In the ever-changing world of technology and marketing, it now seems that the inbound marketing methodology is no longer effective. That’s right, check out the breaking news story here.

According to CNN, FOX News, and MSNBC, inbound marketing is ineffective.

We here at IMPACT are just as surprised as you are. We’ve been pouring over these news stories all morning trying to make sense of these most recent reports, all of which are stating that the inbound marketing methodology is simply not effective.

So be sure to check out these sources and let us know what you think. We’ll discuss our thoughts on the matter as well.

Never Gonna Give You Up

Come on! You couldn’t have possibly believed that for a second! We here at IMPACT would never steer you wrong. Inbound Marketing is as effective as ever, we promise.  We’re never gonna give it up!

P.S. You’re welcome. Everyone could use a little more Rick Astley in their lives.

Be sure to check out our FREE eBook, “10 Reasons Why You Should Hire an Inbound Marketing Agency.”

Going Viral

As far as viral online videos go, Rick Astley is king. For whatever reason, the Internet sensation started in the mid-2000’s as a way or tricking online users who thought they were clicking on a legitimate link to a relevant topic regarding whatever website they were visiting. It was dubbed being “rick roll’d.”

It’s a classic bait and switch. The user is fooled with a cloaked link, and later brought to a YouTube video of Astley’s hit song, “Never Gonna Give You Up.”

Between the two popular “rick roll” videos on YouTube, they’ve amassed over 100 million views.

Talk about going viral!

Going “viral” refers to a video gaining rapid popularity and generating millions of views, going so far as to become a household name in some cases.

David After Dentist, Star Wars Kid, & Scarlet Takes a Tumble are just a few other examples of viral videos that are now sewn into the fabric of American culture.

While pranks, bloopers, and home made movies are prime suspects for viral potential, there are also many marketing opportunities for going viral.

Grab an Audience!

One of the main ingredients in developing a video in the hopes that it goes viral is to have a large audience.

Granted, many home made videos that go viral do not initially have large audiences, but the content and hilarity of such videos usually carries it to a much larger audience than ever anticipated.

However, in marketing and advertising industries, many companies with the capabilities to do so create ads and videos with the idea of showing them to large audiences.

Why? Well, quite simply, it offers the greatest opportunity for a video to go viral. It’s sensible logic, really. The more people that see your video, the greater chance it has at becoming a viral sensation.

You may be thinking, “Why would anyone want to watch an advertisement? I can’t wait until they’re over.”

In most case, you may be right. However, in certain ad spots, most notably the Super Bowl, companies will develop ads with the aspirations of going viral in mind, therefore, they’re funny.

That’s the key. Viewers want to be entertained. They want a laugh. So if you’re trying to develop a video for your company with the idea of going viral, make sure it’s funny, entertaining, or better yet, both!

Just ask Old Spice. Their “The Man You Could Smell Like” advertisement from 2010 has garnered over 40 million views on YouTube to date. Pretty impressive for a commercial about deodorant. But that’s the point; it’s not always about the product itself. Sometimes, it’s the advertisement that sells the product.

Budweiser is also no stranger to the viral video market. They’ve had many over the years. More recently, their 2010 “In the Can” advertisement for Bud Light Lime has over 1 million views to date.

One of the more famous Super Bowl ads of all time is without a doubt the “Terry Tate” Office Linebacker” series from Reebok in the early 2000’s. The ads featured actor Lester Speight playing Terry Tate, a linebacker hired to keep an office on task and productive throughout the day. The first video in the series has amassed over 10 million views to date. Another video in the series, “Terry Tate Sensitivity Training” has garnered over 3 million.

Other notable viral advertisements:

Still think marketing advertisements can’t go viral?

Bring the Funny

The one common thread about all the viral video’s talked about above is humor. They’re all really funny and provided loads of hilarity at water coolers across the country, possibly even around the world. Granted, these are huge, corporate agencies with an advertising budget that enables them to purchase valuable ad spots during Super Bowls.

However, you can still go viral. Just ask “David After Dentist,” or “Scarlet Takes a Tumble.” Your ad or video can indeed go viral.

So if you’re trying to market to consumers through a video or advertisement, aim for the funny bone. You can never go wrong. And whatever you do, never give up. Rick Astley sure wouldn’t.

Key Takeaways:

Rick Astley’s Never Gonna:

  • Give You Up
  • Let You Down
  • Run Around and Desert You
  • Make You Cry
  • Say Goodbye
  • Tell a Lie and Hurt You

Need Help?

If marketing videos are something you are interested in but are having trouble getting started, contact us today to schedule your free marketing analysis!