Viral Marketing
The Four Simple Practices of Viral Marketing In The Internet Context
Definition of Viral Marketing In The Internet Context
In scientific term, viral means spreading of virus cell in a fast uncontrollable manner. In internet context, viral marketing is a method used to create a super fast FREE distribution effect to the internet users. This method encourages the internet users to circulate or pass the message to others, hence creating the increase for exponential growth in that message’s exposure and influence. This rapid multiplication will blast the message to thousands or in drastic situations, millions.
In layman term, viral marketing can happen via the “grape-vine” (known as the word-of-mouth, media broadcasting or network marketing expansion.
An Example
Give a free video hosting services like YouTube. When a friends send you a video link from YouTube, at the bottom of the email has a message displayed, “sign up an account with YouTube for free and start posting your own video” Such a message create the aware of the existance or the availability of such services, thus encouraged the recepients to sign-up. They in turn will send the file to thier circle of friends, create the spreading effect extremely rapidly fast.
In order for this method to work effectively, here’s some element tips on your viral marketing campaign.
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1. Give useful product or services.
When you want to attract the crowd, the best thing to do is to give away good valuable product or services for FREE. People are attractived to free stuff. You may not see the result so soon when you give free stuff but by using this method you would be able to grasp leads where you can market them later. It’s a bait to “fish” them.
2. Make the distribution easy
When you want others to send your “viral product, you need to make it easy for them to do it. Simplify the message-make it short and understandable. Trasmission medium has to be cheap, instant, easy and ease of use. Digital format makes the transmission or copying simple. When you use the email as the medium of distibution, it’s definitely the most favoured medium.
One commom example is a small tag line at the bottom of your message or signature about your offering. E.g. Register Free a Blog Account at www.Blogger.com.
3. Scalable Capability
When a viral message is spreading like wildfire, make sure that your server has the scalability function to cater from small to large. This is to ensure that your server will not get crushed when massive traffic flood into your site. Make sure that you plan this according to your viral model. Your viral marketing will be optimised when you plan your server accessbility properly.
4. Model after human behavior, it’s network and media resources.
Take consideration when you plan your viral marketing activity. Try to leverage on the human behavior and their network. There has to be a sense of motivation or commom interest in order for them to transmit or talk about the “viral” product. E.g. When there is a bird-flu apedemic, people tend to send bird-flu messages and its prevention to their family members, close relatives, friends, colleagues, affiliates or business associates. Why? Simply because there is an element of human behavior (in this senarion is “fear”) in it. Apply the same, startegy in your viral marketing. You shall see great impact on it.
Another form of great marketing tool is the media. When you get the media coverage, you’ll get the instant traffic. This is infact the fastest way spreading the viral. However, in order for the media to broadcast your releases (preferable via the internet), there has be an element of “news” in it.
When the media highlight it on your behalf, you’ll gain almost 75-80% of the credit and attention. Sooner or later, you will hear people talking about it as part of the current affair. This is the best marketing tools ever!!!
Try it out! I am sure you will see great success!
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07.Jun.07 
Internet Marketing Strategies, News and Highlights 
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