The North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation and Development Council is offering free ecommerce technical advising to businesses that have experienced a COVID-19-related drop in business.
A grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s supplemental CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and. Economic Security Act) funding offers a way for businesses hurt by health precautions to expand their outreach and operations through free website or social media enhancements.
“Your website, social media and ecommerce should all work together to tell a story and compel your customers to be a part of your story,” said Susan Shoemaker, business assistance specialist for the North Olympic Peninsula Resource Conservation and Development Council (NODC). Shoemaker is focused on providing free help to businesses to improve their online marketing.
“We’re thrilled to have someone as knowledgeable and experienced as Susan Shoemaker join our staff as business assistance specialist specifically to offer grant funded, valuable assistance to businesses to improve their online marketing,” said Karen Affeld, executive director of the NODC.
Through COVID-19 health restrictions, many consumers have shifted much of their shopping online, leaving some business owners challenged to make that this lasting and sustainable shift, the NODC said in a press release.
Shoemaker’s team will provide practical, confidential, private, hands-on help and coaching for business websites, ecommerce and social media marketing.
“I found the information you shared to be extremely helpful and I am excited to implement the tips and get my website up and running,” said Regina Siefried of The Perfect Season, a home decor boutique located on Water Street in Port Townsend.
”Again many thanks for all your help” she said.
Shoemaker said website development is also an opportunity for businesses to attract consumers from off the Peninsula.
“Even as local and tourists are beginning to return to stores, the digital advantage of a strong web and social media presence will remain, enabling them a connection to our beautiful area, where they can reach out to purchase something online from a local business is an essential feature,” she said in the press release.
Interested businesses will find more information on NODC’s website, https://www.noprcd.org/ecommerce- assistance. The business assistance request form can be found there to be completed and returned to susan@noprcd.org.
To make an appointment, contact Shoemaker at susan@noprcd.org.