Viral Marketing Mistakes for Small Businesses

The internet has made it easier than ever for individuals and small businesses to market themselves via sites like Facebook and YouTube. However, techniques that may work for large companies may not work on a smaller scale.

The past decade has seen the rise of some of the biggest changes in marketing since the printing press was first invented. The ability to post videos online as well as to connect to existing and potential customers has made doing business online one of the quickest ways to gain a new following whether you are a business or an individual looking to give a boost to your career. However, some of the techniques that work well for bigger companies do not always translate well to small businesses and individuals.

If you have your marketing degree, you have already been taught that creating a website, a video, or starting an account on a social media site is only the first step in connecting with other users. One of the biggest mistakes that many marketers make when working on the small scale is in assuming that it is enough to post a video to YouTube or to start a Twitter and wait for the views and site visits to start rolling in.

It is also important to remember that as a marketer you are targeting a specific audience. While connection with other professionals with similar goals and products to yours can be a good way to share information and tips, it’s only by actually finding a way to connect to the customer or client that you can actually start doing business. Many marketing degree programs will teach individuals how to open the door to making these connections.

One thing that smaller businesses and individuals should remember is that once you do begin to connect with potential clients and customers, it is all right to break the “fourth wall” that exists between you and your audience. While it is appropriate for larger businesses to be somewhat formal, a smaller business can get away with speaking to their audience directly, asking questions, and even making a few friends along the way. 

By maintaining a casual relationship with clients, by doing large amounts of legwork, and by keeping in mind and targeting a specific audience, any small business or individual can have a successful marketing campaign. These techniques are usually all covered in a variety of marketing degree programs, and can be a good way of getting the exposure that you deserve.

Author bio: Meg Moore lives and works in Texas. She has attended both the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University.  She writes for Degree Dojo.