The town of Tupper Lake has announced that it will be assisting businesses in improving their “digital curb appeal” through website upgrades and digital marketing training.

The digital marketing training will come in the form of a free two-part digital marketing workshop presented by AdWorkshop and the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST).

The first workshop will focus on developing a social media strategy and the second on website best practices. The workshops will take place at 6 pm in the Community Room of the Goff-Nelson Memorial Library on Feb. 7 and 16, respectively. Pre-registration is required online.

Besides the workshops, the program includes a chance for five Tupper Lake business owners to win assistance creating — or upgrading an existing — website for their businesses, with a focus on modernization and functionality.

The award includes a website development package through Adworkshop’s “Start Up-Smart Up solution,” which focuses on creating an ideal experience for online visitors and on reducing future content update costs.

The digital marketing workshops and website assistance were made possible by a 2015 Smart Growth Grant from the state Department of Environmental Conservation, via an application called “Improving Tupper Lake’s 21st Century Curb Appeal.”

The grant included two work components: One focused on improving the curb appeal of Tupper Lake’s Information Center and the other focused on improving the town’s digital curb appeal. Work on the information center’s facade is slated to begin soon.

To be eligible, business owners must show that the improvements will have a significant impact on their business’ web and social media presence, as well as on Tupper Lake’s tourism development priorities. Lodging properties and other tourism-related businesses will be prioritized.

Business owners can pick up an application at the Tupper Lake town office or on Tupper Lake’s website. Applications are due by February 22 and attendance at the digital marketing workshops is encouraged.