Big businesses spend millions of pounds every year promoting their products and services with nationwide advertising campaigns – but for small innovative companies the world of the internet has opened up free marketing opportunities unheard of a decade ago.

The number of people using the social information network Facebook is expected to hit 500 million later this month. Micro food businesses across West Cornwall are being encouraged to learn how to use this free form of advertising to increase sales and raise their profile.

The West Cornwall Farmers’ Market Project has been working with Network Training Cornwall, based in Penzance, to teach small business owners how to effectively use social networking with small informal training sessions.

“Many producers selling at farmers’ markets simply cannot afford to pay for advertising campaigns which are hard to justify in terms of sales,” explained Victoria Amran, Development Officer for West Cornwall Farmers’ Markets.

“Learning to take advantage of free websites such as Facebook and Twitter is essential for small businesses – that’s why we are offering training to all producers at farmers’ markets, as well as creating an online community for people interested in local food. We already have hundreds of people following us on Facebook.”

Helford Creek Juices, Kernewek Herb Kitchen, Godolphin Hill Nursery and Niki Green Silver Jewellery took part in the first training session earlier this week.

“I have been on lots of IT Courses in the past – but being in such a small group meant I could ask lots of questions and feel confident to go home and really use the internet as a way to promote our business,” explained Sarah Trewhella from Helford Creek Apple Juice and Cyder.

Vicki Marshall from Godolphin Hill Nursery sells herbs and edible plants at Penzance and Sennen Farmers’ Market every week.

“Facebook used to confuse me completely, but now I understand the business opportunities it offers if it’s used properly,” she said.

You can follow West Cornwall Farmers’ Market on Facebook or find out more by contacting Victoria Amran on 07787 561770.