Fresh, good content that is released for free distribution is still the most sensible vehicle to attract more people to your site and make your brand more recognizable. As such, it pays to ensure having a number of viral content. Or, if you have not started producing some viral content for your business, it is time to give it some serious consideration.
Tips to Improve Make a Viral Content
Of course, creating content that people are eager to share is not easy as there is no exact formula for it. In most cases, it involves trial and error as well as luck. However, do not let this stop you from trying. There are things you can do to improve your chances of making viral content, below are some of them.
1. Make Content That Elicits Emotional Response
In a study co-authored by Jonah Berger and Katy Milkman entitled “Social Transmission, Emotion, and the Virality of Online Content” they have found that the best content is one that evokes emotions.
However, this is not just about heart-wrenching stories. Berger and Milkman’s study also found that most people are interested to share positive content–those that inspire awe, amusement and surprise as well as content that is practically useful.
However, negative content that inspires anxiety or anger also gets shared more than content that is too safe, advertorial or overly branded. The point here is to create a mix of content that arouses emotions, with unusual angles, useful data, and actionable advice.
2. Collaborate on Content
If you are into guest blogging or are planning to include it in your content marketing strategy, try not to pitch bloggers with your finished content.
According to top blogger Jeff Bullas, rather than doing this, try to collaborate with top-tier writers in your industry. Know what topics or content they want that also appeal to their audience: Are they into infographics, interviews or videos? Do they have specific topics in mind?
Knowing the writers’ beat beforehand will help you accomplish two things. First is come up with viral content ideas that will appeal both to the writers and their followers and second is to strengthen your relationship with those who know your industry well.
3. Mind Your Headline
One key for a viral content is the headline.
Remember that your headline is the first thing people will see when they encounter your content. So it can either encourage or discourage them to go on reading and sharing or simply abandon what you are trying to offer. For sure, you do not want the latter to happen. Hence, the best thing you can do to keep them hooked is to make a great headline.
What is a great headline made of? Many writers’ advice on using numbers, interesting adjectives, and trigger words like what, when, why or how. You may also use a headline that promises readers something that is of use to them but be sure that you will be able to deliver what you have promised.
4. Timing Matters
Timing is crucial if you want a viral content. So aside from creating fresh and relevant content, you should also schedule posting it at a time when your target audience can actually see it.
Wondering when you should be sharing your output on social media that can result to a viral content? According to Fannit.com the best times to post on major social media sites like Facebook, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+ are as follows:
Facebook: 6am – 8am and 2pm – 5pm on weekdays
Pinterest: 2pm – 4pm and 8pm – 11pm on Saturdays
LinkedIn: 7am – 8:30am and 5pm – 6 pm weekdays
Twitter: 1pm – 3pm on weekends
Google+: 9am – 11am weekdays
5. Make It Long
Keep it short and simple used to be the norm when it comes to content writing. However, this has changed when search engines implemented stricter rules when it comes to posting content to prevent spam. Today, if you want your content to be shared, make a longer one because this shows that you take the time to do your research to deliver something relevant to your audience. To avoid boring people, consider using a variety of formats such as infographics, lists, videos, etc.
Do note that not all the content you will make will instantly go viral. As such, you need to be patient and consistent to get things right. If you are unable to make your own content, consider outsourcing it to a company that can do the job for you, such as PrimeOutsourcing. Just make sure to provide all the necessary details so that the content you want will be delivered to you. Contact us today and get in touch with our professional web content writers.
