Viral Marketing and My Devastatingly Mediocre Content

When my partner and I started creating content for our fitness niche, our primary focus was on generating income. Our attitude influenced the type of content we produced for sure. But it was leaning more towards promotional rather than relatable material. My content was frankly, boring because;

• Too Sales-Oriented: Essentially, it was an advertisement. Each post seemed to push our service too hard, which likely turned off viewers who were looking for genuine advice.
• Lack of Engagement: I didn't spend enough time responding to comments or creating content based on what my viewers wanted to see.
• Missing the Connection: Fitness is a personal and sometimes sensitive topic for many. I lacked the personal touch and relatability that encourages viewers to share content. It was too generic.
• Limited Value: In our rush to monetize our platform, I provided little motivational value, which is crucial in the fitness industry. People are looking for practical help, which my content lacked.

Reflecting on this, it's clear that focusing primarily on financial outcomes can detract from the appeal of content.

What Is Viral Marketing?

So let's clear up what viral marketing really is. It's a technique where creators design content with the hope that it will quickly spread among users, much like how a virus spreads. This usually happens through social media platforms, emails, and websites. People share the content with friends, who share it with their friends, and so on, potentially reaching a vast number of people in a short period.

Why Do Certain Things Go Viral?

So, what makes content likely to go viral? It often taps into a shared emotion, whether it’s humor, surprise, joy, or even anger. When content makes us feel something strongly, we’re more likely to hit that share button. For example, think about the last funny meme you shared. It probably made you laugh, and you thought someone else might get a kick out of it too, right?

The Role of Visuals

Visuals are your best friend when it comes to potential viral content. Posts with images and videos are more likely to draw attention than those without. Videos are particularly powerful in telling a story or demonstrating a product in a way that words alone might not fully capture. If your content includes an eye-catching image or a captivating video, it stands a better chance of getting noticed and shared.

Crafting Share-Worthy Content

So, how do you make your content share-worthy? Start with the basics: it should be easy to understand and quick to enjoy. People love to share things that make them look smart, funny, or in-the-know. If your content can do that for someone, they’ll spread the word.

Here are a few tips:

• Keep it simple: Don’t complicate your message. The easier it is to grasp, the more likely it is to be shared.
• Make it relatable: Content that speaks to universal truths or common situations tends to resonate well.
• Add a twist: A surprising element can make an ordinary piece of content stand out.

Timing and Luck

Sometimes, the timing of a post can affect its viral potential. Posting when your users are most active increases the initial exposure. However, there's also an element of luck involved. Sometimes content goes viral purely by chance—right place, right time, right people.

Using Social Media Wisely

To give your content a fighting chance, use social media platforms wisely. Understand where your type of content performs best. Is it visually appealing? Instagram or Pinterest might be your best bet. Is it funny or newsworthy? Twitter could work well.

Influencers: The Catalysts of Virality

Influencers play a big role in viral marketing. A nod from someone with a large following can propel your content into the spotlight. If you can get an influencer interested in your content, their share can reach a massive pool of potential viewers.

The Steps To Making It Go Viral

1. Initial Shares: Start by sharing your content with your close network, such as friends and family.
2. Engagement: Encourage these initial viewers to interact with your content by liking, commenting, or sharing.
3. Extended Reach: As these initial contacts share your content, their networks see it, potentially leading to further shares and interactions.
4. Visibility Increases: With each share, the content appears on more social media feeds, increasing overall visibility.
5. Algorithm Boost: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram may boost content in their feeds if it garners significant engagement, leading to even greater exposure.
6. Continued Interaction: Keep the momentum going by responding to comments and engaging with viewers to maintain interest.
7. Repeated Exposure: As more people interact with your content, it may appear multiple times in feeds or get featured, attracting new viewers.

Patience and Persistence

Lastly, don’t get discouraged if your content doesn’t go viral right away. It often takes time and several attempts to hit the mark. Keep trying new things, tweaking your approach, and learning what your viewers like. With patience and persistence, you might just find that even your so-called mediocre content can make a big splash.

So, don’t worry if you’re not making blockbuster movies or penning award-winning articles. With the right approach, even the simplest content can catch the viral wave. Keep at it, and who knows? Your next post could be the one that goes big.