Viral marketing is an advertising option used on the Internet to reach many users. This type of marketing technique depends on networks that already exist to make users aware of the ads or promotions that companies may want to be advertised. It is a form of advertising where companies expect their consumers to spread the virtue of their products through "word of mouth". People may be encouraged to spread the ad by the sheer comedy of it or they want to share it with their friends and family.
Advertisers or marketers uses viral marketing in such a way, that they initially give the ads to just several people and these people in turn send them out. The term viral marketing is borrowed from the way a virus spreads out from an initial carrier. Viral marketing helps to spread the word about a product in a way that the users do not even know they are aiding in advertising. Usually, viral marketing takes the form of text messages, images, games, interactive games and much more.
Viral marketing works on the simple premise that some people who send out emails may send out attachments with those emails. Some enterprising companies take advantage of some forwarded messages and attach their own text or images. Some examples are those "Love the Smell of a New Car?" texts that you may find at the bottom of some forwarded messages. Some people react to these ads and click the link, a prime example of viral marketing.
Viral marketing works so well because most ads begin by giving away something for free. Most consumers are attracted by the word "free" in an advertisement. They are willing to spend some time reading the ad and getting something free in return. By subscribing to something free, consumers give out their email addresses (good for future advertising) and may even find something that they like to buy as they browse the "free" newsletter, website, or even a catalog.
Another reason why viral marketing is such a big hit with advertisers is the fact that the Internet is a form of instant communication. It can easily spread to friends of the friends of your friends with little effort from the advertiser. Email, downloads, and website links are just a few of the ways that viral marketing can circulate. Viral Marketing thrives upon the use of a network!
There are several things to consider when thinking of starting a viral marketing campaign. First, you should make sure that the message contained in your ad is catchy and stands out. A short but snappy or funny text is better than a lengthy description of your services and products. Another thing to consider is to make your message easy to forward. If your campaign is dependent on a message that will be forwarded to many individuals, make sure that it won't get lost when people try to forward it to others. You might also try to make the message a more personal one, where a name is attached.
By using Viral Marketing techniques, you'll find your company has the potential to reach millions of new customers, for very little financial investment.
By: Kathryn Ali
Copyright http://marketing.actual-facts.com 2007
About the Author
Kathryn Ali is the Owner and Author of http://www.marketing.actual-facts.com
http://www.boating.actual-facts.com
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