How to Turn a Ribbon Cutting Into a Marketing and Referral Engine

Ribbon cuttings are more than ceremonial - they are content gold.

Whether you are welcoming a new business or celebrating a milestone, ribbon cuttings give you a perfect opportunity to tell a story, build visibility, and spark future referrals. With a little planning, you can turn that one-time event into weeks of impactful content.

You do not need to be a writer - just follow a few simple prompts. That is what we call Business Blogging. It just works.

Why It Matters

It is not just about cutting the ribbon - it is about building momentum.

You will capture the energy of the day.
People are excited - use that moment to spotlight the business and the community.

You will create content that keeps working.
A photo today can become tomorrow’s blog, email, or social post.

You will showcase the value of your organization.
Ribbon cuttings are proof that you show up and support your members.

Bottom line?
Turning a ribbon cutting into a marketing engine helps the business, promotes your chamber or Main Street program, and builds lasting goodwill.

Why It Works

A well-run event is just the beginning - what happens next is what matters.

A content-led approach works well because:

It captures authentic reactions.
Quotes, photos, and feedback make for natural, easy-to-share content.

It encourages members to reflect and engage.
Post-event follow-ups help attendees take action and make referrals.

It gives you material across multiple platforms.
One event = content for your website, social media, and newsletter.

It reinforces your role in the community.
Ribbon cuttings are visible proof that you connect people and businesses.

In short: It works because you turn a simple moment into a lasting story - one that builds trust, participation, and visibility.

Small Steps, Big Wins

Marketing does not have to be complicated.

Use our prompts to collect quotes and feedback from attendees
You will capture useful reflections and potential testimonials.

Create a short blog or video recap
Tag attendees, share photos, and highlight the business.

Use the story to show your value
Include quotes in newsletters or on your join page to inspire others.

➡️ One event. One recap. Maximum ripple effect.

A Prompt-Based Approach to Ribbon Cutting Content

Use these prompts to create a short story, testimonial, or follow-up post:

1. What were you hoping to achieve from today’s ribbon cutting?

2. What was the highlight of today’s event for you?

3. What is one thing you learned or took away from today?

4. What is one action you will take after today’s event?

5. Who did you meet, and what follow-up are you planning?

Pro tip: Include quotes from the business owner, attendees, and local partners.

Get Going - Free Worksheet Download

✅ Fill-in-the-blank prompts to guide your blog or follow-up post
✅ A space to collect quotes, reflections, and success takeaways
✅ A spot to map your next steps for sharing and promoting the event