One of the e-marketing topics least written about is viral
marketing. Yet it is one of the most successful e-marketing
methods used today!
In this article, I will discuss the various forms of viral
marketing (VM) being used online. I will also provide examples of
each form of VM and how you can use it.
VM #1. Word-Of-Mouth
The most common implementation of word-of-mouth VM are the "Tell
A Friend" or "Recommend This To A Friend" forms on most
websites.
Usage rate differs from site to site. For some entertainment
sites, the usage of tell-a-friend forms can be very high. Yet
for other large content sites, the usage may be insignificant.
The usage rate depends a lot on the kind of content being
recommended and the user group.
However this form of VM can be cheaply and quickly implemented
and its efficacy can be enhanced with a contest or lucky draw.
There are a number of free tell-a-friend service providers
online. For a list of them, go to
http://www.internetmarketingfocus.com o.cgi?l=a010p1
VM #2. Pass-It-On
This is a popular activity for most email users - be it
corporate, home or academic account holders.
When we receive attachments of funny pictures or cool Flash
games, we usually forward them to friends. And they in turn
forward the attachments to their contacts.
The snowball effect can create a distribution channel easily
reaching hundreds of people within a few hours - from just one
original email.
Here's how you can implement pass-it-on VM:
Create a fun game using Macromedia Flash and send it out to
contacts in your address book. Include your website URL within
the Flash program and invite people to click to your site.
Also make it available for download on your website .. and watch
it spread virally!
If you want to track statistics such as the rate of infection,
you can always include a 1x1 GIF or other e-tracking mechanism.
For pass-it-on VM to succeed, you have to create something that
people will want to share with others.
Other pass-it-on VM media include PowerPoint slides, fun graphics
and small utility programs. Check out some pass-it-on VM examples
at
http://www.madblast.comVM #3. Service-based
The most successful service-based VM pioneer is Hotmail. They
started with little promotion but grew phenomenally using a
little tag line that they included at the bottom of every email
sent out. The tag line included a short teaser and their website
URL.
Now imagine the number of emails that are sent out daily and how
those emails help Hotmail get more new users - which in turn
result in even more emails sent out!
The next example is Blue Mountain e-greeting cards. When someone
sends an e-card using Blue Mountain, the recipient has to go to
Blue Mountain's site to view it - bringing in another
potential user who will send out more e-cards.
One more example: BraveNet Web Services. BraveNet provides
webmasters with tools such as guestbooks, forums, polls and
email forms.
When people use a BraveNet guestbook on a member site, they are
exposed to BraveNet's advertisements - inviting them to sign up
for a BraveNet service.
If you own a service-based site, you should seriously consider
implementing VM to grow your site. Start brainstorming for ideas!
Which Type Of VM Should You Implement?
Choose one that complements the nature of your business and
website. If you sell designer handbags, try doing a fun Flash
game that quiz users on different brands of designer handbags.
Be bold, creative and original!
To read more about viral marketing, go to
http://www.internetmarketingfocus.com o.cgi?l=a010p2
To search for marketing resources related to VM, go to
http://www.internetmarketingfocus.com o.cgi?l=a010p3
About the Author
Michael Low is a widely-published marketing consultant. He
provides top-notch press release (PR) services at affordable
rates. Check out his full-range of PR services at
http://www.prbuilder.com/pr.cgi?a010
