Going Viral: The Digital Lottery and How to Really Win on Social Media
First things first: Everyone wants to go viral, but not everyone will. That's not pessimism; it's reality.
In today's hyper-connected world, going viral is the digital equivalent of catching a unicorn. It's the dream: wake up one morning to find your content has exploded overnight, and your follower count has skyrocketed. But let's snap back to reality quicker than you can double-tap on Instagram. Achieving viral status is like winning the lottery—thrilling, yes, but not a strategy to bank on.
What should you focus on instead? I've got you...
1. Real Metrics for Real Success
You know when you do a fad diet, and you lose 10 pounds in two weeks? It's thrilling but muted when you end the diet and gain half of it back. Trying to find followers quickly is like that. Instead, aim for a steady increase in engagement and followers each month. Seeing a consistent upward trend in your follower count month by month? Now, that’s winning. Remember, slow and steady can still win the race - the tortoise wasn't wrong.
2. Define Your Own Success
Don't enter into a social strategy without understanding your goal. If it's generating leads or driving sales, then focus there. Don't get sidetracked by the vanity metrics of views and likes. If you're smashing your sales targets, who cares if your latest video didn’t break the internet? Quality over quantity isn’t just a cliché; it’s a successful strategy.
3. Dare to Differ
To stand out, you've got to shake things up occasionally. Consider this: walking the dog one afternoon, I swapped my usual audiobook for a podcast—Marketing Secrets by Russell Brunson. The episode? A revelation on organic growth. After a stagnant year on Instagram, a business owner switched from scripted reels to authentic, live reactions. The result? His followers doubled overnight. This tale isn’t just about being genuine; it's a testament to the magic of trying new things. Sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to discover what truly resonates with your audience.
4. Authenticity is Your Ace
In a sea of sameness, being authentic is your best bet. Sure, researching competitors or industry leaders for strategies is smart, but what about the execution? That has to be all you. Authenticity builds trust, and trust builds a loyal customer base. In a world where everyone is selling something, being genuine isn't just nice; it’s necessary.
5. Look to Realistic Goals
So, forget about going viral as your end-all-be-all - it may never happen. Focus on building genuine connections, experimenting with your approach, and defining success on your terms. And remember, whether it’s a new podcast or a fresh marketing strategy, never underestimate the power of trying something new. You might not go viral, but you'll definitely build a business you're excited about.