Photo Credit: C!…
Everyone is looking for a magic formula to make their brand’s social media content go viral. The truth is there is no magic formula. A business can’t force their content to become viral no matter how much they try. However, with a little luck and some good research there are a few things businesses can do to create content that has the potential to go viral. Here are 5 tips to help your content go viral.
Be Creative
For content to catch on like wildfire, it needs to have something special – something that sets it apart from every other similar business trying to achieve the same goal. The best thing you can do to help your content stand apart is to determine your company’s vision. Invest time in building what your brand stands for and what it wants to promote.
Another great way to get your company’s foot on the right path is to make the content fun. When brainstorming, don’t be afraid to be a little absurd, unique or different. It’s usually the unusual that catches people’s attention and ends up going viral.
Be Authentic
According to bizjournals.com, in December 2006, Sony wanted to promote its new PSP handheld gaming system and decided to try to harness the power of viral marketing. It had a website created that claimed to be the PSP “fan site” created by video game enthusiasts, not Sony. The website featured a “homemade” rap video called, “All I Want for X-Mas is a PSP,” which immediately began spreading across the Internet. But soon fans found out that the site was a campaign orchestrated by Sony. They were livid and Sony found itself on the defensive.
This is an example of what not to do when trying to make your company’s content go viral. You need to be straightforward with your viewers. Let them know who you are and what your content is about. Don’t pretend to be something or someone you’re not just to get the exposure. In the long run it will back fire and you’ll be stuck trying to explain why you deceived your audience.
Give Your Audience Something to Talk About
Engage your target audience with something funny, interesting and maybe a little bit unusual to get them talking and spreading your word. According to socialsmarty.com, Proctor & Gamble’s Old Spice campaign is a good example. The company spiced-up their image by launching a series of hilarious and provocative videos on TV and the Internet featuring “The Old Spice Guy.” Their Facebook fan page and YouTube Channel linked back to their website with a call to action, encouraging readers to comment and purchase their products. The video was a huge success with more than 3 million views. This shows that even a company that’s been around for a while can hop on the social media bandwagon with a good idea and become a viral almost over night.
Stay with The News
Studies show that breaking news stories are amongst the most read online content. A great way to get your company’s brand out there and possibly go viral is to subscribe to alerts from news websites that pertain to your industry. Take those headlines, tweak them to fit your image then, link it to your site. RSS your content and ensure that your RSS feed link is well paced on your blog or website. According to socialsmarty.com, with an increase in the subscribers to your RSS feed, going viral is as simple as offering great content.
Make It Easy To Share
Remember, when posting anything on your social media networks, make sure it’s easy to share. If you are posting to your website make sure you have the link and/or a button to let your audience share it with others. If your audience can’t share it easily, you won’t go viral.
Special Offer: Three Girls Media & Marketing Inc. loves working with small and emerging companies to raise their brand awareness and name recognition. We offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation with our CEO and can answer your questions and discuss your specific brand marketing needs. Email info@ThreeGirlsMedia.com to make your appointment today.
Photo Credit: C!…