Viral Marketing

Viral marketing describes strategies that encourage individuals to pass marketing message to others. This type of marketing creates the potential for exponential growth in its message's exposure and influence. "Word of mouth" and "referral" are often called the best thing that has happened to marketers after the invention of advertisements.
Examples of viral marketing are non standard commercials and pictures. They tend to push the envelope so they continue to live in the customer's mind long after the commercial is over . Viral marketing has the potential to save an enormous amount of advertising dollars. Even though viral marketing is a great tool to save money it is highly underutilized because it is not a for sure thing. It is a phenomenon that tends to exist on its own not intended by its advertisers. The entertainment quality of the advertisement is what keeps the advertisement alive and going.Viral marketing is another proof that we have arrived into an age where the opinion of the consumers matters more than ever.
It is important to note that there is a difference between viral and word of mouth advertising. Word-of-mouth marketing is when a business does something and their consumer tells five to ten friends. Word-of-mouth marketing has an echo affect. The initial sound is loud and then it fades into the background.Viral marketing unlike word-of-mouth marketing has a compounding affect. A consumer tells five to ten people and then those five to ten people tell another five to ten people. The driving force behind most viral campaigns is the passion a consumer carries.
Three key factors that will help you remain in tip top shape on the viral marketing playground are:

1. Mean what you say and say what you mean.
2. Stand behind your product or service.
3. Under promise and over deliver ... always!

 Some of my favorite viral ads include:

1. Dove "Evolution" Video -Part of a campaign by Dove, this video showed how models’ beauty is often artificial, and really struck a chord with its intended audience of female viewers. The Toronto-made viral ad for Dove called "Evolution" has won one of the most prestigious advertising awards in the world - the Grand Prix for viral marketing at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. For more information and to see the video please go to- http://yourdailyintake.wordpress.com/2009/04/07/dove-evolution-a-case-of-viral-marketing/

2. XBox banned ad- This ad became viral, because of its unique expression of life and death in 52 seconds. It captivated its intended audience's imagination in an extreme manner. People either loved it or hated it. Decide for yourself -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brsI6z13Su8 In my opinion is is a beautiful, creative commercial with a simple message "Life is really short guys, enjoy it while you can!"

Does every website need an interactive community?

Does EVERY website NEED and interactive community? My answer to that question is no.  Need is a strong word in this case. I can think of a few examples where an interactive community is not necessary. For example when I use online banking I would not like to be a part of an interactive community. Also when I place an online order for a restaurant I am also not interested in social interaction. I also believe that others don’t like to slow down and  have to  read a page that’s decorated like a Christmas tree with ads, headers and "share this" and "tweet me" buttons.

On the other hand I think that most websites will benefit from an interactive community. Building an interactive community is important for the development and maintenance of a successful web presence. There are parts of each website that need to be filled with interactivity.  Interactive communities give people a sense of belonging and security.  They are a forum where people who share common interests in products,services and ideas, can feel free to speak anonymously and exchange information that they otherwise wouldn't feel comfortable to share. The advantage of all these kind of web social interactions is that it creates a communication flow amongst users. With the help of social interaction, website owners gain valuable insight into the views of site visitors. For more details on the pros and cons of a website having an interactive community please check out the following blog: http://e-marketingforsensiblefolk.blogspot.com/2010/05/does-every-website-need-interactive.html.

When the internet first started gaining popularity, websites were about sharing static information. Now interactive websites  facilitate sharing life.  It is all about real life and real experiences. The social web has taken off over the past couple of years.  The importance of social interaction is more evident than ever.