In the digital age, creating content that resonates with an audience and encourages them to share is the holy grail of online marketing. Shareable content not only amplifies brand awareness but also establishes credibility and drives engagement. But how can you craft content that goes viral? Let’s explore actionable strategies, supported by real-life examples of successful campaigns.
1. Understand Your Audience’s Emotions
Content that sparks strong emotional reactions—whether it’s joy, surprise, anger, or empathy—is more likely to be shared. Research shows that emotions drive engagement. The key is to align the emotional tone of your content with your target audience's values and interests.
Example: Always’ “Like a Girl” Campaign
The Always campaign “Like a Girl” redefined a phrase that was often used as an insult, empowering young girls and women. This emotionally charged video gained over 90 million views and was shared widely because it resonated with its audience, sparking a conversation about gender stereotypes.
2. Leverage Relatability and Humor
People love content they can see themselves in—or that makes them laugh. Relatable, humorous content creates a personal connection, encouraging audiences to share with their networks. Here at ELSCEDRES we always try and make our videos fun and easy for people to relate to, if you need some examples for you, contact us now.
3. Tell a Story
Stories create a narrative that captivates the audience, making the content memorable and share-worthy. When told well, stories humanize brands, foster trust, and encourage sharing.
Example: Dove’s “Real Beauty Sketches”
Dove’s campaign featured women describing themselves to a forensic artist, compared with how others described them. The contrast highlighted how self-critical many women are. This emotional storytelling struck a chord globally, amassing millions of shares.
4. Focus on Simplicity and Value
Content that is easy to understand and provides immediate value—whether it’s practical advice, a useful tool, or inspirational quotes—tends to perform well. We here try to create such content, providing valuable tips and information.
5. Utilize Visuals and Multimedia
Visuals—such as eye-catching graphics, videos, and infographics—are more engaging than text alone. High-quality, impactful visuals increase the likelihood of your content being shared. Our expert has the tools for making this happen and we are always ready to help.
6. Tap into Trends and Challenges
Riding the wave of trending topics or challenges can help your content reach a broader audience. Social media challenges, in particular, offer an excellent opportunity for user-generated content.
Example: ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
The Ice Bucket Challenge became a viral phenomenon, raising over $220 million for ALS research. The simple challenge format, combined with a good cause, encouraged millions of participants to create and share videos.
7. Encourage Interaction
Interactive content—like polls, quizzes, or user-generated campaigns—actively involves your audience, increasing the likelihood of shares.
Example: Starbucks’ #RedCupContest
Starbucks asked customers to design their holiday cups and share them on social media using the hashtag #RedCupContest. This user-generated content campaign resulted in thousands of entries and extensive social media buzz.
8. Optimize for Sharing
Make it easy for people to share your content. Include prominent social sharing buttons, use clear CTAs (Call to Actions), and create content that works across different platforms.
In conclusion, creating shareable content is both an art and a science. By understanding your audience, tapping into their emotions, and leveraging the power of storytelling, visuals, and trends, you can craft campaigns that resonate deeply and inspire action.