Diponegoro University (UNDIP) Thematic Community Service Program students have presented a geotagging innovation to support marketing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indrokilo Hamlet. Through geotagging technology, MSMEs can digitally mark their business locations, making it easier for consumers to find the products they offer. The results of interviews and field observations show that many MSMEs in Indrokilo Hamlet face challenges in terms of marketing and accessibility, especially in reaching wider customers. With this innovation, MSMEs can increase their visibility on digital platforms and attract customers by utilizing accurate location information. This program is implemented through training sessions and socializations for MSMEs using geotagging in their marketing strategies. KKN students work with village officials to identify potential local products that can be marketed more effectively. With the guidance of accompanying lecturers Mr. Yuli Christiyono, ST, MT., Mrs. Yayuk Astuti, S. Si, Ph. D., and Mr. Pangi, S.T., M.T, students have succeeded in compiling a practical and easy-to-understand geotagging usage guide for business actors. This innovation aims to increase sales of local products and strengthen the network between MSME actors in Indrokilo Hamlet.
The program was created after conducting interviews and discussions with the Hamlet head and the owner of coffee and clove MSMEs, namely Mr. Gito and Mrs. Sriyatun, so that several obstacles and problems related to MSME marketing in Indrokilo Hamlet were obtained, namely:
- Lack of understanding of using Google Maps to determine the exact location
- Some consumers still have difficulty finding the address of the owner or seller of the MSME.
- Lack of understanding of branding or promotion on social media
- A website or platform is needed to display the business category menu, complete address, telephone number, opening hours, and consumer assessment of MSME products, but mobile devices constrain these.
By identifying these problems, the monodisciplinary program is expected to provide the right solution to improve the marketing and accessibility of MSME products in Indrokilo Hamlet. The product produced from this monodisciplinary program is a guidebook for creating location points on Google Maps, which is submitted during the socialization and demonstration. Therefore, applying geotagging is the right solution to increase accessibility and make it easier for consumers to find MSME locations.
The geotagging innovation program implemented by UNDIP KKN-T students in Indrokilo Hamlet is expected to impact the development of local MSMEs positively. With the guidebook produced, MSME actors will have a valuable tool to promote their businesses more effectively and efficiently. Through this technology, MSMEs in Indrokilo Hamlet can develop, increase income, and contribute to the local economy.
Author: Agil