As a brand and website designer, I have the pleasure of meeting a lot of new people online, thanks to our friend Instagram and other social platforms.

I find that to be super normal for a lot of online business owners and service providers because the concept of working with ANYONE across the world is pretty amazing. 

As I’m riding bikes with my kids in our neighborhood in Ames, Iowa, a client of mine could be waking up to their ocean view in California or heading into their office in New York City.

It’s so cool to me that we can so easily be connected to people who live such different lives from us.

With that, however, I knew that when I started my business I didn't want to lose the local aspect. I love where I live and there are people right down the road who own amazing businesses that I also want to support and be a part of.

So even with the boom of online business and the ability to work with literally anyone in the world, my heart is in Iowa, specifically our small town of Ames, and I strive to give back to my community year round through my design work. 

If you’re an online business owner or service provider and you have gotten swooped up in the online or digital aspect without paying much attention to your local community, I encourage you to consider how you can get involved and support those businesses, too.

Because while some of my most favorite clients (and even some of my best relationships) have been cultivated online, there’s just something about being involved with your local community that the online world can never replace. 

Many local businesses are the ones I’ve been going to for the last decade.

They’re the places filled with people who know my name and face and go out of their way to serve me specifically. 

They’re the places that make our town what it is and I know that my life in Ames wouldn’t be the same without them. 

I’d be willing to bet that a lot of the same is true for your local community too, so if you’re looking to get involved locally, but aren’t exactly sure how, there’s a few things I encourage you to seek out.

4 Ways To Get Involved With Your Local Community As An Online Business Owner

Join your local chamber of commerce

I know what you might be thinking… “The chamber? Are those still a thing? Aren’t they just for corporate organizations?”

Yes, the chamber of commerce is most definitely still a thing and no, they aren’t just for corporate organizations. 

Your local chamber of commerce exists to serve the community through promoting various local businesses and allowing members of those businesses to meet and connect with each other. 

The chamber is one of the easiest (and usually most cost effective ways) to get involved with your local community, meet other business owners in your area, find volunteer opportunities, and ultimately get your name and business into the eyes of more people in your area.

If joining the chamber of commerce feels weird to you because you don’t have a physical space or office that people can visit, just remember that your local chamber is FILLED with other business owners who just might be interested in the product or service that you offer… but they might not know you exist yet. 

Joining the chamber, attending their events, and actively putting yourself in the position to meet members of your community can change that.

Find a local networking group 

If the chamber isn’t your thing, consider joining a local networking group. And if you think that networking groups are boring, too professional, and really don’t lead to any results, I’d encourage you to reconsider. 

The way people network has changed in many ways and there are often lots of local opportunities that you can attend for free or at a low cost that aren’t the boring, corporate style networking that you might be used to.

Coffee dates, happy hours, and even valuable workshops have become more of the norm.

If you aren’t sure how to find opportunities like this, revisit #1 above OR simply conduct a Google search. You’d be surprised at what you can find!

Volunteer with your local schools or churches

If you want to get involved with your community in more ways than just networking and meeting new people, consider volunteering at your local schools or churches.

Schools and churches are almost always looking for volunteers to fill different roles and it’s a great way to simply get involved with your community without expecting anything in return. 

Schools are often in need of donations, mentors, class helpers and more, while churches have various needs throughout the year including donations, help with events, etc.

Find an organization that aligns with your values and give back

Lastly, if you want to get involved and give back to your local community, you can find an organization that aligns with your personal values as a business owner and get connected with them to see how you can support them best. 

For example, many shelters, ministries and other organizations are constantly looking for more people to get involved with their mission, whether it be through hands-on volunteering, donations or sometimes financial support, there’s almost always a way for you to give back.

Organizations I Love To Support In Ames and Central Iowa

As a brand and website designer, I’m committed to giving back in my own community of Ames, Iowa and there’s a few organizations that I love to provide financial support to and work with for various projects throughout the year, including:

• Ames Community School District
• Ames Christian Academy
• On With Life
• Blank Children's Hospital
• Reiman Gardens
• American Heritage Girls
• Harvest Vineyard Church
• Kate Mitchell Elementary PTA
• Defined Ministries
• BeRare Initiative
• Ames Basketball Club
  

Rethinking Online Business

Overall, I love the concept of online business and believe that it’s a great thing. But as much as I love connecting with new people online, I never want to lose sight of my local community. 



I’ve found that all of these efforts actually help me stand out even more online and I really believe they can do the same for you!

Here’s to being known locally AND virtually. 👏🏼

Your designer friend always,