It was all about marketing a small business in the Digital Age, leveraging social media, with a tip of the hat to print advertising. 

InMaricopa and the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce Wednesday hosted a Marketing Workshop and Happy Hour event for local business owners at Maricopa’s Native Grill and Wings.

“Often times, business owners are great at their trade but not so much at marketing or getting what they do out to the public,” said Tawni Proctor, InMaricopa client services account manager. “This was a great opportunity for current advertisers and entrepreneurs alike to gather and learn marketing strategies, what the difference is between print advertising, online digital marketing and social media presence — and why all three are important.”

Proctor said the first event also was a chance for attendees to learn how the chamber can help them retain local customers, earn credibility and even create websites for those who sign up as a member.

 Proctor and Maricopa Chamber of Commerce Director Kelly Anderson made presentations as event hosts. 

InMaricopa asked its advertisers what they would like to see from us in a recent survey.    

It was suggested that we have so many things to offer businesses to help grow in our city, but not everybody knows how to take advantage of them in the best way possible for their business.  It was decided a workshop would be helpful in an open forum to go over the benefits, marketing options and to ask questions.   

Guest speaker Dr. Kristina Donnay from Maricopa Wellness Center spoke about how writing monthly advertorials for the magazine have helped her become the expert in her medical spa field. Her column has earned trust and clients from providing an educational perspective, Donnay said.   

Guest speaker Lori Riley from Ride347, Maricopa’s airport shuttle, talked about how the grand opening package that InMaricopa produced, generated a great deal of exposure for her new business.  

Riley said she couldn’t keep up with the phone calls, texts and emails. She said she’s already looking at purchasing a third shuttle as a result of new business demand.  

911 Air Repair owner Ray Nieves said when he started his business seven years ago, he started with a small directory ad in the back of the magazine. Today, his air-conditioning advertising has grown to running a crew of 30 and claiming the entire back page of InMaricopa monthly magazine.

Nieves said his return on investment has tripled since advertising with InMaricopa. 

Chamber Director Anderson said the chamber is the local business owners’ voice, referral partner and someone they can depend on to provide networking events, help business owners get involved in the community, and build and retain local business in Maricopa.  

Attendees said they were pinching themselves that they have been here operating in Maricopa for years and never knew what was available to them.   

“They couldn’t wait to get more details about membership options and advertising packages custom created for their brand,” Proctor said. 

InMaricopa plans to schedule the next workshop in January to kick off the new year and focus on one or two marketing options offered in detail.  

Proctor said the next seminar will focus on specific examples of how an advertising strategy has helped others succeed. 

“As always, all local business owners and current advertisers are welcomed and encouraged to attend,” Proctor said. 

Proctor can be contacted at 520-568-0040 or [email protected].