Each year, the WebLink Summit brings together business association and chamber of commerce executives from around the country to discuss ways they can use technology to improve their organizations.

This year's WebLink Summit will be May 30-June 1 at the brand-new JW Marriott in Indianapolis. The WebLink Summit is far more than a software user’s meeting – it’s a unique marketing, technology and social media conference designed to help associations and chambers of commerce use technology to market...

If you're like most business associations and chambers of commerce, you're using a Facebook page to broaden your communications and engage your audience where they already are - on social media.

The average user in the U.S. spends about 8 hours/month on Facebook. As Facebook continues to become THE place where people learn about news and find information about companies, it is reasonable to think that your audience may someday visit your Facebook page to learn more about your association - maybe...

Your association database is the single most important asset your organization owns.

Many associations and chambers of commerce don't hold patents, produce products or create proprietary information, such as extensive research projects or detailed industry reports.  However, the collection of data in your membership database IS a propriety asset.

This data is unique and extremely valuable to your organization.

Your membership database software should contain everything you need to manage your...

The old display funnel of advertising.  Isn’t it great? 

It’s simple. It’s effective. 

And yet, still, sometimes members advertising on chamber of commerce and association websites have trouble getting their ad to result in action. Some members continue to advertise the same way, year after year, throwing images on backgrounds and phone numbers over pictures, instead of thinking about how the ad will move prospective customers through the funnel.

Display advertising brings conversions of people who...

It's week 4, discussing Analytics and Goals in the book, Search Engine Optimization: An Hour a Day.

As a marketer, I know measurement is key and I couldn't even begin to count the number of associations I've talked to about the importance. But, it can be daunting if you don't have much experience. If you're new to analytics, don't worry, this post is perfect for the Google Analytics beginner.

Here are my top tips for getting started:

Step 1: Make sure Google Analytics is set up on your...

Well, it's week 3, discussing Competition in the book, Search Engine Optimization: An Hour a Day.

There is only one website that can rank #1 for each keyword search, making SEO a constant tug of war. So, what can associations be doing about their competitors?

Find out who is competing with your association website and what you can do to rank higher. As I recently heard in a meeting about SEO - You don't have to be able to run as fast as the bear chasing you, just faster than your friend. Beat out...

I am now on to week 2 of Search Engine Optimization An Hour a Day. During the second week, the book discusses establishing a baseline. As a marketing professional, my favorite part of marketing is measuring the success of a campaign, but of course success can't be established without a baseline. Below are tips I learned in this section of the book, along with some of my own best practices.

Get Started With a Template:

• Take your list of keywords that you established for your association website in...

I recently picked up the book, Search Engine Optimization An Hour a Day, by Jennifer Grappone and Gradiva Couzin. You know how you feel when you pick up a book that you just know you're going to like? That's how this book made me feel.

I like things that feel manageable. I really dislike breaking promises or missing deadlines, and an hour a day seemed like something I could commit to. Also, I love the way the book is set up with real examples, special tips, and even extra credit items.

Week 1 is...

In May, WebLink will host the WebLink Summit, our annual marketing, technology and social media conference for member-based organizations.

For more than 10 years, this conference has attracted forward-thinking executives from some of the best business associations and chambers of commerce in North America.

What makes this conference so special?  Simple:  Our focus and our attendees.

There is no other conference dedicated to providing the technology information shared at the WebLink Summit -...

Technology surrounds us everyday.  Most of it is even beneficial. :-)

It seems like just about everything is now being hosted in "the cloud" or turned into "as a service."  

There is even a company called Dollar Shave Club that recently began delivering razors to your door each month - for a low monthly fee, of course.  Razors As A Service - what's next?

Over the last 10 years or so, association management software and membership database software have followed this trend so association executives...

During his inaugural address in 1961, John Kennedy famously said:

"...Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans..."

Now, more than 50 years later, Kennedy's sentiments seem relevant again as Millennials come of age and become a driving force in the marketplace and grows into a leadership role that is defining the American landscape and marketplace.

This transition creates an opportunity for...

I was looking at the list of top 100 brands the other day and how they do what they do. Sure, we all know that companies like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Nike, Disney, and Apple have great brands. When we think of them, we’re instantly flooded with the feelings that their marketers have taught us to feel. But these are large companies. And associations and chambers don’t have nearly the budget or resources to put into branding.

So, what can associations learn from these megabrands?

1. Live and breathe...

With all the buzz in associations about social media and digital communications, now is a great time to swim upstream a bit.  Seriously, when is the last time you received a great print marketing piece?  One that not only stays on your desk, but as a membership or marketing professional, you show off to other association professionals. 

In a world of 140 character messages that are likely viewed while you are in line at the grocery store or waiting for an elavator don't you occassionally want to...

You've heard of the book "Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers," right?  What things are you doing today that seem a "must do" that you can stop doing to help you serve your members more effectively?   Or, what changes can you make that will help your organization adapt and thrive? 

Social media – and technology in general - has made it easier than ever for business associations, chambers of commerce and membership organizations to reach more of your audience more often AND when and where they...

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about vendor vs. partner relationships in regard to associations and their members. Today I want to expand on that and talk about how a redesign for your association’s website can help support your efforts.

Of course, having a website is important. But having an effective website can mean more members, more engaged members, higher retention, and more non-dues revenue.

Are you considering a new association website? Here are six tips for establishing a website that...

Vendor- one that sells

Partner- a person who shares in a mutually beneficial relationship

So, do your members consider you a partner? Would it have a positive impact on your chamber of commerce or association if more of your members thought of you as a partner? If you invested more in your members’ success, would your association become more successful?  

If your goal is just to increase membership or bring in more revenue for your association, you might find some...