For small business owners on Main Street, it is crucial to have a robust online presence and effective business practices for growth and success. Our upcoming four-part workshop series, hosted by our Main Street America Small Biz Digital Trainers, is designed to equip Main Street businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive both online and in the community.

From August through November, small business owners and the Main Street leaders that support them are invited to join these free workshops every third Thursday of the month. Led by our Small Biz Digital Trainers, participants will learn how to master their digital presence to grow their businesses and build community. Find more information about each of these workshops below.

Building Your Digital Footprint

Date: August 22, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM EST 

Showing up when customers are searching online is more important than ever. Learn how customers can find accurate, updated information about your local business on Google Search and Google Maps. This workshop explains how Google Search works and how you can improve a website’s visibility with Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The session also introduces products like Google Trends and Google Search Console. Participants will discover how to create a search-friendly website that drives user action and supports their goals. Whether launching a new website or sprucing up an old one, this workshop will be beneficial. 

Topics covered in this session: 

• Create or claim your Google Business Profile 

• Manage your business information across Google Search and Maps 

• Use your Business Profile to connect with potential customers 

• Improve your website’s visibility in Google’s organic search results 

• Learn to use Google Trends & Google Search Console 

• Evaluate your website

This session is led by Courtney Stringer, MSA Small Biz Digital Trainer. Learn about Courtney here.

Register now.

Managing Your Online Presence & Developing a Marketing Plan

Date: September 19, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM EST 

A strong online presence is essential for any small business in today’s digital age. This workshop will guide you through the process of keeping your Business Profile, social media accounts, and website up-to-date and optimized. You’ll learn how to leverage valuable tools like Google Analytics to track your progress and ensure your marketing efforts are reaching the right target audience. Finally, we’ll dive into creating a strategic marketing plan that leverages best practices for long-term success. 

Topics covered in this session: 

• Maintaining accurate and updated information across all your online profiles including Google Business Profile, social media accounts, and website content 

• Understanding the importance of regular website updates and backlinks for SEO strength 

• Understanding your target audience 

• Defining your brand message and maintaining consistency for your audience 

• Exploring various marketing channels for small businesses 

• Learn about paid advertising on social media and Google Ads 

• Utilizing free analytics tools to measure your marketing efforts 

• Making data-driven decisions based on insights gained from analytics 

This session is led by Joshua Miller, MSA Small Biz Digital Trainer. Learn about Joshua here.

Register now.

Cultivating the Entrepreneurial Mindset

Date: October 17, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM EST 

In today’s dynamic business environment, a strong entrepreneurial mindset is key to the success of any small business owner. Join us for an insightful presentation designed for small business owners who are looking to enhance their entrepreneurial mindset. Whether you are a solopreneur or lead a small team, this one-hour workshop will provide you with valuable strategies to foster innovation, resilience, and growth in your business. 

By cultivating a growth-oriented mindset, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges and seize opportunities. Simultaneously, you’ll learn how to enhance your business efficiency through effective goal setting, stress management, and the use of various organizational, communication, and time management tools. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your current practices, this workshop will provide you with actionable insights and resources to drive your business forward. 

Topics covered in this session: 

• The Power of a Growth Mindset: Understand how adopting a growth mindset can significantly impact your business success. 

• Effective Goal Setting and Tracking: Explore strategies for setting and tracking goals, managing stress, and achieving work-life balance. 

• Building Resilience and Adaptability: Discover practical methods to enhance your resilience, adaptability, proactiveness, and innovation. 

• Communication and Time Management: Gain insights into different communication, documentation, and time management tools to optimize your business operations. 

This session is led by Teresa Heger, MSA Small Biz Digital Trainer. Learn about Teresa here.

Register now.

How to Master Soft Skills for Small Business Success

Date: November 21, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM EST 

Small business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their productivity and professional presence are invited to join this one-hour workshop. We will cover essential soft skills, including setting up a professional email, utilizing a calendar for efficient scheduling, using cloud storage for file management and collaboration, leveraging AI for assistance, and maintaining a business number. 

Topics covered in this session: 

• Learn how to set up and manage a professional email using Google Workspace, manage your schedule effectively with Google Calendar and Google Tasks, and utilize Google Drive and Google Suite for cloud storage and collaboration. 

• Discover how to leverage AI tools like Google Gemini for business assistance and set up a dedicated business number with Google Voice. Mastering these tools and skills is critical for staying organized, communicating effectively, and enhancing productivity. 

• Learn how to streamline your operations, improve communication, and position your business for greater success in a competitive market. 

This session is led by Tierra Norwood, MSA Small Biz Digital Trainer. Learn about Tierra here.

Register now.

Find more information about the Small Biz Digital Coaches program.

Questions? Email info@​mainstreet.​org