There seem to be five rules of viral marketing
Following a viral, almost guerilla-type marketing incident that went horribly wrong, Sean Carton of Clickz deducts 5 rules for this kind of marketing that should be obeyed.
- If you want to generate word-of-mouth, don’t try to be hip.
Just because it seems to the latest buzz around the blog, doesn’t mean it spreads. Don’t try too hard, people will inevitably notice and block it.
- Destruction of property or intruding into people’s comfort zones will only backfire.
Some viral marketing is very obtrusive and tries to surprise people by being as drastic as damaging or at least defacing public spaces. This might cause more trouble than anythings else.
- You can’t fake authenticity.
No, of course you can’t. And marketers should never ever think they can, because the truth behind every little marketing trick will surface these days.
- Know your audience.
You better do! Obvious, as it seems, but sometimes viral marketing expectations are formulated in a way that goes completely beyond what would be sensible or even possible with a certain target audience.
- Love your customers.
This shouldn’t be a new concept to anyone, otherwise – well…
