Hey, Just wondering what everyones thoughts were on Viral Marketing. Does it still work or is out dated?
Viral marketing will always work in one way or another. If people are interested by a picture/video/podcast then it doesnt matter when or how it is spread around the internet, the public will want to see it and it will work. The only problem is being that genius that is able to create an internet media storm and create millions of views to the advert that you have. There are tricks to viral marketing, and only a few have been able to work them to a profitable way.
I have to agree with Platefish. It is different than other marketing "methods" (such as PPC ad, etc) which are done by the advertisers. Sometimes you cannot help but get Viral marketing done through whatever you are trying to sell or market. If the product/service/business is interesting enough, viral marketing (or word of mouth) will be come naturally.
It's not "outdated." It's just not controlled by you - and that is why it is so hard to use. You have to create and offer forward an excellent product or service, and then foster a community around it. That is how you can use viral marketing to your advantage. Otherwise, viral marketing will put you out of business (because lots of people will tell lots of other people that your product or service is crap!).