The Impact of Covid-19 on Small and Local Businesses and the Power of Digital Marketing

We talked to Julio França of Acredite Co. on how Covid-19 impact their business as a digital marketing agency in Brazil, and this is what he had to say.

First of all, how are you and your family doing in these COVID-19 times? 

Julio França: We are doing fine, as possible. Fortunately, we live in a small town where it is possible to do everything at home, and we can protect ourselves as much as possible from the pandemic. 

We work at home, and with our son’s school offering remote classes, we can feel certain tranquility.

Tell us about you, your career, how you founded Acredite Co.

Julio França: I graduated in 2000, worked for big agencies until I was invited to become a partner. It was 10 years with this full-service agency. In 2015 I ended this partnership and started my own agency, Acredite Co., totally focused on digital marketing and since then I have worked to my own clients and also working with other agencies and their clients.

How does Acredite Co. innovate? 

Julio França: We offer know-how from years of advertising market with a focus on digital for small businesses, with customized solutions for each client. We have encouraged consumption at local businesses during the pandemic to strengthen our community, with communication tips at @Acredite.co, our Instagram profile.

How the coronavirus pandemic affects your business, and how are you coping?

Julio França: Our customers had to adapt to the demands of the pandemic. With our guidance, it was quickly possible to communicate the new rules for customer service, quickly switch to remote service, and in some cases a shift towards electronic commerce.

With clients all over Brazil, we are already used to video meetings, avoiding contact, and practicing social distance since 2015.

Did you have to make difficult choices, and what are the lessons learned?

Julio França: The relationship with our customers has always been in the digital environment since the beginning. Working remotely has always been part of our daily lives. The biggest impact was on prospecting for new customers, as the live conversation during a commercial presentation was an important part of the process.

But we know that during this pandemic the most important thing is to keep business running, prioritizing people’s health and integrity.

Health first, always.

Who are your competitors? And how do you plan to stay in the game?

Julio França: Our competitors are the customers themselves who believe they can run their own businesses and manage social media at the same time.

Our biggest challenge is to show that Acredite Co. can take care of the relationship with its consumers, offering our know-how and innovative thinking while they can dedicate themselves to the essence of their companies.

Your final thoughts?

Julio França: We are living in difficult and emotionally challenging times, especially for small businesses. We have to stick to health recommendations, preserve our family, and keep working so we don’t drop the ball.

Our minds and hearts are with everyone who is afraid of the pandemic and with those who have lost family members to this disease.

Keep the faith, work hard, and stay with your family.

Your website?

https://acredite.co