From Brand to Launch: Build and Grow Your Online Store

Build a standout brand and launch with confidence.


Monday, August 24, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)
ZOOM
Category: Education Events

Two-Part Virtual Workshop - Registration includes access to both workshop sessions.
Session 1: Monday, August 24 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM
Session 2: Thursday, August 27 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM

PRICING

FREE for Members
$40 for Non-Members

Event Overview

Ready to launch an online store but not sure where to start? Or have an existing website that isn't generating the results you want?

Join creative entrepreneur and brand strategist Meg Delagrange-Belfon for a hands-on, two-part workshop designed to help retailers build a strong brand, create a customer-focused website, and develop a practical marketing strategy for growth. Through live demonstrations, actionable exercises, and real-world examples, you'll learn how to create an online presence that connects with customers and drives sales.

Whether you're starting from scratch or improving an existing online store, you'll leave with the clarity, tools, and confidence to take the next step.


Session 1: Build the Foundation

In the first workshop, participants will focus on creating a brand and website strategy that sets the stage for long-term success. Meg will cover:

  • How to create a brand that stands out
  • Understanding your ideal customer and what motivates them
  • Developing messaging that connects and converts
  • Building a website that guides customers to take action
  • Website design best practices
  • Choosing the right platform for your business, including Shopify and other popular eCommerce solutions
  • Using AI tools to organize ideas, refine messaging, and work more efficiently without losing your authentic voice
  • Live website-building demonstrations and practical examples

Participants will also have the opportunity to receive live feedback and ask questions throughout the session.


Session 2: Launch, Market, and Grow

In the second workshop, Meg will build upon the work completed in Session 1 and help participants turn their ideas into action.

Topics include:

Live Website Reviews

Volunteers will have the opportunity to share their websites and receive real-time feedback from Meg. This interactive portion is often one of the most valuable parts of the workshop.

Building a 30-Day Launch Marketing Plan

Learn how to create a practical marketing roadmap that covers:

  • Pre-launch preparation
  • Launch-week activities
  • Post-launch growth strategies
  • Email marketing basics
  • Social media planning
  • Immediate action steps you can implement right away

Generating Local Buzz

Discover simple ways to increase visibility through:

  • Local media opportunities
  • Community partnerships
  • Affordable marketing resources
  • Strategic networking opportunities
  • Evaluating whether trade shows and live events are worth the investment

Using AI to Work Smarter, Not Harder

Explore practical ways to leverage AI for:

  • Product descriptions
  • Social media captions
  • Email marketing content
  • Design inspiration and creative workflows
  • Content planning and efficiency

Meg will share live screen demonstrations, recommended tools, prompt examples, and best practices to help you save time while maintaining authenticity.

Bonus Takeaways

Attendees will receive:

  • Meg's 10-Week Launch Plan
  • A customizable One-Page 30-Day Launch Marketing Plan

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop series, attendees will:

  • Develop a clearer brand message and positioning
  • Better understand their target customer
  • Learn how to structure a website that converts visitors into customers
  • Gain confidence using platforms like Shopify to build and manage an online store
  • Create a practical launch and marketing strategy
  • Discover ways to use AI responsibly to streamline content creation and marketing efforts
  • Walk away with actionable tools, resources, and templates they can use immediately

Who Should Attend?

  • Retailers new to eCommerce
  • Brick-and-mortar businesses expanding online
  • Small business owners launching a new online store
  • Entrepreneurs looking to strengthen an existing website or brand
  • Anyone seeking practical guidance on building and marketing an online business

About the Presenter

Meg Delagrange-Belfon is an Amish-born creative entrepreneur, Senior Art Director, and mixed media artist known for blending bold storytelling with practical marketing strategy. She co-founded Urban Southern and helped grow the brand from 45 online sales to seven-figure revenue before its successful sale.

Her work has been featured on Fox Business, The Magnolia Journal, USA Today, and WordPress TV. Meg's approach is equal parts creative and practical, helping business owners build brands that connect with customers, drive growth, and stand out in competitive markets.

For More Information:

Retail Alliance Logo 101 W Main St Suite 905
Norfolk, Virginia 23510
United States
757.466.1600