Small Business VaiViver - Celebrating Brazil’s Natural Beauty and Rich History Through Ecotourism

Founded by passionate travelers Cecilia Fortunatti and Mayumi Kurimori, VaiViver is an ecotourism agency focused on offering much more than just trips. It's a gateway for people to connect with Brazil's natural wonders, vibrant history, and indigenous communities.

Operating year-round with frequent weekend excursions, VaiViver's mission is to inspire people to explore Brazil's incredible diversity—both natural and cultural.

From the start, Ceci and Mayu recognized the need to establish a strong online presence to reach a wider audience and drive business growth. 

From University Life to a Life of Adventure

Ceci and Mayu's journey began during their time as engineering students at the University of São Paulo. Both lifelong explorers, it wasn't long before they were familiar with every corner of their campus and its surroundings, all while maintaining their academic responsibilities. Their adventurous spirit didn't go unnoticed by their peers.

In time, they organized a group trip with friends, splitting the costs and focusing on the joy of travel. The experience was a hit, and word spread about their unique, engaging, and affordable excursions. This success sparked the idea to turn their passion into a business.

With just 14 reais (around 2.7 USD) in hand, which they used for promotional materials and hot chocolate for their first trip, VaiViver was born in 2016. 

Bridging Nature, History, and Community

Ceci and Mayu chose ecotourism as their business focus because of their desire to connect travelers with both nature and the local communities of Brazil. This deeper sense of purpose drives their work.

"We feel honored to work with communities like the Quilombolas and showcase their contributions to cultural and societal preservation," says Mayu. "Bringing travelers into contact with these communities enriches the experience and highlights their role in Brazil's history."

VaiViver's excursions are more than just sightseeing. They immerse travelers in local culture and history, discussing critical issues like forest conservation. For Mayu, the impact of these trips is profound: "Ecotourism changes lives on both sides. Travelers reconnect with nature, culture, and history, while the communities benefit economically. It's a win-win."

One of their most prized projects is the Chapadas do Brasil, which invites visitors to explore Brazil's striking flat-topped tablelands and engage with the indigenous communities that inhabit the area.

To ensure sustainability, VaiViver offsets 100% of its carbon emissions by partnering with social and environmental initiatives. 

Growing the Business Online

Realizing the importance of a strong digital presence, Ceci and Mayu decided early on to build a website to differentiate VaiViver from other tourism companies. Many competitors lacked a proper online platform, giving them a clear advantage.

Following a friend's recommendation, they opted for WordPress as their content management system and Hostinger as their web host. In 2017, they took the leap and built their website .

The website quickly became a vital part of their operations, allowing them to streamline the booking process, which had previously been handled manually. Integrating an online booking system into the website improved efficiency, and today, 100% of VaiViver's sales are made online.

"We've always been a digital-first company," says Mayu. "Now, we're able to serve customers from all over Brazil and live wherever we want."

Overcoming Obstacles and Looking Ahead

Like any business, VaiViver faced its fair share of challenges. During a Black Friday promotion, their website crashed due to the overwhelming traffic. Fortunately, upgrading their hosting plan quickly solved the issue, and they learned a valuable lesson about scaling their digital infrastructure.

The COVID-19 pandemic was another difficult time for the company, as it halted tourism and brought sales to a standstill. But Ceci and Mayu remained persistent. After seven months, business began to pick up again. Between 2020-2021, they generated around 1 million reais, and by the next year, they had more than doubled that amount to 2.3 million reais.

Much of this success came from their improved understanding of sales strategies, SEO, and digital marketing, which helped them optimize their website and grow their brand.

"Our advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: get online as soon as possible," says Ceci. "A website will enhance your visibility and support the growth of your business."

Now, with a team of 7 internal staff and 8 guides, VaiViver is looking toward the future. For 2023, Ceci and Mayu aim to grow their revenue by 30%, supported by rising interest in ecotourism and a robust online presence. They also plan to expand their offerings, including personalized services for corporate clients and physical conditioning programs to prepare travelers for nature excursions.

As they continue to build on their success, Ceci and Mayu's passion for travel remains the core of their mission. Their company's name, VaiViver—which means "go live" in Portuguese—sums it up perfectly. They invite everyone to embrace life and adventure to the fullest. 

Expanding Their Digital Footprint: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Beyond

Beyond their website, Ceci and Mayu have strategically expanded VaiViver's online presence through YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. These platforms serve as powerful tools to engage with their audience, share their passion for ecotourism, and promote upcoming trips.

Their YouTube channel offers breathtaking video content, including highlights from their ecotourism adventures, traveler testimonials, and in-depth looks at the destinations they explore. By sharing these immersive experiences, VaiViver captures the attention of potential travelers who may be inspired to join future trips.

On Instagram, VaiViver's visually stunning feed brings Brazil's natural beauty to life. With posts showcasing vibrant landscapes, native wildlife, and cultural moments, their account invites followers to experience the magic of ecotourism. Instagram Stories and Reels feature behind-the-scenes moments and live interactions, giving a more personal and dynamic look into their adventures. 

Their Facebook page serves as a community hub where travelers can stay updated on upcoming trips, promotions, and news related to ecotourism. It's also a space for past travelers to share their experiences and memories, creating a sense of connection and community around VaiViver's mission.

By integrating these platforms with their website, Ceci and Mayu have created a seamless digital ecosystem. The website not only handles bookings but also serves as a resource hub with detailed travel packages, blog articles, and sustainability practices. Visitors can easily navigate between the site, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook to engage with VaiViver on multiple levels. 

The Heart of VaiViver: A Comprehensive and User-Friendly Website

The VaiViver website is more than just a booking platform—it's the heart of the company's online presence, offering travelers a rich, immersive experience as they plan their adventures. Built on WordPress and hosted by Hostinger, the website is designed to reflect VaiViver's commitment to ecotourism, sustainability, and Brazilian culture.

The homepage welcomes visitors with stunning visuals of Brazil's natural wonders and an easy-to-navigate interface. From the first click, potential travelers are greeted with vibrant images of rainforests, waterfalls, and cultural experiences, all emphasizing VaiViver's dedication to sustainable tourism.

Key Features of the Website Include:

• Detailed Travel Packages: Visitors can browse a wide range of ecotourism packages, each with detailed descriptions. Each package includes comprehensive information about the destination, itinerary, costs, and what travelers can expect in terms of both adventure and cultural immersion. There are options for all kinds of travelers, from casual explorers to seasoned adventurers.

• Blog and Educational Resources: The blog section offers articles on ecotourism, sustainable travel practices, the importance of preserving local communities, and stories from past travelers. The content is not only informative but also inspiring, encouraging visitors to embrace respnsible travel.

• Sustainability Initiatives: One of the core messages VaiViver promotes on the website is its commitment to sustainability. A dedicated section explains how the company offsets 100% of its carbon emissions and partners with social and environmental organizations to reduce the impact of travel on the environment. This transparency appeals to environmentally-conscious travelers looking for ways to make a positive impact.
  

• Online Booking System: The integrated booking system allows users to effortlessly reserve spots on upcoming trips. The process is straightforward, with secure payment options and immediate booking confirmations. Through the WordPress dashboard, Ceci and Mayu can manage orders, payments, and customer inquiries, making it easy to maintain efficient business operations.

• Traveler Testimonials and Reviews: VaiViver's website also features authentic traveler testimonials, where past participants share their transformative experiences. These stories add a personal touch, building trust and encouraging new visitors to take the leap and join the ecotourism community.

• Event Calendar and Special Promotions: A regularly updated calendar highlights upcoming trips, special seasonal events, and limited-time promotions. This helps travelers plan ahead and take advantage of deals and exclusive offers, such as discounted group packages.

• Multilingual Support: To cater to both local and international audiences, the website offers content in multiple languages, including Portuguese and English. This accessibility has broadened VaiViver's appeal, allowing them to connect with a global audience interested in Brazilian ecotourism.

• Mobile-Friendly Design: Recognizing that many users browse on mobile devices, VaiViver's website is fully responsive, ensuring a smooth experience whether on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. This is crucial for reaching a tech-savvy, on-the-go audience that wants to explore and book travel options at their convenience.

By keeping their website informative, visually appealing, and user-friendly, Ceci and Mayu have ensured that VaiViver stands out in the competitive tourism market. Their focus on a seamless digital experience has allowed them to build trust with their audience, boost sales, and continue to grow their business.

What online techniques, services and tools have they used to create a strong online presence

Here's an analysis of the marketing techniques, tools, and services used by VaiViver to grow their ecotourism business:

1. Strong Digital Presence: The Foundation of Their Marketing Strategy

One of the most critical aspects of VaiViver's success has been its strong and carefully curated online presence. Ceci and Mayu recognized early on that having a well-built website and leveraging social media channels was key to reaching their target audience. By making digital marketing the backbone of their strategy, they avoided many of the costs and limitations associated with physical marketing channels.

• Tools Used:
  • WordPress (Content Management System): A versatile tool that enabled them to create a functional and engaging website.
  • Hostinger (Web Hosting): Provided reliable hosting with tutorials and customer support to ensure their site could handle traffic, including during peak periods like Black Friday.

2. Content Marketing: Educating and Inspiring Their Audience

VaiViver's use of content marketing has been a strategic way to build brand authority and trust. By providing valuable and educational content, such as blog posts on ecotourism and sustainability, they position themselves as thought leaders in their niche. This content isn't just about promoting their trips—it helps to engage their audience on topics that align with their values, such as environmental conservation and cultural preservation.

• Techniques:
  • Blog Articles: Educational articles about ecotourism, sustainability, and travel tips build engagement and encourage site visits.
  • Storytelling: Through blog posts and testimonials, they use authentic stories to emotionally connect with potential travelers.
  • SEO (Search Engine Optimization): By incorporating SEO best practices, they ensure their content ranks well on search engines, increasing their organic traffic and visibility.

3. Social Media Marketing: Building an Active and Engaged Community

VaiViver uses social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to build an engaged community of followers and showcase their trips in visually compelling ways. Each platform serves a distinct purpose but also works together to create a cohesive marketing strategy.

• Instagram: With its visually driven nature, Instagram is the perfect platform to highlight beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and cultural experiences. VaiViver also uses Instagram Stories and Reels to provide live updates, share behind-the-scenes moments, and engage with their followers in real-time.
• Facebook: On Facebook, they focus on community-building and event promotion. Facebook allows for deeper interaction through comments and group discussions, helping to foster a community of past and potential travelers.
• YouTube: Through video content, VaiViver brings the experience to life. They post trip highlights, traveler testimonials, and in-depth explorations of the destinations they offer, helping to create a vivid and aspirational image of their brand.

4. Online Advertising and Promotions: Targeting Potential Travelers

VaiViver also leverages online advertising tools to reach a wider audience, promote special offers, and drive traffic to their website.

• Facebook Ads & Instagram Ads: These paid advertisements allow them to target specific demographics interested in travel, ecotourism, and adventure. Through targeted ads, they can optimize their marketing spend and attract potential travelers who are likely to book their services.
• Google Ads: VaiViver likely uses Google Ads to boost their visibility in search results, especially for search queries related to ecotourism in Brazil. This technique drives targeted traffic to their website and helps convert interest into bookings.

5. Influencer Marketing: Reaching New Audiences Through Collaborations

While not explicitly mentioned, based on the common practices in the travel industry, VaiViver could be engaging in influencer marketing. Partnering with travel influencers or bloggers could help them tap into new audiences by having these influencers share their experiences and endorse VaiViver's trips.

• Potential Impact: By working with eco-conscious influencers, VaiViver can enhance its credibility and reach a highly engaged audience who trusts the recommendations of these influencers.

6. Email Marketing: Nurturing Leads and Building Loyalty

While not explicitly mentioned, email marketing is a logical extension of their digital marketing strategy. By capturing email addresses through bookings or content engagement (blog subscribers), VaiViver can nurture leads, promote upcoming trips, and offer exclusive deals to loyal customers.

• Techniques:
  • Newsletters: Regular emails to past and potential clients can include exclusive deals, new trip announcements, or blog highlights.
  • Automated Email Sequences: Automated emails post-booking could keep travelers engaged and excited, offering travel tips and packing lists before their trips.

7. User-Generated Content (UGC): Building Credibility and Social Proof

VaiViver uses traveler testimonials and reviews as a form of social proof to validate their business. These testimonials help potential customers trust the quality of their services. Sharing user-generated content, such as photos or stories from past trips, helps humanize the brand and encourages others to participate.

• Techniques:
  • Travel Testimonials: Featuring authentic reviews on their website helps build trust and credibility.
  • Encouraging Hashtags: Asking travelers to share their experiences on social media with specific hashtags could increase their brand's visibility.

Summary of Marketing Tools and Techniques:

• Website: WordPress, Hostinger, WooCommerce (or similar booking plugins), SEO tools, Google Analytics.
• Content Marketing: Blog, Storytelling, Educational Resources, Traveler Testimonials.
• Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Paid Ads (Facebook, Instagram, Google).
• Email Marketing: Newsletters, Automated Sequences.
• Influencer Marketing: Potential collaboration with travel influencers.
• User-Generated Content: Social proof via reviews, testimonials, and shared experiences.

VaiViver has effectively combined these tools and techniques to create a strong, growth-oriented marketing strategy that connects deeply with their audience while staying true to their values of sustainability and cultural respect.

Would you like to explore a particular tool or strategy in more detail?