Understanding  Viral Marketing

As the term suggests, viral marketing is a strategy that aims to make your content or message spread like a virus, infecting people with your brand or message. Viral marketing is a powerful tool in content marketing, as it can help you reach a vast audience without spending a fortune.

In this post, we'll explore the ins and outs of viral marketing and answer some of the most popular questions about this strategy.

What is Viral Marketing?

Viral marketing is a marketing technique that involves creating and sharing content that is likely to go viral. The goal of viral marketing is to spread your message or brand through social media, word-of-mouth, email, or other online and offline communication channels.

Why is Viral Marketing Important for Your Business?

Viral marketing can help you reach a massive audience quickly and cost-effectively. When your content goes viral, it can generate thousands or even millions of views, likes, shares, and comments. This increased exposure can boost your brand awareness, website traffic, lead generation, and sales.

What Are Some Examples of Viral Marketing?

Some of the most famous examples of viral marketing include:

• The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: A social media campaign that raised over $115 million for ALS research.
• Old Spice's "The Man Your Man Could Smell Like" campaign: A series of humorous commercials that went viral and helped double the company's sales.
• Dove's "Real Beauty Sketches" video: A touching video that went viral and generated over 163 million views worldwide.

How Can You Create Viral Marketing Content?

There is no guaranteed formula for creating viral content, but some tips to increase your chances include:

• Creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience.
• Crafting catchy titles and headlines that grab attention.
• Injecting humor or emotion into your content.
• Using visuals such as images, videos, or infographics.
• Leveraging social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok to reach a wider audience.

What Are the Benefits of Using Viral Marketing in Content Marketing?

Some benefits of using viral marketing in content marketing include:

• Increased brand awareness and exposure.
• Higher website traffic and engagement.
• Improved search engine rankings due to higher visibility.
• Greater social media followership and engagement.
• Higher customer trust and loyalty due to shared values and emotions.

What Are Some Drawbacks of Using Viral Marketing in Content Marketing?

Some drawbacks of using viral marketing in content marketing include:

• Unpredictability: Viral campaigns can be hard to predict or control. Your campaign may not take off as expected or may generate negative reactions despite your efforts.
• Short-term impact: Viral campaigns tend to have short lifespans. Once the buzz dies down, you may need to create new content to maintain interest in your brand or message.
• Overreliance on social media: Your campaign's success may depend heavily on social media platforms' algorithms or policies. If these change or if you face competition from other viral campaigns, your reach may suffer.

Overall, viral marketing can be an effective way to boost your content marketing efforts. By creating compelling content that resonates with your audience and leverages social media's power, you can increase your brand's exposure and influence without breaking the bank.

References

1. Berger, J. (2013). Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age. Simon & Schuster.
2. Jonah Berger (2016). Invisible Influence: The Hidden Forces That Shape Behavior.

eBooks

3. Shama Hyder (2016). Momentum: How To Propel Your Marketing And Transform Your Brand In The Digital Age
4. David Meerman Scott (2017). The New Rules Of Marketing And PR
5. Seth Godin (2008). Tribes: We Need You To Lead Us