In the digital age, going viral can catapult your brand from obscurity to global recognition overnight. Whether it’s a trending TikTok video, a clever tweet, or a shareable infographic, viral content has the power to reach millions without requiring massive budgets.
But virality isn’t just luck—it’s a science. In this guide, we’ll explore the key strategies online entrepreneurs can use to create buzzworthy content, engage their audience, and leverage the viral effect to grow their business.
The Psychology of Virality:
To create viral content, you need to understand why people share. According to studies, content goes viral when it:
Action Steps:
Why It Works:
Humans are wired to connect with stories. A compelling narrative captures attention and leaves a lasting impression.
How to Use It:
Example:
Dollar Shave Club’s famous launch video told a funny, relatable story while explaining their value proposition. It generated millions of views and positioned them as an industry disruptor.
Why It’s Essential:
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts prioritize short, engaging videos that drive massive reach.
How to Succeed:
Example:
Duolingo’s humorous TikTok videos featuring their mascot have helped the brand go viral, making language learning fun and relatable.
Why It Works:
Content created by your customers or fans is authentic and highly shareable. UGC builds trust and encourages engagement.
How to Encourage UGC:
Example:
Starbucks’ annual #RedCupContest invites users to share photos of their holiday-themed cups, generating a flood of organic content every year.
Why It Works:
Trends and memes are inherently shareable because they’re timely and relevant. Riding a wave of popularity can expose your brand to a wider audience.
How to Use Trends Effectively:
Example:
Ryan Reynolds’ brand, Aviation Gin, consistently uses pop culture references and memes in their marketing, making their content shareable and engaging.
Why It’s Effective:
Influencers already have a dedicated audience that trusts them. Partnering with them can amplify your reach and credibility.
How to Choose the Right Influencers:
Example:
Gymshark partnered with fitness influencers to showcase their products, driving viral growth among workout enthusiasts.
Why It Works:
People love visually digestible content. Infographics, charts, and visually appealing posts are easy to share and save.
Tips for Great Visual Content:
Example:
HubSpot’s infographics about marketing stats consistently gain traction on social media, establishing them as thought leaders in their niche.
Why It Works:
Your headline is the first thing people see. If it doesn’t grab attention, your content won’t get clicked or shared.
How to Write Headlines That Go Viral:
Example:
BuzzFeed’s headlines, like “21 Things Only Coffee Addicts Will Understand,” hook readers and encourage shares.
Why It Matters:
Even great content won’t go viral if it’s posted at the wrong time or isn’t distributed effectively.
How to Time and Share Content:
Example:
A blog post shared with an email campaign, multiple social media posts, and a paid ad boost is more likely to go viral than one posted once.
Why It’s Crucial:
Not all content will go viral, but analyzing your successes and failures can help you replicate winning strategies.
What to Track:
Action Step:
Use tools like Google Analytics, Hootsuite, or social media insights to track performance and optimize future campaigns.
Going viral isn’t just about luck—it’s about understanding your audience, crafting engaging content, and distributing it effectively. By applying these proven tactics, online entrepreneurs can create buzz, build brand awareness, and drive significant growth.
Join Our Newsletter
Get the best tech deals, news and gifts!
Made With Netjet.io