Question

Define viral marketing and provide an example

Answer 1

Viral marketing is a strategy that encourages individuals to share a marketing message or content with others, leveraging social networks and word-of-mouth to promote a product, service, or brand. The goal is to create a self-replicating pattern of sharing that can lead to exponential growth in brand awareness or customer acquisition. Effective viral marketing often relies on entertaining, engaging, or emotionally resonant content that prompts users to share it widely.

### Example:
A well-known example of viral marketing is the "Ice Bucket Challenge" from 2014. This campaign aimed to raise awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research. Participants would dump a bucket of ice water over their heads, share a video of the act on social media, and challenge friends to do the same within 24 hours or make a donation to the ALS Association. The challenge spread rapidly across social media platforms, garnering millions of participants, including celebrities and public figures, and raising over $115 million for the ALS cause. The combination of a fun and unique activity, social sharing, and a meaningful cause contributed to its viral success.