If there's one term that's been buzzing around social media like an over-caffeinated bee, it's "going viral."
Last week, we took a closer look at the psychology behind viral social media trends, highlighting some key factors that most viral trends have in common.
If you missed it, you can check it out here.
Today, we’ll discuss why going viral isn’t, in fact, the golden ticket to business success you might think it to be.
Yes, it’s tempting to assume that a viral video, reaching millions of people, is the jackpot for your business. But we’re here to explain why you shouldn’t chase your content going viral. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Going Viral: What Does It Mean?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's define what "going viral" means for businesses.
It's when your content spreads across the internet like wildfire, gaining massive attention, likes, shares, and comments. It's like winning the social media lottery, right?
Well, not quite. You see, the viral craze can be a double-edged sword. Let's explore why.
Virality ≠ Business Success
It's a common misconception that going viral automatically translates into business growth.
While your video might have reached millions, it doesn't guarantee those viewers will become loyal customers.
Turning views into sales requires a well-thought-out marketing strategy and nurturing relationships with your audience.
The Fleeting Nature of Virality
Remember that video of the squirrel water-skiing? It was all the rage for about a week, and then no one spoke about it anymore.
Going viral often means enjoying your fifteen minutes of fame, and that's about it. The internet has a notoriously short attention span.
Viral Content May Not Align with Your Brand
Imagine a high-end fashion brand suddenly going viral for a quirky dance video.
It might get views, but it could also dilute the brand's identity.
Viral content doesn't always align with your brand values or long-term goals.
Managing Viral Attention Can Be Overwhelming
When your content goes viral, you might find yourself drowning in comments, messages, and mentions.
Managing this sudden influx of attention can be overwhelming and may divert your focus from other essential business tasks.
And while going viral doesn’t always translate to actual sales, you might still see an increase in sales. Would your business be able to handle a sudden flood of extra orders?
The Risk of Misinterpretation
Humor or sarcasm can be easily misinterpreted, leading to backlash or negative publicity.
In the age of cancel culture, one misstep can harm your brand's reputation.
Virality May Not Equal Long-Term Success
Viral content can be a fluke. It doesn't necessarily indicate that your business is built to last.
Long-term success is more about consistent growth, customer satisfaction, and adaptability. You want to build a sustainable business with loyal customers, and this simply takes time.
The Stress of Replicating Success
Once you've tasted viral success, there's often immense pressure to replicate it. This can lead to chasing trends, compromising on quality, and eventually burning out.
Viral Content Doesn't Guarantee Engagement
Your viral post might get millions of views, but engagement, like comments and shares, can be surprisingly low.
Many viewers are passive scrollers who won't engage with your brand.
Generally speaking, having an engaged audience is a sign for a loyal audience as not many people take the time to interact with your posts. Virality can mess up your analytics, and consequently harm your future social media performance.
FAQ
Shouldn't businesses strive for virality to reach a larger audience quickly?
While reaching a large audience quickly is tempting, virality often comes with challenges.
The fleeting nature of viral content means that the attention may not translate into long-term success.
It's often more effective for businesses to focus on sustainable growth and building a loyal customer base.
Can going viral help my business increase sales and revenue?
Going viral can bring attention to your business, but it doesn't guarantee increased sales and revenue.
Converting viral views into actual customers requires a well-thought-out marketing strategy and a product or service that meets customer needs.
What's the harm in trying to create viral content occasionally?
There's no harm in trying to create viral content, but it's essential to maintain a balanced approach.
Relying solely on viral content can lead to inconsistency and may not align with your brand's identity and long-term goals.
If I don't aim to go viral, won't I miss out on significant opportunities for growth?
Not necessarily. While viral content can bring short-term spikes in attention, long-term success is often built on consistent, quality content and meaningful engagement with your audience.
Focusing on creating value and building trust with your customers can lead to more sustainable growth over time.
In Conclusion: The Viral Illusion
So, there you have it, our reality check on the often misunderstood concept of going viral.
While it can be a thrilling experience and might offer short-term benefits, it's not the ultimate goal for most businesses.
Instead, focus on building a sustainable, loyal customer base through consistent, high-quality content, and meaningful engagement.
That's the real path to lasting success on social media.
Are you interested in working with a social media expert to meet your business goals?
Reach out today.
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