Viral Web Marketing Tips

I love it when people say "let's make a viral video!"  I cringe and say, "Well, you can make a video, but the viral part is sort of out of your control."  Puzzled looks follow.  We can only hope that something goes viral - we can't force it.  That's why I was glad to find this article by Thomas Baekdal - he gives seven tips on viral web marketing that are smart, practical and true - and he provides video examples.  In a nutshell:

1. Make people feel something.  The most important trick of all is to create a very strong emotion.
2. Do something unexpected ...and above all - never be a copycat.
3. Do not try to make advertisements (that sucks) One of the biggest mistake companies make is when they think viral marketing is just advertisements that people share - it is not.
4. Make sequels People have just seen your campaign. They think it was interesting, unexpected and their emotions has reached a high level - you have their complete attention. Now what do you do? If you do like most companies you will simply do nothing... and that is a big mistake.
5. Allow Sharing, downloading and embedding´ Sharing is what viral marketing is all about.
6. Connect with comments Another important element is to connect with your audience. Remember you got their attention, they are excited and now they want talk.
7. Never restrict access! Viral marketing is also about your campaign getting a life on its own - spreading like virus. In order to do that, in order to become "viral", it needs to be free.

I'd like to add #8 - that viral videos have no rules and there will be viral videos certain to come along that break some, if not all, of these guidelines.

I recommend reading the whole article where Baekdal delves more deeply into this list.  And you can also watch his many video examples.

Comments

[morocco property]

Thanks for sharing. All the information is valuable and practical. I will try it, for my business marketing.

[Aurelius Tjin]

The information are very insightful and helpful. Thanks for sharing all of these.

[Adam King]

Hi,

I thought your readers might be interested in the latest viral campaign for McCain.

Created by Glue London in collaboration with Aardman animation (Wallace and Gromit & Chicken Run) Potato Parade allows users to create a totally personalised message, all delivered by a gang of walking talking tubers.

Check it out at www.potatoparade.com.

[Charlie Kondek]

Excellent post. Thanks for sharing these insights.