How To Make A Social Media Campaign Go Viral

Written by Lisa Chapman | Edited by Rory Hart
Sections of this topic
    Young adults reacting to posts on their phones

    Run a Successful Social Media Contest

    No matter if you have a small business or a large business, you can run a social media contest and achieve viral results.

    What does “viral” mean? In social terms, it’s a very good thing. Viral campaigns are those which take off on their own, passing from one person to the next, without your contact or intervention. It’s the holy grail of online marketing.

    Travel Industry Example

    I was the unwitting participant in a contest that went amazingly viral – all over the world! A travel site to which I subscribe (for sheer pleasure) asked for participants to submit “Their Best Travel Photo”. I was instantly intrigued.

    After looking through the long, long display of photos already submitted, I just KNEW that my photo was better than the others, and that I would win. (My sister won the lottery, after all, it runs in the family,
    right?)

    Here’s the magic: After I made up my mind to do it, and selected my photo, I clicked through to submit it. But first, I had to “Like” their Facebook Page. Brilliant! There was absolutely NO cost, and they increased their fan base enormously. (I didn’t win the contest, but I won this story to share with you.)

    Before you jump into launching your own contest, consider these important points:

    • What do you want to achieve?
    • Start with the end in mind. Is it more traffic (awareness), subscribers (larger database), reaching new audiences, or something completely different?
    • What is your budget? It may cost very few dollars, but there is generally a significant commitment of time and expertise. Do you have it?
    • How will you measure success? Many metrics can be tracked, if you’re clear about what’s important to you.

    Have you run a successful contest? If so, please share the link or your tips.

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    For more resources, see our Library topics Marketing and Social Networking.

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    ABOUT Lisa M. Chapman:

    Ms. Chapman’s new book has a name change! The Net-Powered Entrepreneur – A Step-by-Step Guide will be available very soon. With offices in Nashville Tennessee, but working virtually with international clients, Lisa M. Chapman serves her clients as a business and marketing coach, business planning consultant and social media consultant. As a Founder of iBrand Masters, a social media consulting firm, Lisa Chapman helps clients to establish and enhance their online brand, attract their target market, engage them in meaningful social media conversations, and convert online traffic into revenues. Email: Lisa @ LisaChapman.com

    Lisa Chapman