Can You ‘Make’ Your Content Go Viral?

For many bloggers and content marketers, going viral is the ultimate goal. There is so much content out there competing for attention, it’s easy for yours to get lost in the crowd—and viral content is the best way to reach a lot of people, quickly.

Of course, you can’t choose what content will go viral. Factors such as timing and crowd appeal are largely out of your control, and there are indefinable elements that contribute to the virality of a message. If it were possible to “make” something viral, everyone would do it.

But you can give your content the best opportunities to achieve viral status. These tips will help you create content that’s loaded with viral potential and ready to boost your blog or website.

Hook Into the News

One good way to create viral content is to look to the latest trending headlines in news media. Whether it’s an upcoming holiday, celebrity gossip, the latest political upset, or a talk show war on social media—if it’s in the news, people are talking about it.

You can tie your content into newsworthy events and generate more interest. For example, relate luck to your topics around St. Patrick’s Day, or look at the latest television or celebrity story through the lens of your expertise. Use a compelling headline to grab readers’ interest.

Solve a Problem

When people have problems—whether it’s with broad subjects like family or career, or specific issues like how to get a wad of gum out of your hair—they usually turn to the Internet for answers. If you can write content that solves a problem, you’ve got a great chance at being read and shared widely.

Think about the kind of problems that your ideal readers might have, and develop content that helps solve those problems.

Evoke an Emotional Response

It’s good to have interesting, informative content. This is a staple of any medium—the kind of thing that people read (or watch, or listen to), think well, that’s interesting, and then move on with their day.

Viral content generates a stronger reaction. It makes people laugh, cry, or get angry or passionate. Above all, it makes them want to share that emotion with others. Creating emotional content can help you increase your reach quickly.

Shine the Spotlight on Others

Creating content about other people, blogs, and companies can actually help you get more traction for your own content.

A piece is more likely to go viral when it meets the needs of your audience. Tapping into the vast store of expertise out there and sharing the most relevant content from others not only establishes you as a good source of information, but also spreads goodwill and empowerment.

Keep in mind that your content marketing should not always be about you and what you do. Even if you’re just helping to generate more buzz for something that’s already trending, when you offer interesting or entertaining content, your viewers will keep coming back to you for more.

Make Sharing Simple

Creating content with viral potential is only the first of a two-step process. The second step is to make it easy for readers or viewers to find and share your content.

Whenever you have a new blog post up, be sure to mention it through your social media channels. Post or tweet a link with a short, catchy sentence or phrase that gets people interested. On the post itself, make sure you have plenty of ways for readers to share with a click through email and social media.

Content marketing with a viral intent is one of the most effective ways to grow your readership and attract new customers. Have you ever had your content go viral? Tell your story in the comments!

Image courtesy of The Hobby Blogger