Want to go viral? Start tuning into this series. We are going to cover many aspects of going viral.

 

Last week,

It was an introduction to the series. Sort of getting to understand, who we are really appealing to on the internet… that is PEOPLE! 

We started with the human factor. And how we relate to what we see on the internet. Often it’s because of what we already know, and how we feel about it. That is the way we respond to what we see. 

And now today:

We are going to talk about people’s reaction to what they see. 

Instant response:

• If people don’t respond instantly to what they see, whether it’s your post, photo or video, it won’t go viral. 

Quite a bold statement that is, don’t you think?! But very important! 

From what we already know, 

We judge what we see. And if it isn’t what we expect, we gasp.  

“Oh that’s so wrong!” is your instant thought. The very fact that it’s not what you expected, what do you do? You quickly re-assess the situation. “It just can’t be true!” 

And on the second assessment, you burst out laughing, because you suddenly saw the funny side of it. 

Gripping attention:

• What got you attention? First: The oddity of what you saw. 
• Your reaction was due to your feelings about it. 

And to get that attention:

The statement or design of it needs to be… BOLD. And in its very boldness, it was simply put across without any unnecessary frills. 

This photo went viral a few years back. So don't re-post it now. But as an illustration, it is very simply bold and very funny. Maybe because it isn't what people would expect of a dog's behaviour. 

The next fact:

The action of what we saw wasn’t what we expected either. It was odd behaviour. 

Going back to last week’s analogy and the story of our cat who couldn’t see the rat at first, in our chest of drawers. 

•  Our cat didn’t expect to see a rat in our house. Outside yes, in the grass or in the bushes, but not when the cat was sleeping so peacefully indoors. 
• I had disturbed the cat. Took it out of its comfort zone, out of its usual routine! 
• When the cat did see the rat, both were mesmerized… unbelieving! It took a little while to assess the situation. 

So what are we talking about here?

It is important to do something different, in a bold way, to get people’s instant attention. 

• And in order to be bold, your post must come across as simple as possible. Making the statement or image clear, that anyone can understand it instantly. 
• Been different also means doing things in unique and original ways. Because it’s un-usual, that gets people’s attention. 
• And because it is different, they’re intrigued and want to know more about it. And when they see that it is dynamic or shocking and way-out, they want to show their friends. “Everyone must see this for sure! Oh no, they mustn’t miss this!”