News Release
Promoting and supporting local businesses: New online platform from Member Marketplace makes it easier than ever for communities
- Software fosters connections between local small businesses and residents to prioritize a ‘Support Local First’ mindset
- Reaches communities through chambers of commerce and other member-based organizations
MARION, Iowa (Sept. 20, 2023) – Member Marketplace Inc., an Iowa-based company and creators of a national network of shop local e-commerce marketplace websites across that includes the statewide Shop Iowa platform, today announced the launch of a new ‘member connection’ marketplace to complement its e-commerce offering. The new software provides chambers of commerce and other member-based organizations a modern, more interactive way to connect and promote their member businesses to their communities online.
The new platform emphasizes building connections between users through social options that include likes, shares and direct messaging on posted services, products, promotions, specials, and events offered by member businesses.
“Chambers of commerce and other member-based organizations constantly seek innovative ways to enhance the membership experience, and in today’s dynamic landscape our marketplace is not just relevant; it’s essential as these organizations look to thrive in the digital age,” said Cherie Edilson, CEO of Member Marketplace Inc.
A key feature of the member connection software is the ‘Service Request’ system, which allows users to post for anything they need from a local business which could include lawn services to accounting to marketing services and beyond. Once a post is live, member businesses receive real-time notifications of these relevant lead opportunities based on the keywords they have set in their accounts. Member businesses can respond to the requestor through a direct messaging system to begin establishing meaningful connections and provide further information.
“Much like the old yellow pages, most directories you see online today simply list businesses by category, offering minimal assistance in helping customers address their specific needs. In sharp contrast, our connection marketplace empowers users with more useful information to discover, connect and engage with local businesses at a whole new level to solve their needs,” commented Edilson.
As a white-labeled solution, every partner organization receives their own individual marketplace that is customized to match their brand with their logo and colors that adds credibility for every business listed. The Member Marketplace team provides full support for the website, making it easy for the partner to take advantage of the program.
“Our team designed this new solution to make it as easy as possible for our partners to implement,” said Edilson. “Within a matter of days, our partners will have a customized marketplace ready for them to add to their website and provide as a resource to their businesses to start listing, connecting, and networking online.”
Partners gain valuable data on activity taking place on the marketplace to measure its impact. Some key data points include:
- Leads for businesses – New conversations started, keyword matched leads sen, and click referral numbers delivered to individual business websites
- Active businesses, listing and service request data
- User engagement data per business – likes, shares, and saves
The new member connection platform is available now. Learn more and request a demo at: https://www.membermarketplaceinc.com/member-connection-marketplace
Based in Iowa, Member Marketplace Inc. has employees in Des Moines, Waukee, Windsor Heights and Marion.
About Member Marketplace Inc.
Member Marketplace Inc. creates e-commerce and member connection marketplace websites for local communities, enabling organizations a unified way to promote their businesses online. Member Marketplace provides support and expertise for members that sell and list their offerings on the platforms on behalf of the sponsoring organization, making it easy to implement. Learn more at: www.membermarketplaceinc.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Robert Edilson
robert@membermarketplaceinc.com
319-899-0740
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