OTHER NEWS
Redesigned website reflects members’ preferences Visit www.SiouxFallsChamber.com to see Chamber
events, activities and more
By Amy Smolik
Marketing & Communications Manager
The Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce did a soft re-launch of its website, www.siouxfallschamber.com, in December 2009.
The site reflects months of work by Chamber staff based on feedback from Chamber members about what they wanted from the website. Members were asked to respond to a communications survey in August 2009. The survey touched on the Chamber-supported websites visited by members, what members used the websites for, members’ preferences for communication from the Chamber and their suggestions for communication improvements.
Using input from the survey, staff redesigned the site by updating the graphics, text and layout. Information was organized to make it easier for members to navigate and find the information they’re looking for.
New is a “Helpful Links” column on the right-hand side of the website, which is an easy way for members to get to other Chamber publications/websites or niche areas of interest. Links to the Chamber’s social media pages on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can also be found here.
Members overwhelmingly ranked events and programs as their No. 1 reason to visit www.siouxfallschamber.com. That information can be found in the left-hand column of the website. Viewers can see more events by clicking for a full online calendar, which is found on www.chambernews.com.
The navigation bar is condensed into five easier-to-use headings: Events & Programs; Advocacy; Be Involved; Membership; News & Publications; and About Us. A search engine at the top of the home page can be used to search information on the site.
The new website does more to cross-promote other Chamber websites and activities. This is seen through the rotating banner at the top of the main page and by the links available through the Helpful Links column or the link to www.chambernews.com. ChamberNews.com has information from the print edition of Chamber News as well as media releases, event photos and upcoming event information. It is updated on a regular basis.
The Members Only section of the website, which can be logged into on the home page under the Chamber logo at the top of the site, continues to be updated as well. In this section, members can register and pay for events online, manage their communication preferences from the Chamber and update their business’ information. Members can also change their usernames and passwords to easier-to-remember log-in information.
Early feedback about the redesigned site has been positive. In the coming months, other electronic messages from the Chamber will continue to be updated.
The Chamber intends to survey its members about their communications preferences again later this year. For more information about this website or any of the Chamber’s communication vehicles — or to share positive feedback or constructive criticism, contact the Public Affairs & Communications Department at (605) 336-1620.
