Let's Get Contagious

In an age where messages travel at lightning speed, everyone wants their content to go viral. Crafting a viral message, however, requires more than just creativity. It’s about striking the right chords, generating excitement, and encouraging people to share your message widely. In this article, we’ll dive into how you can make your message infectious and get people talking, sharing, and spreading the word—just like evangelism. But first, let’s explore five critical situations that make messages more contagious.

1. Crisis

When a crisis hits, people are eager to spread news quickly. Whether it’s a product recall or a data breach, if your message addresses a crisis, it becomes inherently more viral. The urgency behind crises drives conversations, encouraging people to warn or inform others.

Tip: Position your message to address an immediate issue or offer a solution to a pressing problem. Provide updates on how you are tackling the crisis or what action people should take next. This brings relevance and immediacy to your content.

2. Mission

Messages with a clear purpose or mission resonate deeply with people, making them more likely to get shared. Think about nonprofit organizations or social movements—when a message is linked to a cause or greater good, people are motivated to spread it further.

Tip: When framing your message, incorporate a clear mission that speaks to values or causes that people care about. You’ll not only generate engagement but also create a sense of community among those who share your values.

3. Problem

If your message solves a problem, you’ve got the perfect recipe for virality. People love to share solutions—whether it’s a life hack, a new technology, or advice on improving their lives. By presenting a common problem and offering a unique fix, you’re providing valuable content that others will want to pass along.

Example: “Tired of running out of battery at the worst times? Here’s the portable charger that lasts three times longer than the competition.”

4. Danger

Nothing grabs attention like the threat of danger. Whether it’s physical, financial, or emotional, danger alerts us, and we’re compelled to share it to protect others. Incorporating a sense of risk into your message can lead to higher engagement.

Tip: Frame your message around a potential danger and then offer a solution that alleviates the risk. For example, cybersecurity companies often use fear of data breaches to promote their protective services.

5. Opportunity

When people sense an opportunity—whether it’s to save money, improve their health, or gain something exclusive—they are motivated to spread the word. Messages that highlight time-sensitive offers, special deals, or limited-time access naturally attract attention and shares.

Tip: Create a sense of urgency around an exclusive opportunity. Phrases like “limited spots available” or “offer ends soon” tap into people’s fear of missing out (FOMO), encouraging them to act quickly.

The Key to Going Viral: Evangelism for Your Message

Evangelism is a powerful example of how people not only spread a message but also recruit others to do the same. To achieve this level of contagiousness, you need to tap into key triggers that always capture attention:

• News: People love sharing fresh information. Be the first to introduce breaking news or a groundbreaking development in your niche.
• Unique Results: Highlight how your product or message produces results that no one else can offer. The more distinct your offering, the more people will talk about it.
• The Unusual: Anything that’s out of the ordinary, strange, or unexpected gets people talking. Present your message in a way that surprises or intrigues your audience.
• Helping Others: When your message revolves around solving someone’s problem or offering help, it becomes much more shareable.
• Secrets: Everyone loves being in the know. Frame your message as a “secret” that few people are aware of, and you’ll spark curiosity and sharing.

Viral Marketing: Steps to Make Your Message Contagious Online

Now that you understand the basics of crafting contagious content, let’s dive into how to apply this in viral marketing. Traditional marketing still has value, but online and viral marketing should be your bread and butter. If executed correctly, your message can spread like wildfire across the internet. Here’s how:

1. Find an interesting idea that’s relevant and resonates with your audience.
2. Make it easy for people to experience or trial your product—people need to try things firsthand to believe in them.
3. Spread your idea through people who are in close contact with others. Influencers, key opinion leaders, and those with large followings can help boost the reach of your message.
4. Take advantage of existing communication methods—email, social media, messaging apps, and even in-person sharing.
5. Develop a way for people to try your product that draws more people in—referrals, “tell a friend” buttons, and incentives for sharing can all increase exposure.



Where to Use Viral Marketing

To maximize the reach of your message, focus on platforms that thrive on user engagement and sharing. Some top viral platforms include:

• YouTube
• Instagram Messenger
• TikTok
• Facebook Messenger
• Gmail
• "Tell A Friend" buttons
• E-Greeting cards

Tapping Into Word of Mouth (WOM) Marketing

Word of Mouth (WOM) marketing is another effective strategy for going viral. Here are six steps to leverage WOM on the internet:

1. Put WOM components on your website—such as social share buttons and “tell a friend” features.
2. Assign people to monitor your viral marketing efforts—engage with your audience and measure your campaign’s reach.
3. Place testimonials throughout your site to guide potential customers through the purchasing cycle.
4. Set up an email marketing campaign to regularly update and engage your audience.
5. Stay updated on industry recommendations so you can position your message accordingly.
6. Showcase customer success stories to demonstrate the real-world benefits of your products or services.

Final Thoughts: Contagion Starts With You

Going viral is no accident. By tapping into emotional triggers, focusing on unique results, and leveraging platforms where people are actively engaged, you can craft messages that spread far and wide. Whether you’re solving a crisis, offering a solution to a common problem, or highlighting a unique opportunity, the key to virality is to get people not only talking but also recruiting others to share your message.

So, let’s get contagious—start crafting your viral message today!