Brad Powers

This video is one of many created by BlendTec, and is a part of the company’s viral marketing campaign. Tom Dickson, the company founder, wanted to show the strength of his blenders, and so began a series of videos in which he attempts to blend various items, including an iPhone, marbles, credit cards, Bic lighters and more. Curiosity, as well as the sheer absurdity of the idea, drew an enormous crowd of viewers, and these videos are now well known across the globe. Viral marketing experts such as Brad Powers are undoubtedly familiar with this advertising technique, as well as many others.

Online marketing experts like Brad Powers understand that viral marketing is a cheap, easy way to get your message out, or promote a product or brand name. The most successful viral marketers today use social networks like Facebook, along with a bit of creativity, to spread their messages like wildfire.

There are a few things that you should know if you plan on partaking in a viral campaign. First, make sure your message can be easily shared, linked to and bookmarked. Make sure the format allows for copying or embedding on other sites, as this is the key aspect of viral marketing. Be sure to have your message accessible to all. People should not be required to register, download or unlock any sort of codes in order to view your message. Accessing your message should be free and simple; this way more and more people will enjoy it, and share it!

Google is well-known as one of the largest companies in the world- with the smallest advertising budget. They have managed this by using a strategy that produces an enormous amount of word-of-mouth advertising, or, viral marketing. Viral marketing is an advertising technique which uses videos, photos, articles or audio clips which are ‘cool’, interesting or amusing that are spread throughout a large social group.

In Google’s case, their “Gmail” email service was available only for people who had been invited in by current members. The Gmail rules created the feeling of some sort of elite club, and drew its social networking-users into the role of salesmen. Viral marketing professionals such as Brad Powers are familiar with this, and various other marketing techniques which are used throughout the web.

Online marketing experts such as Brad Powers are familiar with the various strategies used in increasing online sales or popularity. Here are a few ideas for new entrepreneurs:

• Articles and tutorials attract a lot of online traffic, especially if they’re free. Choose topics that people find interesting or seek information on, and watch as your site climbs higher in the ranking.
• Use newsletters on your site. This may encourage your subscribers to forward it on, and will also increase search engine visibility.
• People always forward amusing, shocking or informational items on. These can be created in the form of videos, games, images and more.

Remember- viral marketing doesn’t have to be only online. Plenty of other products and items have been made popular in this method, such as the Livestrong bracelets from Nike.