WHAT ARE THE TOP FIVE MARKETING PRACTICES FOR OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT?

Written By: Amber Hawton-Hill Senior Marketing and Communications Manager

Last week, a colleague from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives or ACCE (a national organization representing over 1,300 Chambers in the U.S.) asked me a simple but powerful question:

“What advice would you give a CEO about best marketing practices for outreach and engagement?”

After nearly two decades in marketing and advertising, my answer was immediate: “There are no shortcuts. True, lasting engagement isn’t transactional— it’s a relationship. And like any meaningful relationship, it requires commitment, consistency, and authenticity.”

1: Your brand isn’t just your logo. It’s every interaction someone has with your organization— your employees, your social media, your emails, your office environment, your marketing materials, even your mission statement. When all of these elements align, your outreach becomes more effective and your engagement more impactful.

2: As AI continues to streamline our work, one thing remains irreplaceable: authenticity.

People are drawn to content that feels human. If you genuinely care about your customers or members, believe in your work, and communicate with passion, you’ll attract an audience that doesn’t just support your brand—they’ll advocate for it. These “brand evangelists” are your most valuable customers, growing your reach organically through word-of-mouth and trust.

3: To make the biggest impact, focus on quality over quantity. Don’t post just to post, and don’t launch initiatives that feel like busy work. Instead, create content and experiences that make people pause. Study what works—look at successful events, marketing campaigns, and social posts from peers across the country. Then, tailor those insights to your audience.

4: Outreach and engagement aren’t one-and-done efforts. They require ongoing effort and attention. The best way to refine your approach? Listen. Use surveys and polls to gather feedback, then act on it. Your audience will tell you exactly what they need— if you’re willing to hear them.

Ann Marie Houghtailing wisely said, “Feedback is a free education to excellence. Seek it with sincerity and receive it with grace.”

5: And finally, don’t forget the call to action. Every touch point should guide your audience to the next step, building trust and moving them along their journey with you.

When engagement is intentional and authentic, it’s not just marketing —it’s momentum.