Revitalise your business this spring with free digital workshops
WELSH businesses can upskill for free on one of Superfast Business Wales’ new digital workshops. The digital advice service has rolled out its spring programme of free events across Wales.
The workshops offer business owners the chance to learn more about the benefits of digital with like-minded people. Topics include cyber security, digital marketing, social media, search engine optimisation (SEO), websites, CRM systems, online tools, and Office 365. And new for spring is a dedicated digital workshop for legal firms.
Delegates who attend an event are also eligible to have a free one-to-one session and comprehensive website review with a digital business adviser.
■ Sell more with digital marketing March 31, 9am-1pm. Bridgend
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April 15, 9am-1pm. Pontyclun April 29, 9am-1pm. Bridgend
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April 29, 9am-1pm. Cardiff Search online: Superfast Business Wales Events
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According to a recent survey by Hitachi Capital Business Finance, 69% of business owners said they are looking to upskill in 2020, with digital top of the agenda. And businesses across Wales have been quick to take advantage of the free support available with more than 9,300 signing up to become ‘digitally fit.’
One business to benefit is The Flower Meadow run by Sara Redman. The secret to its success is using digital to do the heavy lifting. Sara has seen a 50% rise in sales for her locally-grown flowers and a 20% increase in the number of people attending her flower design and growing courses.
Realising she had few online sales to support her growth, Sara contacted Superfast Business Wales for help using digital to develop her business in an eco-friendly way.
“I wanted to tap into the local economy to keep my carbon footprint low and promote sustainability. The ‘buy local’ sentiment was something I wanted to make the most of, but I didn’t know where to start,” said Sara.
Following a free Superfast Business Wales course, Sara replaced her old website with a simpler one, with better content and calls to action. She now has complete control and uses a content management system to update the site, including any keywords customers search for. She also uses Google analytics to measure success and tweak her marketing strategy.
Sara uses iZettle to take card payments for her individually-priced bespoke flowers. She advertises in local papers and underpins this with social media advertising. Together, these changes made a big difference with the number of weddings supplied tripled, a 20% increase in course bookings, and open days attracting up to 150 people.
“My courses sell out within days and I’ve increased the number of courses I run by 10-15%. Work is now a pleasure and I’ll be looking at new ways digital can make my life easier while promoting British-grown sustainable flowers.”
■ To view dates and register for your free place search online: Superfast Business Wales events.