BANDUNG, lppm.itb.ac.id-The Bandung Institute of Technology School of Management and Business (SBM) Community Service Team in collaboration with the Department of Marine Affairs, Fisheries and Food Security of Pangandaran Regency held a training at the Cikidang Fishery Port, Pangandaran Regency.

The training, entitled online product marketing through social media for MSME actors in Adapting to New Habits and efforts to sustain business in Pangandaran village, West Java, was attended by 30 people. Participants are representatives of several Fish Processing and Marketing Groups (Poklasar) in Pangandaran.

The head of the SBM ITB Community Service Team, Sri Hartati, said marketing training through online media was for the sustainability of MSME product businesses during the adaptation period for new habits. "The target is a marketing group which is under the guidance of the Department of Marine Affairs, Fisheries and Food Security of Pangandaran Regency. They have processed fish-based products," he said Monday (4/10/2021).

The training provided material both theory and practice. For example, entrepreneurial motivation, product packaging techniques, simple photo techniques, use of social media and e-commerce for marketing.

Actually, the participants were very familiar with the use of social media. Almost all participants already have a communication device that is connected to the internet. However, they need to be given training so that these communication tools can be used for product marketing. So that sales turnover increases. Especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Selling through online has not only become a lifestyle, it is also an effective strategy for participants who are members of the Fish Processing and Marketing Group.

The MSME actors were given an understanding of packaging, then photo techniques, packaging and also how to upload them on online media. "So basically, how should they be able to use their cellphones to market the products that have been made," he explained.

He believed that most of the participants who attended had several social media accounts. This needs to be used as well as possible to market their products. "For now, it is more directed to use WhatsApp and Facebook accounts," he said.

In the future, it will be more directed to market products through the marketplace. "To take advantage of the marketplace, we need a broader understanding and God willing, in the future they (SME actors) can use it. Now at least they know first," he explained.

He hopes that after the training, MSME actors can practice it directly. "I hope it can be sustainable. In the future we also want to provide further understanding. More than this time. You can go directly to the marketplace or Google Ads," he said.

Not only in Pangandaran. It turns out that the SBM ITB Community Service Team under Chairman Sri Hartati has also penetrated community service activities in Tanjungsari District, Sumedang Regency. In fact, to reach Jambi, to be precise in Muaro Jambi Regency.