UNS – The Center for Excellence of Science and Technology in Higher Education (PUI-PT) for Fintech and Banking Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS Fintech Center) conducted community service by providing digital marketing and social media management training for women entrepreneurs involved in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This event was held in Spranten Kemuning Village, Ngargoyoso District, Karanganyar Regency, on Wednesday (10/7/2024).
The community service initiative was led by Putra Pamungkas, SE., M.Rech., Ph.D., and included team members Linggar Ikhsan Nugroho, SE., M.Ec.Dev., Nugroho Saputro, SE., M.Ec.Dev., and Dr. Etikah Karyani, SE., Ak., MSM., CA., CMA. Linggar Ikhsan Nugroho, a team representative, mentioned that according to a survey conducted by Statistics Indonesia (or BPS), 66.48% of Indonesia’s population accessed the internet in 2022, compared to 62.10% in 2021. However, this increase has not been matched by a corresponding rise in social media literacy for business development in Indonesia. “The knowledge and readiness of MSME actors need to be enhanced so that technological advancements, especially social media, are used wisely and beneficially, providing long-term positive effects on the financial health of their businesses. This awareness drove the community service to be held,” Linggar explained.
During the training, UNS Fintech Center featured Ayya Agmulia Asmarani Islam, S.E., M.E., a lecturer from the Digital Business Study Program at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) UNS, who presented on “Five Successful Marketing Strategies Today.” She emphasized the necessity of keeping up with digitalization, which has become an integral part of daily life, including marketing. Digitalization is expected to provide advantages in efficiently reaching MSME targets. Social media marketing can also enhance brand awareness and maximize product sales in alignment with the diverse landscape of social media. However, this type of marketing needs to be well-planned, considering the concept, timing, and budget of each MSME.
“In the end, it all comes down to planning, whether it’s planning the marketing concept, how often the marketing is done, and if there’s a financial budget allocated for it. Each MSME will have different needs and financial capabilities,” Ayya Agmulia explained.
Wiryawan, S.Hut, M.Ec.Dev., owner of Medjora Cafe and Homestay and also the Chairman of Pokdarwis in Spranten Kemuning Village, added the importance of digital tools in attracting potential consumers more effectively, using platforms like Google Reviews, Google Ads, and other media platforms.
Meanwhile, Putra Pamungkas, SE., M.Rech., Ph.D., expressed his hope that this community service activity would encourage business owners to start adopting good marketing practices and expand their business scale. “We hope that MSMEs will dare to develop their businesses by leveraging technological advancements. Going forward, we aim to provide regular mentoring to local MSMEs with more intensity,” Putra stated.
HUMAS UNS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
