Bloomington, Indiana – For many Chamber members, managing an online directory profile is a routine task, often done by copying and pasting content from websites, emails, or Word documents. What may seem like a quick shortcut can actually create hidden problems behind the scenes. Unseen formatting code, empty paragraphs, and inconsistent structure can cause profiles to display poorly and create accessibility challenges for visitors using screen readers.
The good news is that small adjustments can dramatically improve how a profile appears and functions. Web design experts recommend focusing on three key areas to make Chamber listings more professional, easier to navigate, and more discoverable by potential customers.
Check the source code
Most profile editors include a “Source” or “HTML” button in the toolbar, allowing users to peek behind the curtain and see the code powering their profile. Many members are surprised to discover cluttered tags, hidden styles, or unnecessary spaces that were carried over from previous copy-and-paste operations. Cleaning up this hidden code ensures that profiles render correctly across devices and appear polished to visitors. A few minutes spent examining the source can make a noticeable difference in how professional a listing looks.
Use real structure, not visual formatting
It’s tempting to bold a line of text or change its size to simulate a heading, but this approach only affects appearance, not the underlying structure. Experts suggest using built-in heading and list tools provided by the editor. Proper structure not only helps search engines interpret the content but also ensures the listing works correctly for people using assistive technologies. Following these best practices aligns with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which are increasingly expected across organizations. Using real headings, subheadings, and lists gives content clarity and improves accessibility for everyone browsing the Chamber directory.
Let AI help with organization
Modern AI tools like Claude or ChatGPT can simplify the process of creating well-structured profiles. By providing a rough description of services, products, and relevant keywords, Chamber members can ask AI to generate properly formatted HTML, ready to paste directly into their profiles. “No coding knowledge required,” said web experts, noting that this approach can save time while producing consistent, professional-looking content. AI can also help ensure that listings are easy to read, logically organized, and ready for search engines to index.
Why it matters
Taking these simple steps does more than make a profile look neat. Profiles that are structured properly, free of clutter, and accessible to all users are more likely to attract potential customers. They also demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and professionalism, showing that the business cares about the entire community, including visitors who rely on assistive technology.
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David Martin Design, a Chamber member since 2021, specializes in WordPress web design, managed hosting, and ethical SEO for nonprofits and small businesses in Bloomington, Monroe County, and south central Indiana. By following these tips, Chamber members can present their businesses in a polished, professional way while improving usability for everyone visiting the directory.
View David Martin Design’s Chamber profile here or visit the company website at davidmartindesign.com.
