6 tips for creating viral marketing campaigns

PPaul September 18, 2023 5:26 PM

If you're in the marketing world, you probably dream of creating those exceptional marketing campaigns that just take off – getting shared, going viral, and bringing an influx of customers your way. But how does that happen? Is there a secret formula for creating viral marketing campaigns? While there's no guaranteed method, there are certainly strategies you can apply to maximize your chances of going viral. Here are six tips to get you started.

Understand your audience

The first step in creating any successful marketing campaign, viral or otherwise, is to understand your audience. What are their interests, their pain points, their needs? What kind of content do they engage with? This understanding will guide your campaign content and delivery, making it more likely to be received well and shared.

Craft a compelling story

People love stories. They're engaging, relatable, and memorable. A compelling story can make your marketing campaign stand out and get shared, increasing your chances of going viral.

Make it shareable

Your marketing campaign needs to be easily shareable. This means having share buttons on your content, encouraging sharing through calls to action, and making sure your content is accessible on multiple platforms.

Evoke strong emotions

Campaigns that evoke strong emotions, whether positive or negative, are more likely to go viral. People are more likely to share content that made them feel something strong.

Offer value

People share content that they find valuable. Whether it's a helpful how-to guide, an inspiring story, or a hilarious video, if it adds value to the person's life, they're more likely to share it with others.

Optimize for SEO

While viral campaigns often rely on social media shares, don't neglect SEO. A well-optimized campaign is more likely to be found in search results, increasing its reach and potential for virality.

Let's look at some successful viral marketing campaigns for inspiration.

Company Campaign Key Success Factor
Dove Real Beauty Sketches Evoked strong emotions
ALS Association Ice Bucket Challenge Simple, fun, and for a good cause
Old Spice The Man Your Man Could Smell Like Humorous and memorable

Remember, a viral marketing campaign is not an end in itself. It needs to be part of a larger marketing strategy that aligns with your business goals. Only then can it truly be successful.

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