Getting your message to go viral is an increasingly difficult task. Everyday the amount of quality content on the interweb grows. There are literally millions of quality blog posts, award-winning photos and laugh-out-loud funny videos uploaded every hour.
To stand out amongst the crowd you need to develop content for, as Sally Hogshead states, “for your network’s network.”
You need to develop content that compels people to share with their friends and colleagues.
A great model for developing content for your ‘network’s network’ is to follow Chip and Dan Heath’s Success Model:
Simple
This doesn’t mean idiotic. It means trying to simplify your message so it’s easily shared. Try to distill your message into a quick, meaningful sound-byte. Your message should be easily explained and communicated. The longer and more complicated the message, the more likely it’ll be distorted during ‘transmission’.
Go for the unexpected
People notice the unexpected. It makes use stand up and pay attention. If you want your content to be shared you really need to take some chances. For example, Ben & Jerry’s Schweddy Balls must have caused the more conservative in the company to almost keel over. But you can’t argue with it’s success. My wall has been flooded with Schweddy Balls for days.
Be credible
Nobody wants to share a dud story with their network. Their street cred is linked with yours. Don’t expect your network to share your message if they don’t find what you say credible.
Fill your message with emotion
People remember emotions. It’s one of the fundamental ways we learn. Tug at the heart strings, make people chuckle, make em’ angry. You get the point. A good smattering of emotion can help your message punch through the clutter.
Tell stories
Stories are easier to remember. They’re easier to share. We all love a good story.
Do you have other suggestions? Leave a comment and add to the list.