Manchester Central Library will be holding a series of events aimed at small businesses and individuals who are practising e-commerce.
In association with Manchester Digital Development Agency, the Commercial Library, based in Central Library will be running a free programme covering aspects such as how to accept payments on your website or how to advertise online.
Other topics will include why good web design is important and making sure you are operating within the law.
Councillor Mike Kane, executive member for arts and leisure, said: "With the boom in e-commerce these events are really invaluable for small business and individuals and they are completely free. It is another great example of the variety of resources and events we have in our libraries."
Registration is required. Please ask Central Library staff for details or contact Lyn Hadfield on 0161 234 1995 or email l.hadfield@manchester.gov.uk
Events
Kerching!
Wednesday 17th October, 6pm until 7.30pm
Registration and refreshments from 5.30pm
How to accept payments on your website
This event will tell you about the options for accepting payments and for running your online shop
You will learn:
- Which website is right for your business
- About ready-made online shops
- What payment services are available, e.g. PayPal, Worldpay
- What is involved in getting a custom-built payments system
- Tips on making the payments process easy for customers
Advertising online
Wednesday 24th October, 6pm until 7.30pm
Registration and refreshments from 5.30pm
In 2006 more than £2bn was spent on internet advertising in the UK alone, with the UK's 36 million internet users now second only to TV as the biggest advertising audience.
You will learn:
- Facts and figures about online advertising
- How to target niche markets
- Which search engine advertising-service is right for you, e.g. Google AdWords, Yahoo! Search Marketing
- Online advertising pitfalls
Keep 'em coming back Wednesday 31st October, 6pm until 7.30pm
Registration and refreshments from 5.30pm
Why design matters. Like it or not, most customers make their minds up whether to buy from your website within the first five seconds.
You will learn:
- What makes a well-designed website
- How to keep your customer satisfied
- Ways of building customer loyalty online
- How to make your brand work on the web
Stay Legal
Wednesday 7th November, 6pm until 7.30pm
Registration and refreshments from 5.30pm
What you should know when selling goods and services online
This event will provide a general overview of online trading law as it applies to small businesses.
You will learn:
- Data protection
- Website security
- Shipping and return policies
- Tax
- International trading.
Over to you Wednesday 14th November, 6pm until 7.30pm
Registration and refreshments from 5.30pm
The last event of the e-commerce series gives you the opportunity to hear about real success stories from Manchester businesses, which are already trading online.
Media contact:
Margaret Blackburn, tel: 0161 234 4014