ENHANCING THE SENGKOL VILLAGE COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING TRAINING IN PRODUCT PHOTO EDITING AND DIGITAL MARKETING

Abstract

This community service initiative took place in Sengkol Village, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, primarily aimed at enhancing the competencies of tourism personnel and fostering the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) via artificial intelligence (AI)-based digital marketing training. The program was established to address the increasing significance of digital technology in enhancing local products and tourism sites, especially in rural regions abundant in cultural and natural resources yet sometimes constrained by inadequate marketing techniques. The program implemented a participatory approach, guaranteeing that local stakeholders were engaged in all phases of the activity. The implementation process comprised several essential phases: initial socialization to present the objectives and advantages of the training, practical instruction in product photo editing utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT and AI-driven image generators, and applied sessions on digital advertising with a focus on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for social media platforms. The program's data collection involved observation, structured interviews, and documentation to assess participant involvement and learning outcomes. The activity's results indicated that participants enhanced their proficiency in producing and enhancing product images while also gaining a greater comprehension of digital marketing concepts. The training substantially enhanced their motivation to create and develop local firms using a technology-focused approach. This program enhanced community empowerment by promoting sustainable tourism development and bolstering the local economy in Sengkol Village.