Viral marketing is exactly what it sounds like, something spreading rapidly, but here it applies to advertising that spreads ten times faster than a virus. Someone who has never heard about this term, a new viral video, or content that has spread like wildfire, is probably living under a rock. But what exactly is this method, though? And how did this type of marketing become so popular? Is it merely luck that makes anything so popular at random or is it the outcome of a well-thought-out plan?
Let’s take a close look at what is viral marketing, and its benefits, to help you understand the whole concept.
What is Viral Marketing?
Viral refers to a large audience that is reached and accepted. A dynamic business tactic called viral marketing uses the power of social media and digital sharing to bring a brand’s product or service to the forefront and the widest possible audience.
In order to create a viral marketing campaign, you must share captivating content that connects with people and spreads like wildfire, increasing brand awareness and engagement exponentially.
It’s important to create a viral effect where users freely share your information with their networks, not merely to reach a large audience.
But how exactly does it work?
Contemporary viral marketing, particularly on social media, is exemplified by the rapid spread of memes and trending TikTok sounds. Consider how seemingly spontaneous trends like Baby Yoda, the Milky Way meme, or the “It’s Corn” phenomenon suddenly dominate your social media streams. Memes gain tremendous traction and promotion due to their ability to strike a chord with people.
This strategy works on the principle of followers and customers sharing buzz-worthy content related to a brand. Although platforms like TikTok and formats like Instagram Reels have simplified this method for brands, achieving universal reach isn’t guaranteed for every brand.
Benefits of Viral Marketing on Social Media
The idea and motive behind social media viral marketing is also to promote a brand’s viral content such as videos, photos, tweets, etc. People freely sharing viral-worthy content is a big part of the promotion strategy. The benefit of applying this strategy on social media is that people share the viral content on their own (willingly) on their social media profiles.
This is how social media influencers grow popular overnight. So if you have great content in mind that can attract a large set of audience and go viral within minutes or even seconds, then social media is the right platform for you.
If your content goes viral for all the right reasons, your business will be noticed by millions of people and acquire international recognition organically. Unfortunately, it can also backfire if your viral marketing strategy isn’t well-thought-out or isn’t as straightforward as it should be.
This method is highly effective because it evokes the curiosity and desire to pursue a product or service that is required to generate demand. If it doesn’t spark excitement for buying a product or service or following a particular brand, it is not being executed properly.
Viral Marketing Ideas: Is Your Strategy Ready to Catch Fire?
1. Grab Attention Quickly
To grab consumers’ attention amidst the sea of online content, employ an immediate attention-grabbing tactic. Utilize visuals and a bold, funny, or awe-inspiring message to draw your audience in. For instance, the 2019 Instagram egg campaign’s odd and humorous nature made it a massive success, proving the power of unconventional approaches.
2. Foster Audience Engagement
For content to go viral, it must engage and encourage interaction. A clear call to action (CTA) is essential, guiding users on their next steps. Successful campaigns often involve audience participation, comments, or content creation. Keep viewers captivated until they share, and involving media outlets boosts publicity.
3. Connect on an Emotional Level
To create viral marketing content, tap into emotions. Memorable content evokes laughter, tears, warmth, or nostalgia. Celebrity endorsements can also boost shares. Remember, bland ads won’t go viral, so aim to stir emotions for action. Consider P&G‘s “Thank You, Mom” campaign for inspiration.
4. Keep Your Message Concise
Simplicity is key in viral campaigns. One clear message is more effective than multiple CTAs. Avoid cluttering social media posts with hashtags. Keep videos under 30 seconds for maximum impact. Remember, creativity shines through in simplicity. Dove’s “Evolution” campaign exemplifies this perfectly, proving you can convey a powerful message with just a few impactful visuals.
5. Set Goals
In a viral campaign, focus on targeted engagement and brand visibility. Set clear, measurable marketing goals to guide your strategy in real-time. Consider reach, shares, and financial impact. Research competitor campaigns to set realistic objectives.
Ready to Go Viral
Thinking strategically, being creative, and being flexible are necessary for creating an effective marketing strategy to go viral. As a result, businesses are increasingly turning to viral marketing services, to ensure that their plans are in line with your goals.
However, going viral is a process that takes time. To get there would need a lot of effort, preparation, and trial and error. The wait and the effort would be worthwhile once you did reach a broader audience, though.