WESTFIELD-As the Westfield Athenaeum gears up for opening the building for “in person” visits on March 22, a host of virtual programs will continue to be offered, including one on March 25 for businesses or persons with a “side hustle.”
The free virtual program is titled “Attracting Clients to Your Website” and will be offered from 1-2:30 p.m.
Heather Turner, a SCORE small business mentor, will be moderating the event and registration is required to receive online access. To register, visit http://conta.cc/3kqPu3Q.
“I will be discussing some of the essential parts of having a good website and what goes into the elements of one,” said Turner, who is a certified SCORE mentor, workshop presenter and SME (Subject Matter Expert) for two SCORE chapters, Western Massachusetts and Merrimack Valley in New Hampshire.
SCORE small business mentor Heather Turner will present a virtual program titled “Attracting Clients to Your Website” on March 25, sponsored by the Westfield Athenaeum. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Turner noted she had a SCORE mentor when she started her business in New Hampshire more than 18 years ago and said without that person’s assistance, she doesn’t think her business would have survived.
“A few years ago a suggestion was made to me that I get involved with SCORE as a mentor and have greatly enjoyed helping small businesses, whether at the startup stage and/or ones that have been in business for many years,” she said.
Turner added that volunteering her time to help as a SCORE mentor has also helped her “keep sane” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I think, it at least helps me feel that I can give back in more ways that just donating food to a local food pantry which while I know it helps families, doesn’t necessarily help small businesses survive which can help the business owners and their families survive,” she said.
Her 90-minute lecture – that will conclude with a question-and-answer session – will include the importance of website content and good copy – on page and off page SEO (Search Engine Optimization), as well as what makes a good visual and why to use them.
“We will also talk about the importance of CTA’s (Calls to Action), as well as tying into using social media to send traffic to your website and help convert to a sale,” said Turner.
Turner said that some small businesses do not have enough time to spend on their website and that information can be outdated.
“You might have dead links and not keeping up with technological needs can make the site unattractive or a deterrent for sales conversions and it may be driving potential buyers of a product or service away,” she said.
Turner noted that SCORE offers web development and digital marketing workshops frequently and people can register by visiting https://westernmassachusetts.score.org.
“I would encourage anyone who owns a business, whether retired or not, if you would like to help others, please reach out to a local chapter and volunteer,” she said.
Becky Blackburn, public services librarian at the Westfield Athenaeum, said all programs are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
“We are working hard to present a broad range of topics for all kinds of interests,” said Blackburn. “Especially now we want to provide informational and entertaining programming. Whether that is building or learning a skill, learning a hobby or teaching history, the Westfield Athenaeum wants to be a place people can come for free and enjoy quality events for a range of interests.”
Athenaeum programs that are also offered on a regular basis include “The Writing Group,” “Poetry Discussion Group,” “Live Lunchtime Librarian Every Monday,” “Bookworms Tuesdays,” “Trivia Thursdays,” “All Ages BINGO,” “Teen Craft Tuesday,” “Cookbook Book Club,” and “The Book Club.”
Starting March 15, patrons of the library will be able to call the Athenaeum and schedule an appointment to visit on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week. Appointments will allow one hour for patrons to browse the stacks, visit the Boys and Girls Library, and use the computers. Also, librarians will be available to assist patrons in using the online catalog, finding books and audio/visual items, and fulfilling information needs.
Patrons will be required to wear a mask to access the building.
The Athenaeum is also expanding its “Library to Go” program from five days a week to six days a week, adding Saturday to the days now available.
“Programs designed to deliver a variety of library services for quick pickup are becoming the wave of the future for library services,” said Guy McLain, executive director. “In an effort to deliver the best possible service to Westfield citizens, we are expanding this program so that patrons will be able to obtain needed items six days a week.”
For complete details on all of the Athenaeum offerings – including special programs like “History Chats with Bob Brown” – visit westath.org or call (413) 568-7833.
“We will continue to offer these and many other programs since they provide an excellent way for anyone to participate from the comfort of their own home,” added McLain.
