viral content

If you ask a marketing professional what they want for Christmas, their number one wish would probably be that their content go viral. When content such as a photo, video or blog spreads very quickly and spontaneously, it can go a long way in spreading brand recognition. The question is what can you do to make your content go viral? While there’s no scientific method to ensure the content your create goes viral, there can be certain things you can do to increase your chances for your content to be embraced and shared at a higher rate.

The main goal is for the content to connect with the audience to a degree that inspires them to share it. While it’s impossible to predict what content will inspire people to share, there are a few elements that viral content has in common.

Here are few tips that may help you create shareable content:

Connect on an emotional level

People are more likely to share content with others if they feel an emotional connection with the content. Content that arouses either a positive or negative emotion usually gets more clicks. Now you know why so many videos on social media include babies or dogs—it makes people smile!Another emotion that can be quiet strong is anger or outrage. A lot of content on twitter goes viral because it makes people angry. People tend to share what they are furious about. The only issue with viral outrage is that it also generate alot of negative comments and creates online arguments.

Make people laugh

Laughter is the key to making content viral. If you give people something to laugh about, it is more likely to get shared and get more clicks. This is the most tried and tested method of viral content—most content goes viral is because it was hilarious. People are definitely more likely to share your content if it makes them laugh.

Give good advice

A large amount of viral content on Facebook and YouTube are “How To” videos. The growth of food-related content that provides viewers with recipes and demonstrations of food preparation can attest to this. By teaching your audience something they may not already know, it can make their lives easier and your content more shareable. Just remember, your advice or tip should be for your audience. It should be something they can use and benefit from, rather than a way to self-promote.

Deliver what you promise

We all know how clickbait works. It’ll grab your attention with a headline and you think to yourself ‘I need to know what’s next’. Then once you click on it, it doesn’t answer your question or give you the information you expected. Don’t claim to provide something initially and then back off on your promise. Make sure you deliver what you promise!

Have luck on your side

Last but not least, viral content is also just a matter of luck. You might check all the boxes above, but without luck on your side, there’s not much you can do. Outstanding content is just step one. Step two, three and four are all based on people reading your content at the right time in the right place.

ronn torossian 5wpr ceo
-Ronn Torossian – 5WPR CEO – Founder of 5W Public Relations
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Ronn Torossian is the Founder & Chairman of 5W Public Relations, one of the largest independently owned PR firms in the United States. Since founding 5WPR in 2003, he has led the company's growth and vision, with the agency earning accolades including being named a Top 50 Global PR Agency by PRovoke Media, a top three NYC PR agency by O'Dwyers, one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces and being awarded multiple American Business Awards, including a Stevie Award for PR Agency of the Year. With over 25 years of experience crafting and executing powerful narratives, Torossian is one of America's most prolific and well-respected public relations executives. Throughout his career he has advised leading and high-growth businesses, organizations, leaders and boards across corporate, technology and consumer industries. Torossian is known as one of the country's foremost experts on crisis communications. He has lectured on crisis PR at Harvard Business School, appears regularly in the media and has authored two editions of his book, "For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results With Game-Changing Public Relations," which is an industry best-seller. Torossian's strategic, resourceful approach has been recognized with numerous awards including being named the Stevie American Business Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, the American Business Awards PR Executive of the Year, twice over, an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year semi-finalist, a Top Crisis Communications Professional by Business Insider, Metropolitan Magazine's Most Influential New Yorker, and a recipient of Crain's New York Most Notable in Marketing & PR. Outside of 5W, Torossian serves as a business advisor to and investor in multiple early stage businesses across the media, B2B and B2C landscape. Torossian is the proud father of two daughters. He is an active member of the Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and a board member of multiple not for profit organizations.