Getting to know your TikTok from SEO: free digital training for regional businesses

From crafting engaging short-form videos to designing standout digital ads or launching an online store, having the right digital skills can transform a small business. In today’s digital-driven world, knowing how to harness these tools can mean the difference between growing your audience and getting lost in the noise. 

May is Queensland Small Business Month, and State Library’s Regional Digital Development Officers (RDDOs) are on the move, delivering free workshops for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to level up their digital expertise and take advantage of new opportunities.

Regional businesses play a vital role in their communities, often serving as the backbone of the local economy. However, reaching wider audiences, navigating online marketing techniques and having a digital business strategy are essential for continued growth and success.

What’s happening

In Far North Queensland, State Library is partnering with Mareeba Shire Council and Cassowary Coast Regional Council to deliver a range of workshops designed to demystify digital marketing, e-commerce, content creation, setting up an online store, and other topics relevant to local businesses.

Ricky Clark, State Library RDDO for the Far North region, lived in the small community of Kuranda, one of the workshop locations, for twenty years. As a digital specialist, he has helped many regional businesses establish a strong online presence and understands both the challenges and solutions that digital technology offers to small communities, thanks to his firsthand experience.

“For small businesses in regional communities, digital know-how can make all the difference. It can help a tour company tap into new visitor markets, enable a producer to sell goods beyond their town, or empower a service provider to manage bookings and marketing more efficiently,” he explains.

"The sessions will provide practical knowledge and tips for using digital tools to streamline operations, expand customer reach, increase sales, and future-proof businesses to compete locally, nationally and even globally.” 

“The goal is to make digital skills accessible, practical, and beneficial for every entrepreneur and business owner regardless of their current experience level, so everyone is welcome to come along to make a start or build on their existing knowledge.”

Workshop schedule

Learn new digital skills, connect with industry experts, and bring your business ideas to life. 

• Tuesday 6 May, 10am to 1pm: Podcasting for Beginners - Innisfail
• Wednesday 7 May, 10am to 12pm: AI for All Online Workshop – online
• Wednesday 7 May, 10am to 12pm: Digital Marketing for Small Business - Tully
• Tuesday 13 May, 3pm to 6pm: Content Creation for Small Business - Cardwell
• Saturday 17 May, 9am to 12pm: AI for All – Longreach
• Monday 19 May, 9am to 11am: Digital Marketing for Small Business - Kuranda
• Monday 19 May, 3pm to 6pm: e-Commerce and Selling Online – Mission Beach
• Tuesday 20 May, 9am to 11am: Digital Marketing for Small Business - Mt Molloy
• Tuesday 20 May, 2pm to 4pm: Digital Marketing for Small Business - Irvinebank
• Tuesday 20 May, 10am to 12pm: Tik Tok and Canva for Small Business - Innisfail
• Thursday 22 May, 10.30am to 12pm: Digital Marketing for Small Business - Chillagoe
• Thursday 22 May, 3.30pm to 5.30pm: Digital Marketing for Small Business – Julatten
• Thursday 22 May, 4pm to 7pm: Digital Marketing for Business – Mission Beach
• Monday 26 May, 9am to 11am: Digital Marketing for Small Business - Dimbulah

Make a booking 

All the workshops are completely free to attend but book ahead as places are limited.

Register through the State Library Digital and You app www.digitaland you.com.au/app or use the links above to reserve your spot.

Digital and You workshops are an initiative of State Library's Regional Digital Development project funded through the Queensland Government’s Our Thriving Digital Future: Queensland’s Digital Economy Strategy 2023-2026