Viral message refers to marketing messages that are passed from person to person through their social networks. To create successful viral marketing messages, where success is defined as a positive return on Investment, marketers must:
Communication of information in media that can be easily forwarded such as Internet videos, text messages (SMS) can effectively augment word of mouth transmission of the information throughout social networks.
Viral marketing leverages the power of social networks to spread messages rapidly from person to person, often resulting in widespread reach with minimal investment. The key to creating successful viral marketing campaigns, where success is measured by a positive return on investment (ROI), involves several critical steps.
First, it's essential to pinpoint individuals with high social networking potential (SNP). These are people who have a large and active social network and are influential within their community. They are more likely to share content and influence the behavior of others.
The message itself must be engaging and compelling enough to catch the attention of these influencers. It should provide valuable information or an enticing offer that motivates them to make a purchase or engage with the brand. The content should be designed in a way that makes it easy and appealing for high SNP individuals to share it within their network. This could involve creating content that is entertaining, informative, or emotionally resonant.
Effective viral marketing messages often utilize media that can be easily shared and forwarded. This includes Internet videos, text messages (SMS), social media posts, and other digital formats. Videos and memes, for example, are popular because they are easy to consume and share across multiple platforms. It's important to ensure that the content can be easily forwarded and shared across various channels. Embedding social sharing buttons, using hashtags, and creating mobile-friendly content are ways to enhance the shareability of the message.
By strategically focusing on these elements, marketers can increase the likelihood of their message being spread widely and quickly through social networks, thereby maximizing their reach and achieving a positive ROI.