What is Viral Marketing? Examples and Advantages
Every day we hear all about viral marketing, a new viral video and content that spreads at the speed of light. But what exactly is it? And how did it get to be viral? Is it due to a viral product or viral advertising, viral campaigns or simply luck, that randomly makes something such a big hit…
Viral content usually has a well-designed viral strategy behind it, but virality is, in part, also due to luck, creativity and preparation. To break down this concept a little better, I am going to explain the definition of this concept, how a viral campaign works, the advantages of viral marketing.
Viral Marketing: What Is It?
Viral Marketing is that which is able to generate interest and the potential sale of a brand or product through messages that spread like a virus, in other words, quickly, and from person to person. The idea is for it to be the users themselves that choose to share the content.
Due to their speed and ease to share, social networks are the natural habitat of this kind of marketing. The most widespread example in recent times is the creation of emotional, surprising, funny or unique videos on YouTube, which are then shared on Facebook, Twitter and other channels.
However, virality can be a double-edged sword. It's important to remember that in this type of campaign, a large part of the control falls into the hands of the users, and there is a risk that the message can be misinterpreted or parodied. On the other hand, a successful viral campaign can work miracles for your brand’s results.
How a Viral Campaign Works
In theory, a viral marketing campaign is very simple to carry out: create a video or another type of content which is attractive to your target, put it on the internet and promote it. All you can do is wait for the fuse to light and for users to start sharing like crazy.
In some cases, virality happens by accident. For example, when a video is uploaded by a private user that all of a sudden becomes popular and begins to circulate all around the Internet.
As for the dispersion strategy for brand videos, there are two types: the shown or the concealed. In the former, the user is aware from the first moment that they are viewing advertising or branded content, while in the latter the participation of the brand is hidden and is only revealed later.
If you apply concealed marketing techniques, it is important to be very careful so the user does not feel tricked, cheated or deceived, as the viral campaign could then turn against you.
No matter what strategy we choose, remember to never ever become "spammy", or go overboard while sharing the content. Instead of repeating message over and over again, the best strategy is to find the perfect place and time and let the “viral fuse” light itself.
Advantages of Viral Marketing
Low cost. What characterizes viral campaigns is that the users do a significant part of the work for the brand, which drastically cuts down the costs of dispersion. It is unnecessary to buy advertising or media space.
Potential of great reach. A viral video on the Internet has the ability to reach a huge international audience without having to invest a ton of money or make any extra effort. Due to this, a small company or even a private individual can go extremely viral.
It is not invasive. In viral marketing, the social media user is the one making the decision to participate and share content, so it lessens the possibility of the brand coming across as invasive. Like this, the perception of the brand and the interaction are significantly better, compared to more classical forms of advertising.
It helps build up your brand. If we really hit the bull’s-eye in terms of creativity, we are creating content so incredible that users themselves decide to share it and, hence create a personal connection with your brand. It is without a doubt an extremely powerful tool when it comes to branding and awareness.
A successful example of the viral marketing
IHOP:IHOB
In 2018, with one single tweet, IHOP caused online pandemonium when they suggested they were changing their name from IHOP to IHOb. But, no one knew what the “b” stood for.
For the next 7 days, the whole world was left guessing as to what the b could possibly stand for. Their social media accounts played along with the speculation and fueled the fire online, creating further confusion and speculation. Until finally, they revealed the hidden meaning: b stood for Burgers.
This speculation caused IHOP to receive over $113 million in earned media and increased their burger sales. Overall, while this campaign was slightly controversial at the time (some users felt the reveal was overhyped), there is no denying that this campaign was a success.
For 60 pancakin’ years, we’ve been IHOP. Now, we’re flippin’ our name to IHOb.
