Viral Marketing is not a disease…

But it can be contagious

Viral marketing is a marketing method, which encourages people to pass along a marketing message through word of mouth or by other communication means.

Social scientists tell us that each person has a network of 8 to 12 people in their close network of friends, family, and associates.

There is the potential for exponential growthin the message’s exposure and influence

As a Marketing method it’s cheap and sustainable: once you’ve made your marketing material, it’s practically free to distribute.

Tips for great viral marketing

Stand out from the crowd…

Make sure your viral message is emotionally charged enough for people to forward it on…

Something weird, naughty or unexpected is the cornerstone of successful viral marketing

Make sure you’re telling a story that people will want to share. It doesn’t have to have a plot or dialogue, but it should build a connection with the audience.

Tips for using YouTube for viral marketing

1. Creating a video is easy, and posting on YouTubeis free.

2. Homemade is just fine.

3. Your video should be no longer than three minutes (preferably shorter).

4. Make your description clear and specific.5. Don’t attempt “stealth” fake customer

insertions. (Obvious product placement is OK!)

6. Consider inviting your customer communities to submit video.

7. Tell everyone about your video!

8. Make surebloggers knowabout the video.

Above all,have fun!Don’t be afraid to go out there and experiment.

Not all Viral marketing requires a big production ad – a simple email can be just as effective.

Offer a valuable and tangible incentive that will entice individuals to forward the email message to friends.(Valuable of course doesn’t necessarily mean expensive)

Beware the spam…

Respect Privacy – A name and an email address provided by a persons friend does not automatically make the referral a Customer!

Hi Libmark Seminar Attendees,Have I got a message for you!

Personalise!As with direct mail, response rates increase considerably when users can see that a message is coming from a familiar source.

Some reallygood examples…

Evolution" was developed to promote a series of Real Beauty Workshops and online tools for girls and their mothers/mentors.

http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com.au/dove-self-esteem-fund/default.aspDove Evolution

Hotmail is one of the most classic examples of successful viral marketing. They offered free e-mail to the masses, and simply attached a signature at the bottom of each e-mail message that promoted their free service.

Hotmail

Burger King Subservient Chickenhttp://www.bk.com/en/us/campaigns/subservient-chicken.html

Fruit Bursthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZlhHsMXl6Y&feature=player_embedded

And some, well, maybe not so great

examples…

Frankston Library Coffeehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buKgs6gfVPY

Questions?