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Online groups: How Indonesian digital sellers help each other during pandemic
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Click!: Online marketplace and food delivery services have become a boon to those in need of additional income during the pandemic. (Unsplash/Courtesy of Edi Kurniawan) (Unsplash/Edi Kurniawan)
T
em>Technology has made it easier for people to earn an income – people can now sell their products or services to strangers online. However, some might need more help with their digital skills.
Even before the pandemic hit the country, some people tried their luck at selling through online platforms. However, with an influx of people using these platforms during the pandemic, it is difficult for new sellers to find the best strategy to grow their business.
For this reason, Indonesian online sellers have formed online communities to help each other. Through these communities, usually in the form of Facebook groups, new sellers can learn and enhance their businesses through various channels, including marketplaces like Shopee, Tokopedia and Lazada, or specialized ones like GrabFood and GoFood that focus on the food and beverage industry, or even Fiverr.
According to Abdul Rohman from Ciamis, West Java, who manages a Facebook group called Jago Jualan di Shopee (Achieving Good Sales on Shopee), the problem goes deeper than just the lack of knowledge on digital marketing. Sometimes, online merchants do not even know how to operate a smartphone.
"One of the most remarkable things [about being an administrator and mentor for this kind of community] is when you have to face people who have the passion but, in terms of skills, they are still below average,” said the 43-year-old digital marketing specialist, noting that it is challenging to train these sellers in just a few Facebook comments. "There are ups and downs, and there are a lot of funny moments."
For those who need intense mentoring, Rohman provides a means to benefit both parties. "I provide paid online classes monthly. There are tips and tricks, mentoring and even ad management services through twice a week Zoom meetings," he explained.
