users want. Plus, with the right software, you can ensure that your map is easy to access and you can provide a great mobile experience.
Add REAL Value for Members: Here’s the best part, by creating an experience that community members actually want to use, you’ll be able to drive consumers to your community’s businesses and effectively add real value for your members with their business listing.
Drive Your Objectives Forward: It’s not just your community members and business owners who have something to gain from this shift. With the right strategy, you can also effectively move your chamber’s goals forward. Want to promote sustainability, encourage tourism, drive your community to minority-owned businesses? It’s all possible with the right filters.
So, ready to dust the cobwebs off that old business directory?
It's time for a revamp! Transform that clunky, one-size-fits-all directory into a modern, interactive map that doesn’t just tick a box but gets your board, your members, and your community excited.
