Most local business marketing strategy advice centers around social media. “Post consistently, boost posts, and run ads.” While this is important, it’s not enough to stand out in local economies built on community relationships and trust. Effective local business marketing frequently requires more than just digital channels. For the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce, this is definitely the case.
Breaking Through the Noise
As one of the fastest-growing chambers in the Midwest, SMRC’s volume of digital communication ballooned to the point where its core messages were getting drowned out. They hired me at the beginning of 2025 to help solve this issue, and we got started on a plan to highlight those core communications. Our solution was to revive the chamber’s local business magazine, which had been out of print for over a decade, ActionLine.
Building ActionLine
My experience in print marketing prepared me to take this on. I updated the ActionLine brand, developed content, and designed layouts. At the same time, I worked to fund the magazine by offering advertising to SMRC’s member businesses. And with the magazine written, designed, and funded, I found a printer that could also distribute each issue. Throughout this whole process, I developed a repeatable system to make each quarterly issue easier to produce.
Results that Speak for Themselves
I have completed five issues so far, with the most recent issue being delivered at the end of April, and the results have been clear. ActionLine gives SMRC an invaluable communication channel. Member businesses gain tangible visibility, and their advertising covers the full cost of production.
How Can StoriForge Help You?
A full magazine obviously won’t be the solution for every business. But if your core messaging is getting lost in the noise and you are looking for a more effective local business marketing strategy, reach out. StoriForge will find sustainable and achievable solutions to reach your audience.
