UPDATE: December, 2024.
This page has a new role now, to remind us what happened from late 2019 up to today. I will be keeping this post updated with new content so bookmark it.
Our lives changed after this worldwide event, and keeping our memories fresh will get us in the right direction for the future.
I and other WMS contributors blogged so much about covid but this era is gone. A new era is slowly shaping, one that has inside the remains of the previous era.
Think of this post as a chronicle.
Let’s take this journey together.
Covid-19 | Business
The Chronicle
Prologue
I was thinking of it a lot lately, as you probably did.
More and more professions and people are being locked down due to the coronavirus.
More and more people will eventually connect to the internet multiple times a day to read, research, study, and entertain themselves.
More importantly, people who have never used the internet will now use it. It’s the logical next step for them.
Some of them will stick to social media wasting time with friends, or even on Skype and other webcast programs.
Some of them will read the news all day long, some will watch videos on YouTube and some of them will purchase stuff.
And some of them will look out for online opportunities and some will invest in personal education and development.
And some people will think that maybe now is the best time to start an online or even offline business.
Because when we face challenges like this, when something big is changing the way we live, when everything we know turns upside down, this is when the biggest opportunities come to life.
As the percentage of people wanting to educate themselves online will rise, this is a chance for you to enter the market as someone who cares and has solutions.
There’s also another portion of people who want to know how certain businesses responded to this catastrophic event.
Generally, we’ll be discussing everything that has to do with business as it relates to covid.
Let me explain!
First section: I discuss the concept of “opportunity” for businesses in times when something unexpected happens.
Second section: I monitor hundreds of companies and websites constantly. Today I’m sharing their responses to the coronavirus pandemic including our actions and future plans. Consider this a catalog, an archive where I’ll be adding information, hopefully not for long.
Covid-19 and Business | Don’t Panic
Reasons Why Now Is The Best Time To Expand Online
Whether you want to start a new business online or you want to expand an existing business online, now is the time.
This was true in 2019, it is true now in 2024, and it will be…
A Conversation With A Friend
But before we dive into the subject, let me first share with you something interesting.
I had a conversation yesterday on the phone with a friend who is a hotel owner.
I’m also a hotel owner but hopefully, our hotel is only open during the summer season, so the virus is not currently affecting us, at least yet.
He was, as you can probably guess, afraid of what will happen. His hotel is open all year long and he had to shut it down. Countless problems and issues, employees, salaries, no income, ongoing costs, and bills.
He has no other business running so I told him that he should consider building an online business, at least as a part-time project during this tough season.
I mentioned the majority of options and I found him thinking of it seriously.
I also explained that I expanded online in late 2014, primarily as a test to see if there is potential. But I was amazed by the unlimited opportunities and I really liked this online business thing and in fact, I fell in love with online marketing. Now, I’m working online 90% and 10% offline visiting my properties, managing and directing.
He said he hates marketing and he has no interest in building websites and all this kind of stuff. Also, he has no interest in writing blogs and articles, doing podcasts or videos, offering workshops or live events.
So what are you going to do? I asked.
He has no idea at all.
I did not want to keep pushing him into this so I decided to let him think of it and take his time. He can reach me anytime and he knows I can help him move forward.
But my point is this:
Time is valuable, so much more than we believe. I, too, was thinking of time as a distant thing, that I have all the time in the world to do whatever I want, but things changed for me when I became a parent.
This is when I finally realized that time is passing by like crazy. Because I had to spare time for my family, I was not alone.
Another point I try to make is that you should not let fear conquer you. You should embrace it because it’s a natural feeling but you also need to be intimate with it.
The Traditional Education System Is Broken
Self-Education (eLearning) Is The New Norm
Please continue reading the “Knowledge Economy” article for more and up-to-date information on the topics above.
Quarantines/LockDowns
The majority of local businesses and organizations are locked down.
- Cafes
- Restaurants
- Offices
- Hotels
- Gyms
- Stores
- Cinemas
- Shopping centres
- Schools
This is a massive opportunity for existing brands to market to people that stay home unable to get to work right now.
Also, it’s a massive opportunity for those that want to start an online business.
Additionally, it’s a lesson for brands that need to operate and a big percentage of them are already trying to transition to remote environments.
These big changes force us to adopt, but we humans are very convenient with changes, it’s in our nature.
Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt, Struggles
In times like this, we are afraid. What is going to happen? Is covid-19 going to conquer our planet?
Only if we let our fear tell us what to do.
We are uncertain but in business, there’s nothing certain, nothing can be taken for granted.
There’s a risk as always.
People doubt themselves and many of them are struggling with real challenges.
That’s another huge reason for brands and wannabe business owners to connect with these people and help them overcome their obstacles and challenges.
When there is pain, problems, challenges, and obstacles, there is a huge opportunity for new products and services to be made to help solve these problems.
New Economic Recession?
Many people are afraid that the new coronavirus is not the biggest problem we are facing right now.
They believe that behind the curtains a new recession is coming.
All I say is this. What a huge opportunity!
As I have already analyzed in a previous article, the majority of business owners believe that marketing is a luxury during tough economic times when consumers change their buying habits.
Marketing is one of the first expenses they cut in an effort to reduce overall costs.
So wrong!
And not only marketing and advertising are so important for existing brands during a recession, but a recession is THE best time to start a new business.
Why? Less competition
Inevitably, many companies will get shut down, unable to keep up with the ever-changing environment. Some companies have invested heavily in technologies that may become obsolete. Some brands just can’t operate under these circumstances. For example, companies in the tourism, food, and entertainment domains.
This situation creates new opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and for brands that want to scale further either by creating new products and services or adding information products to their arsenal.
How To Take Advantage Of This Situation
If you’re someone who wants to create an online business, you can do amazing things.
Among the best beginner-friendly options, flexible business models with potential, are:
- Freelancer/Virtual Assistant
- eCommerce
- Selling arts & mutlimedia
- Affiliate marketing
- Information products
The beginner’s guide to making money online covers those options and more.
I absolutely recommend that you get involved in the knowledge economy, first by developing information products.
You can share your skills, expertise, knowledge, and even your life experiences with others to help people solve problems, move on with their lives, and make an impact on the world.
You can become a part of this movement as a knowledge broker.
Covid-19 | Business Response
An Unusual Decision
Inc – Instead of Laying Off 20 Percent of His Company, This CEO Made an Unusual Decision. It’s a Lesson in Emotional Intelligence
Gravity CEO Dan Price faced a tough choice: cut 20% of staff or go bankrupt after revenue was halved.
Instead of choosing either, Price took a rare approach—he asked his employees for solutions.
SEO World
Google is the #1 resource for news and updates.
According to SearchEngineLand – Corona to COVID: How Google’s ‘corona’ results page has evolved.
Just months ago, “corona” was mostly linked to a Mexican beer. Now, it’s a key term for COVID-19, with Google’s search results shifting to focus on pandemic-related resources.
Google – Connecting people with COVID-19 information and resources
Variety: Google and parent Alphabet are pitching in to help small businesses, health organizations and governments dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The internet company has allocated over $800 million for coronavirus relief, with $610 million in Google Ad credits for small businesses and government organizations, CEO Sundar Pichai announced Friday.
Moz – Academy: the SEO learning portal and software company gave access to the premium academy for free for 1 week. I believe it remains free as of today, Dec 2024.
Microsoft
Responding to COVID-19 together. As the world responds to COVID-19, Microsoft is focused on employee safety, supporting communities, and providing technology, tips, and resources to help customers work remotely. Our thoughts are with those affected and the medical professionals working tirelessly to help.
Bing: Real-time covid-19 monitoring.
ANA
NEW YORK (March 27, 2020) — The ANA has launched a new group of top CMOs to help the marketing community navigate the global coronavirus crisis.
WPP
CNBC: WPP, the world’s largest ad group, canceled its dividend, paused share buybacks, and withdrew 2020 guidance after clients cut marketing due to the coronavirus.
“Our streamlining efforts and £3.2 billion in asset sales have strengthened WPP’s financial position,” CEO Mark Read said.
WHO – World Health Organization
WHO: The world faces an unprecedented challenge as COVID-19 impacts communities and economies globally. Governments, organizations, and individuals are uniting in a remarkable show of solidarity to combat the outbreak.
WHO is leading the global response, helping countries prevent, detect, and manage the pandemic.
You can support this effort by donating to the COVID-Solidarity Response Fund or using WHO’s new pandemic-focused app.
CARES Act
WordStream: On March 27, the CARES Act, the largest stimulus bill in U.S. history, became law, aiming to provide financial relief to millions affected by the coronavirus, including 3.3 million unemployment filers since March 14 and the small businesses employing them.
Revealed Films
Dr. Patric Gentempo and Revealed Films are releasing a series of documentaries. Times are uncertain for traders and investors. What should we do?
Digital Marketer
Ryan Deiss, CEO of Digital Marketer, opened access to his $95/month premium training lab for free for 20-30 days.
Over 30,000 marketers joined, and 10,000 completed a training.
Ryan expressed deep gratitude to participants and his team. The lab remains open until April 14.
JobScan
Jobscan: Companies hiring during the covid-19 crisis.
IntelligenceBank
A free whitepaper entitled: the marketer’s guide to remote working.
FlexOffers
FlexOffers sent a notification addressing economic challenges and their impact on affiliate marketing.
For advertisers reducing commissions to 0%, links will remain active to maintain a seamless user experience. Affiliates can choose whether to promote these advertisers.
FlexOffers invites affiliates to reach out for strategic advice or with any questions.
WallStreetJournal
Related: Coronavirus Emails From Companies May Not Be Calming to Customers. Experts say the onslaught to inboxes can add to anxiety; some customers feel they need to unsubscribe.
The Muse
A valuable listing: Companies Are Still Hiring During COVID-19.
%
Consumers interested in brands' COVID-19 initiatives
%
Consumers that believe brands are responding more quickly and effectively to the coronavirus pandemic than governments
Americans who’ve filed for unemployment since March 14, 2020
Walmart
BusinessInsider: Walmart suspended influencer affiliate programs with social commerce site MagicLinks and e-commerce giant Rakuten.
Unilever
According to CampaignLive, the FMCG giant has unveiled a range of measures to assist global effort to tackle Covid-19, including €100m in donations.
Coca-Cola
The economic uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic has led the soft-drinks multinational to suspend all its brand marketing in Great Britain, PRWeek has learned.
AirBnB
Reuters report: Airbnb pauses marketing to save $800M during the pandemic downturn.
BudLight
MarketingDive announced: Bud Light – Open for Takeout lives on a web page where bars and restaurants across the U.S. can submit their businesses for listings that go live on Friday.
HSBC
HSBC Bank USA has partnered with DoSomething.org and “Black-ish” star Marcus Scribner for a campaign promoting smart saving for college students during Financial Literacy Month, as shared in a press release.
UnitedNations
TalentHouse: The United Nations needs help translating public health messages to engage and inform people across cultures, languages, and platforms. Shortlisted work will reach a global audience.
Switch by Wanted
They say: Letting people go? We can help. Submit your talent list, and we’ll find them a new home—100% private. Only top startups will hire. Switch connects laid-off talent with businesses still hiring, effortlessly and for free.
WholeFoods
FoodAndWine: Whole Foods Workers Organize ‘Sick Out’ for Better COVID-19 Compensation. The pro-unionization group Whole Worker is asking employees to strike on Tuesday, March 31.
Chipotle
PRnewsWire: Chipotle has turned the Challenger Series into a virtual gaming tournament. The finale champions will win $25,000 cash, $25,000 for COVID-19 relief, and an exclusive card for a year of free Chipotle.
Hasbro
BusinessWire: Hasbro Launches BringHometheFun.com to Support Families Staying Indoors.
Wantable
Sew Good to Give Back: We’re using our technology and resources to turn our fulfillment center into a hub for creating and distributing face masks for medical workers fighting COVID-19.
You can help from home—if you can sew, we’ll provide instructions and free returns/pick-up. If not, share this link with crafters in your community.
Essence Studios
MarketingDive: Essence live-streamed a free two-day virtual wellness summit last week as part of its shift in events strategy due to COVID-19. Content from the Essence Wellness House summit is still available on the site.
Pepsi
MarketingDive: Pepsi is sponsoring a global entertainment special on April 18 at 8 p.m. ET, organized by WHO and Global Citizen, to support the fight against COVID-19.
Pepsi is investing $45 million to help global communities, covering costs for masks, protective gear, testing, and food for at-risk populations.
BurgerKing
MarketingDive: The fast-food chain is donating 250,000 Whoppers to nurses through the American Nurses Foundation, which will share codes for ordering via the BK app. Consumers can donate $10 to the Coronavirus Response Fund by texting THANKS to 20222.
Frito-Lay
MarketingDive: Frito-Lay is creating 3,000 new full-time jobs with benefits, donating $15 million to COVID-19 relief efforts, working with charities to donate meals to families in need and funding virus testing efforts.
Pebbles
PR News Wire: Starting April 15, PEBBLES cereal will post daily videos on Facebook, Instagram, and its website for the next 30 days to inspire kids and teach them something new. The videos feature artists and creators impacted by COVID-19, including dancers, chefs, crafters, and magicians.
SaaS for Covid
SaaS products with a COVID-19 discount.
WSJ: Facebook Pledges $100 Million for News Outlets Hit by Coronavirus Outbreak.
Amazon
CNBC: The giant retailer slashes commission rates for its affiliate program. The affiliate community is frustrated and angry, can’t blame them.
YouTube
YouTube will reduce the quality of videos around the world, an effort by the world’s most popular video site to ease internet traffic during the coronavirus outbreak, on Bloomberg.
Retailers
MarketingDive: Over 100 retailers, both legacy and DTC, have temporarily closed or reduced hours to help stop the spread of COVID-19. While digitally native brands, with fewer stores, should have faced minimal disruption switching to online operations, this hasn’t been the case.
IndiLens reports that at least 10 retailers, including Macy’s, Patagonia, and Victoria’s Secret, suspended their affiliate programs with RewardStyle.
Wealthy Affiliate
Kyle, the co-founder, blogged about having an interesting and positive outlook despite COVID-19.
The economy is still moving, and the internet is full of opportunities. The future is bright—stay positive and resilient.
Multimedia World
DesignerUp compiled a collection of job boards and companies offering remote work opportunities.
500px is launching Daily Challenges starting April 6 to keep the photography community engaged. Participants can share photos, provide feedback, and upvote others’ shots.
DeathToTheStockPhoto announced they are using their photoshoot budget to support creators by buying from or contributing to solo creators, offering $5,000 for online purchases.
Artify is offering a free Covid-19 Design Pack with editable design templates and icons for campaigns.
TalentHouse praised creators for responding to the UN’s call to help stop the spread of COVID-19, resulting in a library of artwork to educate and inspire during the global crisis. Visit the UN COVID-19 Creative Content Hub to explore and share the work.
Employment-Related/Statistics
Forbes: 6 Million More File For Unemployment And Nearly 2 Million Buy Guns: Coronavirus By The Numbers.
Investing: The number of Americans applying for initial unemployment benefits surged to a new record 6.65 million last week, the U.S. Labor Department said on Thursday, as the full impact of the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic on the labor market became apparent.
WebMarketSupport
I reduced advertising prices prices by 90%.
I hope the pandemic will end up soon so we can sleep like before.
As you can see, not all companies react positively and with good-will to the coronavirus.
Covid-19: A New Dawn
Don’t worry that things will go wrong. Beyond FEAR, there is another magic word humans relate to, FAITH.
It’s what kept us alive on this planet thriving, emerging, growing, and helping one another.
There are new heights to be reached, new technologies to be discovered, and new opportunities we can take advantage of.
That’s it, another article has finished, here on Web Market Support. I am waiting for your comments and thoughts. Till next time.
Tasos Perte Tzortzis
Business Organisation & Administration, Marketing Consultant, Creator of the "7 Ideals" Methodology
Although doing traditional business offline since 1992, I fell in love with online marketing in late 2014 and have helped hundreds of brands sell more of their products and services. Founder of WebMarketSupport, Muvimag, Summer Dream.
Reading, arts, science, chess, coffee, tea, swimming, Audi, and family comes first.
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