The PKM team from Universitas Kristen Duta Wacana (UKDW) Yogyakarta recently organized a training program aimed at empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by utilizing WhatsApp as a digital marketing tool. MSMEs are a vital force in economic development, but many struggle to keep up with rapid technological advancements. The global economic downturn following the COVID-19 pandemic further compounded these challenges, making it essential for small business owners to adopt new and innovative marketing strategies to stay competitive.
To address these issues, a team comprising UKDW lecturers Budi Sutedjo Dharma Oetomo, S.Kom., MM., Dr. Singgih Santoso, MM., and Information Systems student Safitrie Liena Pusung collaborated with Koperasi Konsumen Griya Jatirasa and Rumah Adiluhung in Depok, Sleman. Together, they launched a training program titled “Entrepreneurship: Developing a WhatsApp-Based Product Promotion Program.” Many MSME entrepreneurs involved in the training came from modest backgrounds with little formal education in digital marketing. While they may not have been highly familiar with technology, most owned smartphones, actively used WhatsApp, and had extensive business networks. This presented an opportunity to equip them with cost-effective digital marketing strategies tailored to their needs.
The training focused on enhancing participants’ ability to use WhatsApp as a tool for product promotion, customer engagement, and community building. It also introduced them to artificial intelligence applications such as Suno.com, which can be used to create promotional music, and ChatGPT 4.0, which helps generate design ideas. The sessions were highly interactive, encouraging participants to engage in discussions, ask questions, and seek personalized advice on improving their businesses. This two-way learning process provided valuable insights for both MSME entrepreneurs and the trainers, who gained a deeper understanding of grassroots marketing approaches.
The success of the training sparked interest in further sessions, with participants requesting additional workshops on using the Semar Jatirasa Mobile Android application—an e-commerce platform designed to help MSMEs market and sell their products more efficiently. By equipping small business owners with practical digital marketing skills, UKDW continues to play a crucial role in bridging the technological gap and fostering economic resilience in Indonesia. [jonathan/trans.drr]