viral marketing

If this is the first time you hear the expression Viral marketing, you probably get the mental picture of a slimy and contagious virus. Indeed, viral marketing is found in every corner of the Internet, in forums, e-mails and on web pages. It starts by being nothing, and can grow quickly, getting bigger with every exposed person.

The challenge with using viral marketing is to publicize your web site’s address, hoping that it will spread the contagion and expose your web site to the masses. Would you like to know the scary part? There is no vaccine to stop the propagation...


Viral marketing is the equivalent of word of mouth, in a more powerful Internet version. While a study on consumer habits revealed the average consumer will tell 7 other persons about his favourite restaurant, he will nearly double his audience by telling 13 persons about his online buying experience.

The success stories of this practice are numerous: Who never saw the “wassup’’ spot from Budweiser? Or what about the movie Blair witch project, cashing in more than $ 137 millions in profit. This movie was a huge success with the teen market; all originated from is creepy original website.



The benefits associated with viral marketing are many: The interaction with your audience, the low cost of operations and the rapidity with which you can track the results are obvious.

It doesn’t matter if your company is big or a small. The success of your viral marketing campaign will rely on mainly two aspects: innovation and visibility.

Innovation is about developing an original concept for your campaign and giving what you have, like a free online flash game, original articles, or free screensavers. The word “free” is probably the strongest in the sales dictionary. Give something for free to your public, and you will reach a global audience in a matter of minutes.

Improving your visibility depends on who you choose as the transmitters. You can look in your entourage, like within your friends, parents and colleagues. Good for start-up, although the Internet gives you more advanced options:

- Forums: Often referred as online communities, becoming a regular contributor on a forum with people sharing the same interest is very effective, and most importantly low cost. Extra tip: Put your URL link in your message board signature.

- Article directories: Writing articles on your field of operations will show you as an expert on the subject, inevitably exposing your brand to the Internet public.

- Blog: Publishing original content every day on your blog is a sure way to get your website more visible on the Internet.


In the end, viral marketing can have powerful results, either positive or negative. Offer a bad service, and watch your credibility fly off the window. Give something good to your public and sky is the limit.

viral marketing