Arya
Software Engineer / AI & ML
In an era where digital presence determines business success, small businesses in rural areas often face challenges in reaching broader markets. To address this issue, we initiated a project to develop a website that enhances the visibility and potential of small businesses in Desa Kare, Madiun. This project, part of the KKN-BBK program at Universitas Airlangga, aimed to provide local entrepreneurs with an accessible digital platform to showcase their products. 💻
The Problem: Limited Market Reach
Despite their high-quality products, many small businesses in Desa Kare struggled to gain recognition due to minimal online presence. Traditional marketing methods limited their reach, making it difficult to attract customers beyond the local community. Recognizing this challenge, we sought to leverage digital tools to help businesses expand their customer base.
Our Approach: Website Development
Our project focused on creating a dedicated website for Desa Kare’s small businesses. The website serves as an online marketplace where entrepreneurs can:
- Display product catalogs with detailed descriptions and pricing
- Provide business profiles to enhance credibility
- Integrate contact details for easy customer communication
- Connect with social media platforms for broader engagement
Implementation Process
- Initial Research and Stakeholder Engagement
We conducted surveys and interviews with local business owners to understand their needs and challenges. Discussions with community leaders and IT specialists helped shape the project’s direction.
- Website Design and Development
Based on user feedback, we designed a user-friendly website with intuitive navigation. Our team developed both front-end and back-end components to ensure seamless functionality.
- Data Collection and Integration
We gathered business details, product images, and contact information to populate the website, ensuring comprehensive representation of Desa Kare’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Training and Launch
To ensure sustainability, we trained business owners and local IT personnel on website management. The website was officially launched with community-wide participation.
Impact and Future Prospects
The website has already shown promising results, providing small businesses with a wider reach and increased sales opportunities. Moving forward, we plan to:
- Enhance SEO strategies to improve search engine visibility
- Introduce e-commerce features for direct transactions
- Continuously update the platform with new businesses and products