Week 6 Blog by Taylor Carey

I started the week by completing the Marketing Your Startup or Small Business course. This introduced me to the four different types of business structures and helped me understand that businesses can operate in very different ways due to the roles of power in the business. I also learned about the different types of brand awareness and the importance of recognition from their target audience. One message that stood out to me was to invest in yourself and your health as well as your business. Building a successful business requires dedication and commitment, but looking after the people who run the business is equally important.
I completed a Website Hosting and Creation Zoom Webinar, which gave me a better understanding of what a professional website should contain. I learned about the importance of including clear branding such as logos alongside high-quality and professional photographs. Something such as using a blurry or unsuitable photograph can affect how a business is perceived. When creating a website, you must be mindful of users’ device types as well.
I then completed a Website Creation and Editing Zoom Webinar, where I was demonstrated how to apply some of this knowledge practically. I was shown the process of uploading content and making changes to a website, giving me a much better understanding of how websites are maintained and updated. Before this experience, I had very little knowledge of what happens behind the scenes when a website is changed, so it was interesting to see how the process works.
Another area that was completely new to me was SEO (search engine optimisation). I completed an SEO Zoom Webinar and gained a much greater understanding of how businesses can improve their visibility online. As I had no previous knowledge of SEO, the webinar helped introduce me to the importance of making online content easier for search engines and audiences to find. It was interesting to acknowledge that
adding keywords into your website and even in the URL increases visibility and rankings.
Alongside my learning, I also worked on a creative project to promote a silent auction connected to the upcoming launch of WINNER – How to WIN Business Awards. I created promotional graphics featuring a range of items available through the auction, including a custom-designed scarf and twilly, champagne gold and ivory white scrunchies, purple bow ties and ties, and purple trinket boxes. This project allowed me to continue developing my Canva skills while creating content designed to attract attention and encourage participation. Take a look and place your bids here: https://app.galabid.com/winner-2nd-edition
Reflecting on this week, I am continuing to appreciate how broad marketing really is. Website development, SEO, branding, business structures and promotional design are all areas I had limited knowledge of before starting this role, but each week I am building on what I have learned. I am particularly enjoying discovering areas that initially seem unfamiliar and gradually becoming more confident with them.