Do you post cookie-cutter “Welcome New Member!” graphics on social media with a logo slapped in the corner, and a vague caption like “We’re so excited to welcome XYZ Company!”, and… then crickets?
No comments. No shares. No excitement. Certainly, no ROI for your new members.
It happens all the time especially if your new member isn’t a name people recognize. You might get some traction when you post a new Chick-fil-a for instance but what about Synergtics?
No one knows what that second company does so why would they get excited?
New member announcements shouldn’t feel (or sound) like just another box to check on the onboarding to-do list. Done well, they’re golden opportunities to show value to members, build engagement with your community, and even recruit more businesses that see how your chamber shows up for its people.
So how do we move beyond the bland and into buzzworthy?
Here are creative, low-cost, high-impact ideas to introduce new members in ways that actually get people paying attention.
The 60-Second Spotlight (Social Media + Website)
Instead of a static graphic, have new members film a fun, short video. Prompt them with 2–3 quirky questions like:
- What’s your favorite local lunch spot?
- If your business were a song, what would it be?
- What’s something people always get wrong about your industry?
Keep it light and human. Share these on Instagram Reels, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts. Bonus points if you compile them on your website in a “Meet Our Newest Members” video wall. This gives members a face, a voice, and a story—not just a logo.
Hide and Seek: Chamber Mascot Edition
(Instagram + In-Person)
If your Chamber has a mascot (or even a staff member willing to wear a costume or hat), “hide” them in the new member’s business and post a photo with a playful prompt:
“Where’s Charlie the Chamber Cat today? First person to guess correctly gets a free coffee from this brand-new biz!”
It's fun. It's interactive. And it's a way to get other businesses and residents involved in welcoming new members.
‘Guess Who’ Member Trivia in Your Newsletter
Instead of just listing new members in your newsletter, turn it into a game.
Try something like:
“Guess which of our new members got their start in a garage, has a dog named Pickles, and once sold handmade soaps at farmers markets?”
Click to find out who it is—and include their story and link.
People are far more likely to click on a riddle than a list of bullet points.
Speed Introductions at Events
At your next mixer or breakfast, let new members pitch their business—but give them a challenge.
- 30 seconds
- No industry jargon
- Must include the phrase: “And that’s why my grandma would love this place.” Feel free to switch out grandma with anything fun like dog, cat, kid, or even ex. Hilarious.
It’s fast, funny, and forces people to explain their business in relatable terms. Record these pitches and post them online. You'll have both in-person and digital content from one effort.
Chamber Bingo Featuring New Members
(Website + Social + In-Person)
Create a monthly bingo card of “chamber challenges” that includes activities such as:
- Visit a new member’s business.
- Tag a new member on social.
- Leave a Google review for a fellow member.
Offer a small prize or raffle entry for those who complete it. Great for member engagement, peer promotion, and community interaction—all at once.
If you don’t have money in the budget for a prize, give a free ticket to your next mixer or a small website ad for a week or two.
Member “Takeovers” on Your Social Channels
Let new members “take over” your Instagram Stories or Facebook for the day. They can show a behind-the-scenes look at their business, introduce staff, or just share what a day in their shoes looks like.
Pro tip: Give them a simple template or checklist so they don’t feel overwhelmed.
The “Magical Matchmaker” Series
Start a mini blog or email feature where you act as the Chamber Matchmaker:
“This month, we’re pairing [New Member] with [Established Member] because they both love coffee, support youth sports, and could actually do business together!”
You’re not just introducing a new member—you’re fostering real relationships.
Mystery Member Monday (Social + Website)
Post a blurred-out logo or a cropped photo and share some “mystery” facts. Let people guess who the new member is. At the end of the day, reveal them and share their full intro.
People love games. Combine that with business intros?
Magic.
The “Then & Now” Post
Ask your new member for a photo of their business when they first started and a current one. Caption it with their growth story, struggles, or proudest moments.
It’s inspiring. It’s real. And it connects people emotionally.
Yard Signs (Yes, Really)
Sure, window clings are nice but you don’t see them until you’re already at the business. For brick-and-mortar members, in addition to clings make reusable, branded “Proud Member of the XYZ Chamber” signs that they can display for their first month as a new member. Or shake up the messaging on the sign to something punchier like “We did a thing—we joined the XYZ Chamber!”
You’d be surprised how many people in your community still don’t know what a chamber is—this helps spread the word. Plus, it makes people slow down and look.
Make It About People, Not Promotions
The secret sauce here isn’t flashy graphics or complicated platforms—it’s storytelling. And storytelling evokes emotion.
People don’t fall in love with businesses; they fall in love with the people behind them and there’s no better way to help people fall in love than through telling the business’ story.
Get creative. Get curious. And most importantly, make your new member intros feel like a party, not a PowerPoint.
Because when you make members feel like celebrities, the whole community celebrates with them.
Bonus: Fun Interview Questions
As a bonus, we have compiled fun interview questions to help your community learn something interesting about your new member. "Tell me about yourself" only works well when you have a communication/marketing-savvy member.
These questions will encourage the businessperson to share their story, not just a boring sales pitch.
🎤 Chamber Member Video & Interview Prompts
🧠 Quick Intro Prompts (for a 30-60 second video):
1. “Hi, I’m [Name] from [Business Name], and if you only remember one thing about us—it’s this: ___”
2. “We started our business because ___”
3. “What we love most about being in this community is ___”
4. “We’re most proud of ___”
5. “Here’s one thing most people get totally wrong about what we do…”
🎉 Fun + Personal Prompts:
1. “If our business were a local landmark, we’d be ___ because ___”
2. “Our team’s go-to lunch order is ___”
3. “Our founder once ___ and we still laugh about it!”
4. “You’d never guess, but we’re secretly amazing at ___”
5. “If we had a mascot, it’d be a ___ named ___”
🔗 Community Connection Prompts:
1. “We’re looking to partner or connect with ___”
2. “We’d love to collaborate with other local businesses on ___”
3. “Our dream customer is someone who ___”
4. “One local business we admire is ___ because ___”
5. “Here’s how we give back to the community…”
🎥 For a ‘Day in the Life’ or Social Takeover:
1. “Follow us today as we show you ___”
2. “Here’s what a typical morning looks like at [Business Name]”
3. “This is our team’s favorite moment of the day—every day!”
4. “Let us take you behind the scenes of how we create/make/do ___”
5. “Our customers always ask us about ___, so here’s the real answer…”
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