I was at the NWEN First Look Forum on Tuesday and heard one of the presenting entrepreneurs say that their marketing plan consisted of launching a viral video which featured their new product with testimonials.
What?
Is that how easy it is? I had no idea. Obviously, I have been doing things all wrong for years!
I am no where near an expert in Viral Video, however I know the following: a viral video doesn’t equal a marketing plan, featuring your product with testimonials in the video isn’t viral, if that is your plan there is a tough row to hoe.
Viral videos are made so by audience, not the marketer. I can’t even begin to fathom how many “viral videos” have been created that received at most ten views. Only the audience can determine if a video will go viral. From what I have seen, viral videos have include the following: hilarious, thought provoking, ironic, satire, etc. Product placements very rarely make the cut.
So, when launching a startup, have a full marketing plan that includes everything that makes sense for your business model. If you put all your eggs in one basket, you are prone to fail.
About nathan kaiser
The other one I hear a lot now from entrepreneurs is their marketing plan includes creating a Twitter account and getting lots of followers. Being trendy does not equal having a marketing plan.
I completely agree with you. When I heard that part of the pitch, I assumed that she didn’t really mean a *viral* video — I assumed that she meant an informative video that she would somehow get people to watch. But that’s not a marketing plan either.