“I’ve built a completely new website for my business, prior to the course I had no online presence so even though I do get referrals from other therapists and past clients, potential future clients had no way of seeing who I am and how I work before taking the step forwards of getting in touch.”

Being on a low income, Jacqui wasn’t able to pay someone to create a website for her. The Skills Bootcamp from Cornwall Opportunities and Digital Peninsula Network worked on giving Jacqui the skills that she needed to create a simple website for her business which she could update as and when she needed to, and she wanted to build her confidence in managing that aspect of her business, to enable her to attract clients who will benefit most from her counselling approach.

“Creating my own website has also been an important part of my personal development. Being able to build and manage it myself means it genuinely reflects me and my work. I can update it regularly, keep it dynamic, and clearly specify my services.”

Having a website gives people a clear, reliable platform where they can understand what your business offers is crucial – not just for gaining new clients, but for building your reputation as a business as well; and operating as a digital business card.

There is also a significant financial benefit too - this course doesn’t just remove a barrier behind creating your own website and saving money, but allows you to potentially help others with creating theirs too.

The course helped Jacqui to focus more clearly on her strengths and the type of clients that she wants to attract on a real-time basis - website and technical work doesn’t have to feel like a mental block for me, and this Skills Bootcamp, and how everything is explained in such a logical, step-by-step way, can make sure that you keep up.

Jacqui told us that, “Definitely don’t assume you can’t do it. The teaching was excellent, and there was a real commitment from the tutors to help everyone succeed. Many people made use of the extra support sessions and additional one-to-one guidance. The overall attitude was very much about supporting everyone.”