The advancement of information technology has changed the business paradigm in various sectors, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The government continues to encourage MSMEs to enter the digital ecosystem or “go digital” and hopes for a significant increase in the number of MSMEs adopting this technology.
According to the ministry’s data, around 27 million MSMEs entered the digital ecosystem in December 2023. To strengthen the digital MSME sector, the government targets 30 million MSMEs involved in digital transformation by 2024.
Unfortunately, several issues must be addressed so that MSMEs can utilize technology to improve their business efficiency optimally. One such problem is that MSMEs face difficulty choosing the right e-commerce platform for online promotion and marketing.
The UGM Director of Community Service, Dr. Rustamaji, stated that MSMEs often struggle to determine the e-commerce platform that suits their product types, target market, and effective marketing strategies. A lack of understanding of the criteria for selecting an e-commerce platform can hinder MSMEs from maximizing the potential of online marketing.
Dr. Rustamaji lamented the wasted efforts of SME actors who sacrifice wealth, time, energy, and thoughts only for their products not to be marketed. Therefore, many parties strive to penetrate the market and appreciate the various mentoring processes.
“Choosing the right e-commerce platform is crucial for MSMEs as it can help them reach a broader target market, increase product visibility, and significantly boost sales. By selecting a suitable platform, MSMEs can optimize their online marketing strategies, reach the right target audience, and enhance customer satisfaction,” he said on Tuesday (Jun. 4) during the opening of UMKM Class Series #4.
He conveyed that the Directorate of Community Service deems introducing e-commerce to MSME actors necessary. He emphasized that the country would progress with entrepreneurs.
“From these entrepreneurs comes added value, and the economy is calculated from that. The US and several developed countries are advanced because of their extensive trade activities. They are enjoying wealth while we are still chasing it,” he said.
UMKM Class Series #4, in the form of Training on Promotion and Marketing for MSMEs through E-Commerce Platforms, is organized by the UGM Directorate of Community Service.
The training informs participants on the importance of utilizing technology to enhance the competitiveness of MSME products. Participants’ abilities are improved by being guided in selecting and using e-commerce platforms to support market expansion.
The training also included materials on participants’ skills, abilities, and proficiency in creating product photos for MSMEs and uploading them to e-commerce platforms. It also covered building product marketing networks through e-commerce platforms.
The training featured two speakers and one moderator, Dzikri Rahadian Fudholi. Yudi Wahyudi, a practitioner from PT Cemerlang Kreatif Sentosa, explained the issue of Choosing E-Commerce Platforms for Online Promotion and Marketing for MSMEs, and Danang Firnanda Putra, a practitioner from PT Cemerlang Kreatif Sentosa, discussed creating and uploading Product Photos on E-Commerce Platforms.
Yudi Wahyudi acknowledged that choosing the right e-commerce platform is crucial in MSMEs’ digitalization process. By understanding relevant selection criteria and applying effective marketing strategies, MSMEs can maximize the potential of online marketing.
“Education, consulting with experts, research, and utilizing technology are some solutions that can help MSMEs overcome these challenges and improve their business efficiency. Thus, MSMEs can transform to become more competitive and highly resilient in the digital era,” he said.
Danang Firnanda Putra revealed that creating and uploading product photos on e-commerce platforms is challenging for some MSMEs. High-quality and attractive product photos influence consumer interest and purchase decisions.
He acknowledged that not all MSMEs have the skills or knowledge to create professional product photos and efficiently upload them to the e-commerce platforms they use.
“By understanding effective product photo creation and uploading techniques, MSMEs can increase their product appeal, expand their market share, and boost sales conversions,” he explained.
Author: Agung Nugroho