Every day, we hear about a new viral video or content that spreads on social media at the speed of light. How did it happen? Was it a product of viral marketing, or was it simply luck that made it a big hit?
While it’s true that some viral posts are due to luck, a lot of these posts usually have a well-designed viral content strategy behind them.
Well, you know who’s in luck? You! Because in this blog, we’ll break down the concept of viral marketing, its advantages, and a few examples of successful viral marketing content.
What Is Viral Marketing?
Viral marketing aims to generate interest in a brand. This style of promotion relies on the audience to spread the post quickly through social media.
The goal is for people to naturally share the content to reach a point where the general public sees the post instead of just its target audience. When successfully achieved, your post will most likely be on everyone’s social media feed.
The Advantages of Viral Marketing
Every social media strategy’s goal is to raise brand awareness. For businesses, a viral post is an opportunity to fast-track this goal or even slingshot themselves into social media stardom.
Here are some other benefits of viral marketing:
- It’s low-cost. Since the big chunk of work goes to the users sharing the content, it drastically cuts down your costs since you won’t have to buy any advertising media space.
- Wide reach. With viral marketing, even a small business or start-up has the potential to reach a huge audience, sometimes even internationally.
- Better Engagement. Since the user initiates engagement by sharing the content, the interaction tends to be more genuine and less invasive.
Memorable Viral Marketing Post Examples
Understanding how viral marketing works is easier when we look at real-world examples in action. Here are some of our favorites:
IHOP or IHOb
Link: https://twitter.com/IHOP/status/1003682801042915328?
IHOP left the world guessing in 2019 when they tweeted they were changing their name from IHOP to IHOb. People were discussing what could be the meaning of ‘b.’
This went on for one week until they finally revealed that ‘b’ stood for burgers. While many users felt the campaign was overhyped, the numbers reveal how successful it was. In total, the brand received $113 million in earned media and also increased its burger sales.
The Ice Bucket Challenge
Link: https://youtu.be/XS6ysDFTbLU
Remember in 2014 when The ALS Association launched the Ice Bucket Challenge? The challenge was meant to raise both awareness and funds for medical research on the ALS condition.
Millions of people worldwide, including celebrities like Oprah and Bill Gates, and famous stars from every country participated. The challenge, which involves pouring a bucket of ice water over your head and nominating three other people, raked $115 million in donations.
Oreo Cookie
We all know that during the Super Bowl, almost all brands join in the trend. In 2013, Oreo’s Dunk in the Dark made it to the top spot with just one simple tweet. When the Mercedes Superdome had a power outage for over 30 minutes, Oreo was quick to tweet this:
Link: https://twitter.com/Oreo/status/298246571718483968?
How To Make Your Content Viral
There is no exact formula for creating the perfect viral content. Viral messages vary wildly from one business to another. However, marketers always keep these two things in mind when giving brands and products a serious buzz.
- It should be timely. Trends come and go. And the only way to leave a good impression on the audience is to jump on the trend quickly. This is why it’s important to keep yourself updated with the hottest topics and be quick-witted in coming up with a relevant and relatable post.
- It should be bold. Viral marketing is a double-blade sword. There’s an inherent risk that your post might backfire on your brand. However, if brands aren’t bold enough to drop something that grabs the public’s attention, they’d lose the opportunity to be viral. When choosing to go bold on your posts, be sure not to drag your competitor’s name to the ground.
Let’s Make Your Brand Viral
Ready to take over the public’s social media feed? Our social media experts can help! We know going viral is tough, but it isn’t impossible, especially with SociallyIn.
With our social listening tools, we can keep a constant pulse on your audience’s interest. Our team also keeps abreast of social media trends so we can quickly produce content that catches fire.
Contact us, and let’s discuss a viral marketing strategy that works for your brand.