Cracking the Code to Social Media Stardom: The Unwritten Rules of Going Viral

So, going viral—it's like the ultimate dream in social media, right? It's that magical moment when your content takes off like a rocket, and everyone's talking about it. Just thinking about it makes you imagine a choir of angels belting out a heavenly tune.

Everyone, from big brands to small businesses, wants to hit that viral sweet spot. They're all in on the viral marketing game, hoping to catch lightning in a bottle. But how do you, as a small business, even stand a chance? Is it just luck, a secret handshake with the social media gods, or do you need a team of lab-coat-wearing scientists?

Well, here's the scoop: the chances of going viral are like winning the lottery—1 in a million. You've got better odds of winning a Grammy or getting bit by a shark. But hold on, don't start writing that acceptance speech or sharpening your harpoon just yet. Luck does play a part, but there are some common themes behind viral social media success that can seriously up your game.

Let's dive into some real-life examples and spill the beans on these secrets so you can sprinkle some viral magic on your own brand.

Quick Question: Do You REALLY Want to Go Viral?

Before you dive headfirst into the viral ocean, let's pause for a sec. Going viral isn't always rainbows and unicorns—just ask Peloton or, more recently, Kyte Baby. Peloton’s Christmas ad, meant to spread holiday cheer, ended up costing them a cool $1.6 billion. Ouch. And the backlash to Kyte Baby forced them to go dark.

Check out our Top 9 Social Media Brand Blowbacks on Instagram!

Sure, going viral can do wonders for your biz, like BlendTec's "Will it blend?" campaign or Duolingo on TikTok. But beware, not all publicity is good publicity. There are plenty of examples that serve as cautionary tales, so tread lightly.

Now, let's get into it!

The 11 Sneaky Tricks for Viral Social Media Stardom

Shareable:

• Duh, right? But seriously, if your content isn't easily shareable, you're just playing tag with obscurity. Create a catchy hashtag, spread your content across platforms, and watch it spread like wildfire.?

Hit The Feels:

• Get ready to play the emotion card. Viral campaigns hit you right in the feels—joy, laughter, surprise, inspiration. It's all about that emotional rollercoaster. Keep'em laughing, crying, or cheering, and you're golden.

Be Bold:

• Go bold, be daring. Think Dollar Shave Club levels of boldness. Catch attention from the get-go, and you'll have viewers hooked and craving more.

Focus on Your Audience, Not Your Brand:

• Forget excessive branding. Your content is not a billboard. Make it about your audience, entertain them, and watch the magic happen. Use our Content Rankings tool to learn more about what they like!

Build a Bond:

• Bonds are like social media superglue. Encourage user-generated content, spark conversations, and watch your content spread faster than wildfire in a dry forest.

Be Real:

• Honesty is cool. Burger King spilled the beans about preservatives, and even though it divided opinions, it worked. Be real, be you, and your customers will love you more for it.

Tell a Story:

• People love a good story. It doesn't have to be an epic saga; a simple, unexpected twist can work wonders. And hey, featuring an underdog never hurt, either.

Be Original:

• Stand out by being you. You don't need a totally new idea; just put a fresh spin on something familiar. Originality with fun familiarity is key. Our Content Rankings tool gives you an inside peek into what worked for other brands in your industry and beyond. Use it for inspiration!

Play with Assumptions:

• Challenge the norm, stir the pot. Always did it with their ad challenging societal norms, and REI closed its doors on Black Friday, creating a buzz with #optoutside. It's all about breaking assumptions.

Use Trends:

• Jump on trends, but do it right. Lil Nas X nailed it by teasing his album with pregnant emojis, riding the wave of Drake's album buzz. Stay trendy, stay relevant. But be careful with trending hashtags, and make sure you know what they are about. In an attempt to join a trending hashtag, DiGiorno used #WhyIStayed without understanding its context. The hashtag was about serious personal stories, and DiGiorno faced backlash for making light of a sensitive issue. You can use our real-time conversation tool to stay on top of trending topics before they peak!

Partner with an Influencer:

• If you're feeling lost, team up with an influencer. Procter & Gamble joined forces with TikTok sensation Charli D'Amelio during the pandemic, and the results were sweet—millions of likes and user-generated content galore. Picking the right influencer is essential, and the hot name of the day may not be a good fit for your brand. Use our social listening tool and influencer rankings to make sure you have a Charli & Procter style match instead of a Kendall & Pepsi vibe.?

There you have it, the secret sauce to social media stardom. Going viral might be a bit like catching lightning in a bottle, but armed with these tricks, you'll be wielding that bottle like a social media wizard in no time. Good luck, and may your content light up the digital skies! ???

Do you want to talk to a social media expert about what your brand needs to shoot to the stars? Hit us up to learn more about how ListenFirst can help!