Get Noticed
Around Chilliwack helps local businesses reach people who live, work, and shop here. It’s a great way to get noticed, share your deals or events, and bring more customers through your door. People in Chilliwack love supporting local, and we make it easy for them to find you. Advertising with us means getting seen where it matters most—right here at home.
Get Noticed with Around Chilliwack:
https://www.aroundchilliwack.ca/advertise-with-us
Why Get The Holiday Special
Discover Local This Holiday Season
The holidays are all about connection — and here at Around Chilliwack, we love helping people connect with the incredible local businesses that make our city special.
That’s why we’ve created our Holiday Special Package — a simple way for local businesses to get noticed by the shoppers who love to support local most.
We’ll come by for a quick 20-minute photoshoot, then feature your business on our Where to Shop/Eat page and across our social media platforms. It’s an easy, affordable way to shine a light on what you do best — right when the community is out looking for gifts, great food, and local finds.
Cost is less than half of our usual monthly content creation and gets you a bunch of great photo assets to keep in your digital library.
We’ve already seen how much our readers love discovering new places to shop in Chilliwack — and we’d love to feature you next.
Spots are limited, so if you’d like to be part of this year’s holiday lineup reserve your spot now:
BOOK NOW
Social Media Scheduling: How to Save Time and Stay Consistent
Ever notice how easy it is to fall behind on posting? One week you’re on a roll, sharing updates and stories, and the next thing you know, two weeks have passed and you’re scrambling to come up with something; Anything to post.
If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not the only one.
Running a business is busy, and keeping up with social media can easily slip to the bottom of the list. That’s why scheduling your content ahead of time is such a game-changer. It keeps your marketing consistent, saves time, and takes away that last-minute stress of figuring out what to post.
Why Scheduling Matters
Think of your social media like your shop window. You wouldn’t leave your window display empty or outdated for weeks at a time, right? The same idea applies here; Regular updates keep things fresh and remind people that your business is active and engaged.
Scheduling helps you:
Plan ahead so you’re not posting in a rush.
Stay consistent even when life gets busy.
Free up headspace for all the other things you need to do.
When you have posts lined up and ready to go, it’s one less thing to think about during your week.
Batch Your Content
This is where the real time-saving happens. Instead of creating posts one at a time, set aside an hour or two each week (or even once a month) to batch everything at once. Write your captions, choose your photos, and schedule them in one go.
Keep a running list of ideas in your Notes app or a Google Doc, so when it’s time to plan, you’ve already got a bank of inspiration to pull from.
Leave Room for Real Life
Scheduling doesn’t mean everything has to be perfectly polished or planned weeks in advance. It’s just your foundation. You can still hop on to share something spontaneous, like a behind-the-scenes moment, a community event, or a quick thought that popped into your head.
The best social media pages mix planned content with a little bit of personality.
Repurpose, Reuse, Repeat
If you’ve already created great content, use it again!
Turn a blog post into a carousel.
Share a customer review as a quote graphic.
Repost an old photo with a new caption or story behind it.
Chances are, most of your audience didn’t see it the first time anyway.
Social media scheduling isn’t about being less creative - it’s about being more intentional. When your posts are planned, you show up consistently, stay top-of-mind with your audience, and still have time left over to actually run your business.
So this week, take an hour to plan out your posts.
Grab a coffee, open your scheduler, and get a few things lined up.
You will thank yourself later.
Posting or Connecting?
There’s a difference between posting and connecting.
Marketing isn’t just about what you say — it’s about who you’re speaking to, and how you make them feel when they see your name pop up.
When you start with people — your neighbours, your customers, your community — everything you share starts to mean something.
Don’t start with, “What should I say?”
Start with, “Who am I saying it to?”
Are you wanting to simply post something for the sake of posting something; or are you looking to connect with your customers… your community… your people?
The goal isn’t just to get likes — it’s to make someone feel something.
To make them pause for half a second and think, “That’s my place.”
Anyone can post.
A photo of a coffee cup. A sale announcement. A “Happy Friday!” graphic.
That’s easy.
But connection — real connection — takes more than content. It takes care.
Are you looking to just post or are you looking to connect?
Why Your Business Needs a Featured Listing on Around Chilliwack
Your Business Needs a Featured Listing with Us
At Around Chilliwack, we’ve always believed local deserves the spotlight. That’s why we’ve launched our Featured Listing option — a way for your business to rise above the noise and stand out to the very people who matter most: your community.
Here’s why it’s worth it:
1. Your Business, Front and Centre
When someone visits Around Chilliwack, they’re already looking for local. A Featured Listing puts you at the top of the list — where eyes go first. No digging, no scrolling, no chance of being missed.
2. Reach the Right People (Not Just More People)
Big platforms promise reach. We promise relevance. Around Chilliwack connects you directly with locals who care about supporting businesses in their own backyard. It’s not about shouting louder, it’s about speaking to the right crowd.
Over 90% of our audience is from the Fraser Valley and a majority of that audience is from Chilliwack.
3. Credibility That’s Hard to Buy Anywhere Else
Being featured on Around Chilliwack is more than advertising — it’s a stamp of trust. Our audience sees you not just as a business, but as part of the local fabric. That kind of reputation-building is priceless.
We don’t post just any business. We post businesses that have connections and ones that make an impact in our community.
4. Marketing That Works While You Sleep
Your listing is live 24/7, constantly introducing your business to new eyes. Even if you’re too busy serving customers to post on social media, your spot on Around Chilliwack keeps working for you. Not only does it work through our social feeds but our impeccable SEO through our website.
5. Support That Feels Local (Because It Is)
We’re not some faceless platform. We live here. We walk the same streets. We buy the same coffee. When we promote your business, it’s personal — and your success is our success.
6. Affordable, Effective, and Built for Small Business
We know small businesses don’t have big-city marketing budgets. A Featured Listing gives you professional visibility at a price that makes sense for where you’re at.
The bottom line: If you want to be seen, remembered, and supported in Chilliwack, a Featured Listing on Around Chilliwack isn’t just an option — it’s a smart move.
👉 Ready to claim your spot?
Get Featured Today!
Visuals Matter: How to Take Better Photos (Even with Your Phone) and Create a Consistent Look
You don’t need to hire a professional photographer every time you post on social media. Yes—professional shoots are wonderful for polished content (and you should plan them occasionally!), but for the day-to-day, your phone is more than enough to capture high-quality photos for your business.
The key is learning how to use what you already have to create visuals that are clear, engaging, and consistent with your brand. Let’s break it down:
1. Lighting Is Everything
Good lighting makes the difference between an amateur-looking photo and one that pops.
Use natural light whenever possible. Position your subject near a window or step outside.
Avoid overhead lights—they cast harsh shadows.
Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) creates warm, flattering tones.
👉 Tip: If you only remember one thing, it’s this—face the light, don’t let it sit behind your subject.
2. Keep Your Background Simple
A cluttered background distracts from what you’re trying to showcase.
Opt for clean, neutral spaces.
Don’t be afraid of a simple wall or tabletop.
If you’re showing products, style them with just one or two props that make sense (like a coffee mug beside baked goods).
3. Composition Tricks That Work
Professional photographers use composition rules that you can borrow:
Rule of thirds: Imagine your photo divided into 9 squares. Place your subject along the lines or intersections.
Leave breathing room: Don’t crop too tightly—give your subject space.
Angles: Try shooting from slightly above or straight on rather than from below.
4. Edit for Consistency (Not Perfection)
Editing is where you bring your photos in line with your brand. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Use a free app like Lightroom Mobile, VSCO, or Snapseed.
Stick with one or two presets (filters) so all your photos have a similar tone.
Adjust brightness, contrast, and warmth lightly—don’t over-edit.
👉 Canva is also your best friend here! Use it to crop, add text overlays, or apply consistent colors and fonts.
5. Build Your Visual Style
Your goal is to make your photos recognizable as yours.
Think about your brand colors—can you feature them in props, backgrounds, or text?
Decide if your brand vibe is bright and fun or moody and minimal.
Keep repeating that style until it feels second nature.
You don’t need fancy equipment or a photography degree to create scroll-stopping visuals. With a little attention to light, composition, and consistency, your phone can become your most powerful marketing tool.
The secret? Keep practicing. Over time, you’ll build confidence—and your brand will shine online.
Oh, and one more thing… PLEASE clean your camera lens.
Storytelling for Small Business: What to Share When You Don’t Know What to Say
What to Share When You Don’t Know What to Say
So you’re staring at a blinking cursor, wondering what to post.
You know you “should be posting more,” but you feel stuck — like you’ve said everything already, or like no one really cares what you have to say.
First of all? That’s normal.
Second? You don’t need to be a professional writer or a social media guru to create content that connects.
You just need to tell simple, honest stories.
Why stories work
Think about the last few posts you remembered on social media.
Were they perfectly polished ads? Probably not.
They were likely:
A small biz owner sharing a behind-the-scenes moment
A funny or relatable caption
A heartfelt story about why someone started their business
A tip or lesson from someone who’s been where you are
Stories work because they’re human.
They create connection — and connection builds trust.
So what do you actually share?
Here are a few categories of content that always work — and always feel human:
1. The “why I do this” post
People love to know the heart behind your business. What inspired you to start? What keeps you going?
Example:
“I started this biz from my kitchen table with $200 and a dream to make something meaningful in Chilliwack.”
2. The “behind the scenes” post
Show your process. What goes into creating your product, preparing your service, or running your day?
Example:
“A little peek at how I prep for market mornings. Coffee first, always ☕”
3. The “get to know me” post
Introduce yourself — again! New followers are joining all the time, and even longtime ones forget.
Example:
“Hey! I’m [your name], the face behind [your business]. I live in Chilliwack with my dog/kids/plants, and I started this biz because…”
4. The “teach something small” post
Share a quick tip, FAQ, or piece of advice related to what you do. Bonus: this builds trust and positions you as an expert.
Example:
“Not sure which [product/service] is right for you? Here’s how I help people decide.”
5. The “customer love” post
Share a review, a thank-you, or a repost from someone who supports you.
Example:
“So grateful for this sweet feedback from a recent client — made my whole week.”
Need more inspiration?
Here are 10 fill-in-the-blank storytelling prompts you can use any time:
“When I started this business, I had no idea ____.”
“Here’s what a day in my business really looks like…”
“This time last year, I was ____.”
“One thing I wish more people knew about my work is ____.”
“If I could go back and tell myself one thing when I started, it would be ____.”
“I created this product/service because ____.”
“Here’s a look at my setup before an event/shoot/market.”
“Let me introduce myself… again!”
“The best part of my job is ____.”
“This kind message made my day: [insert short testimonial or DM]”
Don’t overthink it.
You don’t need to write a novel.
You don’t need perfect grammar.
You don’t need to spill your life story.
You just need to show up and share something real.
A little honesty goes a long way.
Coming Up Next:
In the next post, we’ll talk about visuals — how to take better photos (even with your phone) and create a consistent look without hiring a pro every time.
Your story is your most powerful marketing tool.
And the best part? No one else can tell it quite like you.
How to Build ‘Know, Like & Trust’ Online (and Why That’s What Actually Sells)
Let’s bust a myth real quick:
“People don’t buy from businesses just because they have the lowest price. People buy from businesses they know, like, and trust.”
It’s called the Know–Like–Trust factor — and it’s the real secret to turning followers into buyers.
Especially here in Chilliwack, people want to support locals they feel connected to. You’re not just a business — you’re a person in their community. That’s your superpower.
So how do you build “Know–Like–Trust”?
Let’s break it down:
🧠 KNOW: Help people discover you
You can’t sell to someone who doesn’t know you exist.
The “know” phase is all about visibility.
Ways to build it:
Show up consistently on social media (even once or twice a week!)
Use local hashtags (like #chilliwackbusiness or #shoplocalchilliwack)
Tag your location in posts and stories
Collaborate with other local businesses
Show your face — people remember people!
Your goal here is just to get on their radar.
💛 LIKE: Help people connect with you
Now that they know you exist, they’re watching. Liking. Maybe lurking.
This is where you help them get to know the human behind the business.
Ways to build it:
Tell little stories — how you got started, what your process looks like, what a day in your life is like
Be yourself in your captions (write like you talk!)
Share your values or what makes your business different
Use video — especially Reels or talking to camera. It builds trust fast
Don’t be afraid to let your personality show. That’s what people actually connect with.
✅ TRUST: Help people feel confident buying from you
Once they like you, they’re almost there — but trust is what makes them pull the trigger.
Ways to build it:
Share testimonials or reviews
Repost customer shoutouts or UGC (user-generated content)
Explain your process or what to expect from working with you
Show consistent quality in your work
Answer FAQs (in stories, posts, or captions)
Trust is built when people see that you’re legit — and that others have had a great experience with you.
Reminder: You don’t need a big following to build Know–Like–Trust.
You just need to show up in a way that’s:
Consistent
Genuine
Helpful
That’s how you turn random scrollers into loyal fans. And fans into customers.
A few post ideas to build your K–L–T this week:
Post a photo of you and share a little about why you started your business
Answer a common question your customers ask
Share a customer review or a happy client shoutout
Film a 10-second Reel introducing yourself or showing your process
Ask your audience something simple like “How did you hear about us?” or “What do you look for when you shop local?”
Coming Up Next:
In the next post, we’ll talk about what to post when you have no idea what to say — including simple storytelling tips and content prompts to keep things easy and human.
People don’t connect with businesses.
They connect with people.
And when they know you, like you, and trust you? They buy from you.
Knowing Your Target Customer: Why It Matters
If you’re a small business owner in Chilliwack, marketing can feel overwhelming — but one of the most powerful things you can do is get crystal clear on who you’re trying to reach. This is called knowing your target customer, and it shapes everything from your Instagram captions to your coffee cup design.
Let’s break it down using an imaginary local example:
Meet the imaginary “Gather & Grind”
Imagine a beautifully designed café tucked in Downtown Chilliwack — exposed brick, vintage lighting, playlists filled with Hozier and Bon Iver, and lattes topped with heart-shaped foam art. It’s not just about great coffee; it’s about creating an experience. (And I bet you are already thinking of a real life or two example as you read this).
Now, the owners of Gather & Grind could try to attract everyone — but instead, they’ve built their brand around young entrepreneurs, freelancers, and creatives in Chilliwack who want a stylish spot to meet, work, and brainstorm.
How They Do It:
Interior Design: Minimalist tables with power outlets. Quiet nooks perfect for Zoom calls. A beautiful wall mural that looks great in Instagram Stories.
Menu: Oat milk matcha, turmeric lattes, and protein bites — the kind of fuel you’d want during a mid-morning client meeting.
Marketing Tone: Their posts sound like your cool friend who knows all the best spots — not stiff or overly professional.
Events & Promos: Monthly co-working days, local business spotlights, and maybe even a “pitch-your-passion-project” night.
Why It Works:
Because everything about their brand speaks to that one type of customer. And that customer? They feel seen. They come back again and again — and they bring their network with them.
So, what should you ask yourself as you build your brand?
Who do I want sitting at my metaphorical café table?
What do they care about?
What do they want to feel when they interact with my business?
When you know that — you stop guessing. And your marketing becomes magnetic.
Branding Basics for Your Local Business
Branding Basics for Your Local Business: What is a brand? Do you need a logo? Can you use Canva?
Let’s talk branding — a word that gets thrown around a lot, often with expensive price tags and confusing advice.
But here’s the truth: your small business already has a brand — even if you haven’t “built” one yet.
Your brand is how people experience your business. It’s the feeling someone gets when they walk through your doors, scroll your feed, get a DM from you, or open your email. It’s the impression you leave behind — and the reason people remember you (or don’t).
And nope, it’s not just about having a fancy logo.
So… what is a brand?
Think of your brand like your business’s personality. It’s made up of:
Your tone of voice (Are you funny, warm, professional, casual?)
Your visual style (Colors, fonts, logo, photography style)
Your values (What matters to you? What do you stand for?)
The experience customers have with you (How do they feel when they interact with you?)
It’s not something you slap together for your Instagram bio.
It’s something people feel when they interact with you over time.
Do you need a logo?
Yes... but not the most expensive one in town.
Your logo is one part of your brand — like a handshake. It helps people recognize you and feel a sense of consistency. But here’s the good news:
If you’re just starting out: A clean, simple logo made in Canva is 100% okay.
If you’ve been growing and want to level up: A professionally designed logo can be worth the investment — especially if it comes with brand guidelines (colors, fonts, etc.) to keep your look consistent.
But don’t get stuck in logo land. A fancy design won’t fix a confusing message or inconsistent customer experience.
Can you use Canva?
Absolutely. We love Canva around here.
Canva is a fantastic tool for small businesses — especially when used with a few branding basics in mind. Here’s how to keep it looking pro:
Pick 2-3 brand colors and stick to them
Choose 1-2 fonts and use them consistently
Use your logo (or business name) on your graphics
Create templates so all your posts/stories look cohesive
Your goal isn’t to look like a big chain — it’s to look like you every time you show up.
Real talk: consistency beats perfection.
Your brand doesn’t need to win awards. It just needs to be recognizable and reliable.
If someone saw your Instagram post, then walked past your sandwich board, then visited your website — would it all feel like the same business? That’s the magic of branding.
Quick branding wins you can do this week:
Choose your brand colors and stick to them
Update your social bios with a consistent tone and message
Create a simple logo in Canva if you don’t have one yet
Make a few Canva templates you can reuse
Think about how you want your business to feel and try to reflect that in your content
Coming Up Next:
In our next post, we’ll help you figure out who you’re talking to. Because the better you understand your ideal customer, the easier it is to create content that connects — and converts.
You don’t need a perfect brand to get started.
You just need to start showing up in a way that feels true to your business.
We’re here to help you keep it simple, consistent, and local.
Why Small Businesses Should Let Around Chilliwack Create Their Reels
Why Small Businesses Should Let Around Chilliwack Create Their Reels
Let’s talk about reels. Yep—those short, snappy, scroll-stopping videos that either make you laugh, teach you something cool, or tempt you to buy that locally made candle you didn’t know you needed. If you’re a small business in Chilliwack and you're not using reels yet—or you're trying but they feel more "meh" than "wow"—this one’s for you.
Here’s the thing: social media has become the modern-day Main Street. It’s where people hang out, find things to do, and discover their next favourite place to eat, shop, or get their drains unclogged (we see you, Pettie’s Plumbing). And if you're not showing up there in a way that's actually engaging, you might as well be whispering your big news into a canyon.
That’s where Around Chilliwack comes in.
We know Chilliwack. We live here, we love it here, and we’ve built a following of locals who genuinely care about what’s going on in their community. And guess what? They want to support small businesses like yours—they just need a reason to stop scrolling and start watching.
Here’s why our reels hit different:
1. We tell your story the way Chilliwack wants to hear it.
You're not a faceless chain store. You’re someone who’s poured your heart (and probably a good chunk of your savings) into something real. We show that. Whether it's the steam rising off your fresh-baked cinnamon buns or the pride in your voice when you talk about your handmade goods, we capture the human side of your business.
2. We know what the algorithm loves—without being cringe.
Trends are great, but authenticity wins. We create content that blends what’s popular with what’s personal, so it gets seen and feels real. That means more eyes, more clicks, and more customers who actually show up at your door.
3. We already have the audience.
When we post a reel about your business, we’re not just throwing it into the void. We’re putting it in front of thousands of engaged Chilliwack locals who already trust us to show them what’s good. That’s a shortcut to credibility—and your next loyal customer.
4. We make it easy.
You’re already juggling staff, inventory, taxes, and probably a rogue pigeon that keeps nesting above your storefront sign. Let us take the content creation stress off your plate. We handle the filming, editing, music, captions—the whole thing. You just show up, do what you do best, and let us make it shine.
5. We’re small business people too.
We get it. Budgets are tight and time is tighter. That’s why we offer flexible packages that won’t break the bank, with the kind of return on attention that can actually move the needle.
Check out what we have to offer; we recommend regular content creation to keep your message consistent and fresh: https://www.aroundchilliwack.ca/store
Real Talk:
You don’t need to go viral. You just need to show up, consistently and creatively, where your customers already are. And you need to do it in a way that reflects you. That’s our sweet spot.
Check out our reels on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aroundchilliwack
So if you’ve been thinking, “We should probably do more on social media…” or “How do I even make a reel that doesn’t suck?”—you don’t have to do it alone.
Let’s team up, tell your story, and get your business in front of the people who matter most: your neighbours. We’re all about helping you Get Noticed!
Shoot us a message. Let’s make something reel good together.
Better yet, order your first reel creation here:
https://www.aroundchilliwack.ca/store/reel-creation
Not only will you get a great reel created; you’ll also get featured on our channels!
The Local Advantage: Why Chilliwack Businesses Have a Marketing Edge
If you’re a small business in Chilliwack, you’re not just competing with the big guys — you’ve actually got a massive advantage they can’t buy: local love.
Why local businesses win
In Chilliwack (and the Fraser Valley in general), we care about:
Who owns the shop
Who we’re supporting
How something’s made
Whether it’s local
People want to support small — but they can’t support you if they don’t know you exist.
That’s where local marketing comes in.
Your edge = connection
Big box stores can’t:
Show their face on Instagram with their morning coffee
Remember a regular’s name
Share a behind-the-scenes of how your products are made
Snap a pic of your kid helping you pack up orders
But you can. That’s your superpower.
3 Things You Can Start Doing Right Now:
Use your face and voice on social media
People don’t follow logos. They follow people.Tag your location and local hashtags
Let people know you’re in Chilliwack. Use tags like #chilliwackbusiness #shoplocalchilliwack, and of course, #AroundChilliwackTalk like a human, not a brand
Keep it real. Your followers aren’t corporate — they’re your neighbours.
You’ve got the local love. Let’s help people find you and cheer you on.
In the next post, we’ll cover how to make sure your business has a brand that people can recognize and connect with — no graphic design degree required.
📣 NEW BLOG SERIES: Marketing Your Chilliwack Biz
You started your business to do what you love — maybe baking, building, painting, planning, serving, or selling something awesome. But now you’re finding out that running a business also means... marketing. Social media. Emails. Photos. Hashtags. Algorithms. Buzzwords.
Feeling overwhelmed yet? You’re not alone.
This new blog series is here to break it down for you — in plain English, with local flair. No jargon. No pressure to “go viral.” Just helpful tips that make sense for real Chilliwack businesses.
Whether you're a home-based maker, a downtown shop owner, a tradesperson, or running a side hustle, these posts are here to help you:
get seen,
connect with your people,
and grow in a way that feels like you.
Start Here: What is Marketing (Really)?
Let’s be honest: most small business owners didn’t get into this to become marketers.
You’re juggling orders, emails, invoices, inventory, kids, chores, and the actual work your business does. Then someone tells you, “You really need to be on Instagram more.” Or “Have you tried email marketing?” Or “You should totally go viral on TikTok.”
Cue the eye roll.
Here’s a breath of fresh air: marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
And it doesn’t have to feel fake, forced, or expensive.
So, what even is marketing?
In simple terms, marketing is everything you do to help people…
Know you exist
Understand what you offer
Trust you enough to buy from you
It’s not just ads or salesy pitches. It’s the everyday stuff that helps people get to know you and your business.
If you’ve ever...
Posted a behind-the-scenes photo of your setup
Answered questions in your DMs
Offered a little free advice to someone curious about what you do
Put out a sandwich board on the sidewalk
Shared your story on your website or social media
Asked a happy customer to leave a review
...guess what? You’re already marketing. 🎉
Good marketing is just good communication.
It’s about showing up and connecting — not being perfect, not having a huge following, not spending thousands on ads. Just helping people understand who you are, what you do, and why it matters.
People buy from businesses they:
Know
Like
Trust
So your job as a marketer (yes, you're one now!) is to help that happen. And the best part? You can do it in a way that fits you.
What marketing isn’t:
It’s not having a perfect aesthetic grid.
It’s not being on every platform.
It’s not faking a big personality you don’t have.
It’s not pushing things on people who don’t need them.
Let’s throw all that out the window.
So, where do you begin?
Start small. Choose one way to show up this week:
Share a photo and tell a short story behind it.
Introduce yourself on your feed or in a Reel.
Show the process of something you’re working on.
Ask your audience a question to get them talking.
You don’t need a giant strategy yet. You just need to start.
Coming up next:
In our next post, we’ll talk about something you do have — and the big businesses can’t buy: your local edge. Learn how being a small business in Chilliwack gives you an automatic marketing advantage (and how to use it to your benefit!).
You’ve got this. We’re cheering you on — and we’re right here with you.