Summary Of Viral Marketing

Viral marketing uses people’s electronic connectivity to increase the velocity of word of mouth. People with similar interests, needs and lifestyles tend to pass on and share interesting and entertaining content.

When sponsored by a brand, the message builds awareness of a product or service and can provide qualified prospects for the organisation to pursue.

Viral marketing campaigns can be unpredictable, but careful planning can go a long way to ensuring success.

1. Define the aims of the campaign and determine how success will be measured.
2. Create something that people want to share.
3. Use social media to ensure that content is easy to share.
4. Remove all barriers to participation.
5. Be authentic.
6. Provide incentives.
7. Make the message available.
8. Use a strong call to action.
9. Track, analyse and optimise.
10. Get a little lucky.

Campaigns that experience rapid exponential growth (go viral) can reach a large audience in a short space of time at a very low cost, making viral marketing very attractive.