Digital Ecosystem Design
Foundational Tools for Small Business
April 8th to May 13th, 2025
Digital Ecosystem Design is a 6-week, hands-on course where you’ll learn essential tools for modern businesses. You’ll plant the seed of your digital ecosystem to support your business growth. During this course, you’ll learn fundamental skills for small business owners who want to make the most of their resources while saving time and energy in the digital age.
This class is closed for the year.
Click below to join the Notification List to get an email when registration reopens.
About The Course
What You’ll Learn
- Establish your digital identity: Define your brand’s mission, craft messaging that resonates, and create a cohesive visual identity
- Build your online foundations: Understand website basics, and set up essential systems like booking, email, and client management.
- Engage your audience: Start and grow an email list, create captivating social media content, and repurpose your work across platforms to maximize your reach and impact.
- Create and optimize Content: Use tools like Canva to design eye-catching graphics, craft short-form videos that connect with your audience, and refine your work with personalized feedback and tailored solutions.
By the end of this course, you’ll have the confidence and tools to expand your reach, nurture your audience, and grow your business sustainably.
Who it’s for
This is for both online and location-based businesses. An online presence is essential for any modern business to grow.
Some examples of businesses this could benefit:
- A permaculture designer ready to offer consultations online or teach virtual workshops.
- A landscape architect wanting to attract new clients and organize your workflow.
- A sustainable craftsperson eager to showcase and sell your creations online.
- A herbalist or holistic practitioner hoping to streamline client bookings and create digital offerings.
- A community organizer or nonprofit leader seeking to amplify your impact through email campaigns and social media.
If your work is rooted in values like sustainability, creativity, and connection, this course will equip you to grow your digital presence in ways that feel natural and aligned.
Why This Course
- It’s for beginners: This is an overview of essential digital tech. You’ll be introduced to a variety of apps, software options, and systems so you can make informed decisions for your business.
- It’s for DIYers: You’ll learn the very basics to implement this yourself, and if you do plan to hire contractors, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of what they should be doing and why.
- It’s hands-on: The course is in a logical sequence for you to build your digital ecosystem as we go. Each week, will have practical tasks.
- You get personal support: With office hours, tailored solutions, and community feedback, you’re never left guessing.
- You have a values-driven businesses: We understand your business isn’t just about profit—it’s about making a difference.
- You’re a human, not a bot: We know you don’t want to sit at a computer all day! This course is meant to help you save time, not be tied to your desk.
FAQs
- What if I’m not tech-savvy?
This course is beginner-friendly and designed to make technology approachable and accessible.
- Will I have time to complete the course?
The course is structured with weekly sessions, clear homework assignments, and office hours to keep you on track without feeling overwhelmed.
- Are all these apps expensive?
We will suggest the most budget-friendly options where possible. Many of the apps we suggest are free, or have a free version.
- What if I’m not sure this is for me?
If you’re ready to grow your online presence but need guidance to do it in a values-aligned way, this course was made for you.
Class Schedule
Module 1: Digital Identity
- Clarifying Your Brand & Message: Define who you are, what you do, and who you serve. Craft a mission statement and messaging that resonate with your audience and reflect your unique story.
- Choosing Your Domain & Usernames: Learn how to select domain names and social media handles that are consistent, professional, and easy for your audience to remember.
- Your Visual Identity: Explore the basics of colors, fonts, logos, and imagery. Create a simple mood board that captures the look and feel of your brand.
Module 2: Website Basics
- Website Terminology Basics: Demystify the jargon—learn about hosting, platforms, domains, and registrars so you can make informed decisions.
- Choosing a Platform: An overview of popular website builders like WordPress, Squarespace, and Wix, and learn how to pick the one that suits your needs.
- Getting Started: Follow a step-by-step guide to register your domain, set up hosting, and create a professional email address.
Module 3: Managing Information
- Client Data Organization: Tools and methods to keep track of client information, manage intake forms, and store registrations securely.
- Online Booking & Events: Learn how to automate booking systems for appointments, consultations, or events.
Module 4: Email & Social Media
- Starting an Email List: Understand why email marketing is essential and how to set up a mailing list.
- Pros & Cons of Each Platform: Get an overview of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn, and learn how to choose the ones that best align with your goals.
- How to Repurpose Content: Save time and maximize your impact by repurposing content across email, social media, and your website.
Module 5: Creating Content
- Apps & Tools to Create Your Socials: Explore user-friendly apps like Canva and Later for designing and scheduling social media posts. Learn how to streamline your content creation process.
- Creating Short Form Video: Craft engaging short-form videos that amplify your message, and connect with your audience.
Module 6: Tailored Solutions & Feedback
- Show & Tell: Share the progress you’ve made during the course. Receive constructive feedback from both the instructor and your peers to refine your work.
- Custom Solutions: We’ll look at examples of apps & systems suited to the needs of participants’ specific businesses.
Questions?
We are here for you. Please reach out at: support@earthactivisttraining.org
MEET YOUR TEACHER
Watch While you Wait
Watch Patty Love & Carolyn Anne Hocquard discuss
Transform Your Business with a Community Guild
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
COURSE INFORMATION
- Location: Virtual
- Dates: April 8th – May 13th (6 weeks)
- Timing: Tuesdays 11:00 am -1:00 pm PST
- Helpful Tool: Time Zone Converter
- Taught by Carolyn Anne Hocquard
- Each week has 2 hours of live class with supplemental online material.
- All live sessions are recorded and closed-captioned.
- Access to resources, documentation, and recorded class content in the virtual classroom.
PAYMENT
We are dedicated to making our courses as accessible as possible by offering:
- Early Bird tuition: $270!
- Sliding-scale tuition: $300-$350
- Four-part payment plans: $75 at registration with 3 monthly payments of $75.
- Alumni tuition: $100 to retake this course.
- Diversity Scholarships available: See below.
- Group Discounts: See below.
- All amounts are in US dollars.
- See below for details
SCHOLARSHIPS & DISCOUNTS
- Group discounts and Diversity Scholarships available? Yes!
- Keep reading below.
QUESTIONS?
We are here for you. Reach us at: support@earthactivisttraining.org
FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION
Payment options
Sliding Scale Tuition
- Early Bird Tuition: $270
- Standard Tuition: $300
- Abundant Tuition: $350
- Every Abundant Tuition helps support a Diversity Scholarship.
Alumni Price
- Alumni Tuition $100
- For those who want a refresher; you need to have taken this course with us before.
*all amounts in US dolars
PAYMENT PLAN
- Payment of $75 when you register.
- Three monthly installments of $75 ($300 total.)
- Our Student Support Team will assist you in setting this up.
GROUP DISCOUNTS
- Groups of 2-5 people – Discount of $35 off each ($265 for each person.)
- Organizations of 6+ people – Contact support@eat-activist.org for special group rates.
- You must indicate who is in your group at registration.
Diversity Scholarships
DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
- Earth Activist Training is committed to increasing the diversity of global permaculture and regenerative land movements.
- We recognize the history of this land called the United States and Canada, and seek to do what we can to rectify the deep injustices and systems of inequity that formed and continue to shape society today.
- Diversity Scholarships are available for Indigenous Peoples and People of Color working in or wanting to work in environmental or social justice.
- These scholarships are pay-what-you-can with the recommended value of 50% of Standard Tuition, but any amount will be accepted and appreciated.
- To apply, select “Diversity Scholarship” in the payment section on the registration form below.
- Earth Activist Training’s Diversity Scholarship fund is supported by donations. Visit our Diversity Fund page if you wish to support our Scholarship Program.
If you have any questions, we are always here to help: support@earthactivisttraining.org
Register
This class is closed for the year.
Click below to join the Notification List to get an email when registration reopens.
What Comes Next?
Are you ready for the next step of your learning journey?
Your Learning Journey
Regenerative Business Design: In today’s changing world, our planet is calling for businesses to follow Earth-based ethics, principles, and ecological design processes– also known as permaculture! Regenerative Business Design will guide you through a step-by-step process to build a business that can sustain you financially while staying true to your core values.
Click here to learn more or register.
Go beyond a basic PDC with our Advanced Permaculture course. This year-long course, taught in four modules, covers key design topics:
OUR NETWORK
A core component of this course – and every Earth Activist Training course – is our private forum: Earth Activist Training Online network This platform is where you will find course resources, your homework, and a network to connect with classmates and other Earth Activist students.
Recordings of each class will be available to you as a resource. You will have access to the course for a year after the course ends should you want to deepen your understanding of the material.
Have a question?
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