The Viral Formula Revealed

I went to a great info MeetUp event the other day. It was all about viral marketing and how to get it to work. Tod Malfin gave the presentation and he covered a slimmed down client presentation PP show relating to organizing and planing for a successful viral marketing campaign.

I took some notes on my Blackberry as others typed away on their iPads or clutched frosty beers. It was fascinating to see some of the best viral videos from the past several years being deconstructed and broken down to their essential parts.

What we discovered was that most viral “fails” are missing some of the elements that Tod thanks need to be included for success. Check out my notes below and then tMedia’s website or go to this link from the PP presentation (thanks Tod) and if that’s not entertaining enough, look for more great viral samples and stories in the column on your right.

Based on my notes here is what you need to be aware of.

• One theme (concept) is best
• Weird is better than normal
• It has to either Silly, Serious or Amazing
• Have to match audiences with the content
• Reward must be given to people who share
• Make it a series and up the concept each time
• Use social media to get feedback and to push awareness
• Some viral videos sit dormant for months and then explode
• Use highly connected Twitter people to spread the message

Check out this Doritos ad for a company who does it right with over 6 million views.