Review: Going Viral: Marketing for a New Generation
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 9, 2013
Since internet marketing is the new name of the game, with traditional marketing and advertising on the decline, viral marketing is every online entrepreneur's end goal. "Viral: How to Spread Your Ideas Like a Virus" distills the components of what makes an idea--in video, photo, giveaway, or other form--go viral and capture the attention of millions (or tens of millions and more in some cases).The author gives a short history of early viral successes, and throughout the book also gives examples of more current successes--for example, the singer Susan Boyle. The stress is on keeping the message simple, giving unique value, and using an easily transmittable vehicle.The chapters go in depth on how to craft a story that draws an audience, and also address relevance, using analytics, developing a message, and using a call to action.I hadn't really aspired to viral marketing before, but this book does make it seem attainable; while I would have liked a few more examples of viral marketing and its successes and failures, I liked the author's conversational style and straightforward advice.I would recommend this book for those entrepreneurs who are aspiring beyond the traditional methods of advertising/marketing; even if you're not particularly looking to go viral, the advice about message, value, etc. is spot-on and would be helpful to any promotion.