The Haines Visitor Center and Chamber of Commerce are partnering to teach local businesses about the importance of social media, search engines and online consumer reviews.
The first of four free workshops, “Being/Getting Online and Getting Linked,” took place Tuesday at the library.
“Getting Found on Search Engines” is Aug. 27, “TripAdvisor, Map Networks and Niche Networks” is Sept. 5 and “Social Networks, Blogging, Newsletters and Networking” is Sept. 10. All start at 6 p.m. at the library.
James Alborough of Bear Star Web Design will lead the classes.
Tourism director Tanya Carlson said lack of or inadequate Internet presence seems to be a general issue for many businesses in Haines. Even if businesses maintain stellar websites, though, they still need to be aware of other online sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor, which allow consumers to rate and comment about their experiences.
“What the consumer says is more important than what the business is saying. If someone is writing bad comments about your business, you need to be out there and respond to it,” Carlson said.
Alison Jacobson, co-owner of Alaska Fjordlines, said she plans to attend some of the sessions. “We’ve seen so many changes over the years with our business, with our customers and advertising. It used to be that we would have to mail (potential customers) a pamphlet or visitor guide. We rarely send anything out by mail anymore,” Jacobson said.
Jacobson also said she wanted to learn more about online reviews and how to encourage customers to positively review online. “They are like an army of people out there helping you sell your product,” she said.
Carlson said the visitor center is partnering with the chamber to pay Alborough’s fee so the workshops can be offered free. “We’re not charging in hopes more people will come out and take advantage.”