Comments on: How to truly go viral

By: Lara Kretler

Lara Kretler — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:25:30 +0000

Thanks, Ms Single Mama. It’s always an honor and a pleasure to have you come by my humble blog. And you’re so right – sponsoring something that’s already awesome is a great way to connect your brand with awesomeness (rather than trying to create something contrived). Hmmm, now someone needs to brand or sponsor “Christian the Lion” who is going insanely viral right now!

By: Ms. Single Mama

Ms. Single Mama — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:47:19 +0000

Excellent post.

And this is true if you are writing your own blog…make your readers FEEL something.

And another way – like Stride gum did – take something that already exists and sponsor it. That seems to be the most logical way for corporations to get in on it. People, in my generation at least, are much less inclined to pass something around that a company produced.

By: larak

larak — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 03:24:19 +0000

Christina, thanks so much for visiting and yes, it figures you’d love Matt’s video of his travels.

And, I agree with you about Professor Pausch’s Last Lecture – definitely a powerful viral video that fills viewers with many feelings. What a legacy he left behind. I feel honored to be able to watch that video and learn from him.

By: Christina Christian

Christina Christian — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:04:44 +0000

What a surprise, Lara!? I chose to comment on a travel tagged blog entry.

Just when I didn’t think Friday at 10-to-weekend o’clock could feel any better… I go and read your entry and can’t stop smiling at Matt’s video!

It is so simple, yet so powerful; and all began unintentionally. That simplicity is what people identify most with. As professionals poised with the challenge to develop that next viral campaign, I think it’s important to take a step back and strip down to the raw basics. Some of the best ideas are right there in front of you. Easier said than done though, right?

With that said, I’m a better dancer than Matt Harding – and LOVE to travel! Who wants to sponsor ME?!?!?!

Want feeling? RIP Randy Pausch.

By: larak

larak — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 17:33:16 +0000

Megan, I love the Free Hugs one too. It is another one that fills you with joy and happiness – so I love passing it along to others!

By: MsCatalysta

MsCatalysta — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:08:01 +0000

I have never seen that video before! It’s amazing! What a fantastic thing to do.
Try checking out “Juan Mann- Free Hugs Campaign” on Youtube. That will make you almost cry. SUCH an amazing viral video that I’ve seen all over lately. It’s truly uplifting.

By: larak

larak — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 01:09:55 +0000

Shane, awesome case study – thank you for sharing that here! I love it.

By: Shane Haggerty

Shane Haggerty — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:46:39 +0000

Lara,
I attended a Ragan Communications Conference last September about social media/Web 2.0. One of the speakers they had there was the PR person for Blendtec, a small B2B company that makes what they claim to be the most powerful, industrial strength blenders. They had no budget for major advertising, so their PR person came up with the viral campaign “Will it Blend?” While I am sure this case study on great viral marketing is well-known in the marketing world, I thought I would share it quickly as a comment here as well b/c it goes to the heart of what you are saying. These cheaply produced videos starring the companies CEO (who thankfully has charm and charisma) are campy and embrace the “viral” look (authentic, transparent, grainy, “real”) and they touch on a common them amongst some of the most famous viral videos–HUMOR! This seems to be the most valuable feeling a viral campaign can bring to the table. Anyways, the Blendtec campaign videos are so popular, sales went through the roof, the company was featured on CNBC, Good Morning America, etc. gaining great PR (and free!) and the company managed to reach their goals and beyond.
Here is a link to Blendtec’s YouTube channel. They are still doing their schtick!
http://www.youtube.com/user/Blendtec