Difference Between Viral Marketing and Conventional Marketing

Viral Marketing vs Conventional Marketing

Many are amazed with the term viral marketing when they hear it. What has virus got to do with marketing is what their natural response is. Nearly all of us are aware of the concept of marketing as we are subject to it in the form of billboards, promotional emails, advertisements on TV and the net. But ask any person the difference between viral marketing and conventional marketing, and chances are that you would draw a blank. This article will explain the differences between the two concepts to let you choose one that is more effective if and when you need it.

Many would seem to agree if they are aware of the concept of multi level marketing. In words, viral marketing is any strategy that encourages and motivates people who get the marketing message to pass on to others, thus creating potential for exponential growth in the influence and exposure of the message.

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This would be the simplest definition of viral marketing without using a word. Rapid multiplication, just like it happens in the case of viruses is what is sought in the case of viral marketing. Thus the message cuts across thousands and perhaps, hundreds of thousands in comparison to conventional marketing where it is the brick by brick approach that is time consuming and not so rewarding. But this is applicable only on the internet using social networking sites where the message is so interesting and convincing that members are forced to spread it out of their own volition.

Off the net, viral marketing is referred to as word of mouth or creating a buzz but the name viral marketing has stuck when it comes to internet. There are many factors at work in viral marketing which are as follows

• It gives away freebies

• Allows easy transfer to others

• Snowballs in a very short time period

• Takes advantage of human behavior

• Makes use of existing networks

Viral Marketing vs Conventional Marketing

The differences with conventional marketing are clear cut for anyone to see. However, everything is not as rosy as it seems as there are problems of integrity of the message as it passes and also uncertainty and unpredictability as to which is the message that will catch on like a wildfire and which will not.

Conventional marketing is under your control but viral marketing is uncontrollable. Conventional marketing is targeted and is sure to deliver results. The same cannot be said about viral marketing. In viral marketing, you communicate with only a hundred who will each spread the message to another hundred whereas in conventional marketing you have to reach out to each and every audience.