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 Viral Marketing

How to piss people off as an effective marketing tactic

January 05, 2012

The blogosphere and media world are tut-tutting about an anti-obesity ad campaign featuring corpulent kids, who say in a series of videos why being fat's no fun. Thanks to its critics, the Georgia-based campaign captured national attention.
 

'Contagion' billboard is literally viral

September 13, 2011

A movie about a deadly fast-spreading disease is nothing new, as fear of illness is a fairly universal sort of paranoia. But it's a recurring theme in cinema for a reason — as humans, we tend to be simultaneously horrified and fascinated by that which has the ability to kill us. The new outdoor advertising for the movie Contagion is incredibly ingenious in that it plays to both senses.
 

OfficeMax gives consumers a traditional view of ElfYourself

November 23, 2010

OfficeMax is sticking with its ElfYourself viral campaign this holiday season, but also "integrating" it with a more traditional seasonal promotion.
 

'Stun Fone' viral video revealed to be a hoax

November 15, 2010

A press release that hit the wires on November 12 revealed that Stun Creative is the brains behind a viral video that's been circulating on a "product" that turns your iPhone into a stun gun.
 

Avon launches 'Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye' campaign

October 08, 2010

The Avon Foundation for Women launched its first viral campaign, "Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye," on October 8.
 

Benefit Cosmetics brings users reviews to Facebook through Bazaarvoice tool

June 21, 2010

Beauty brand Benefit Cosmetics will add user-generated content to its website next month to encourage viral marketing among consumers. In the meantime, the brand is allowing user-generated reviews on its Facebook page through a ratings tab from Bazaarvoice, which debuted June 21.
 

Zappos.com uses puppets to promote customer service work

March 18, 2010

Online footwear and apparel retailer Zappos.com launched an advertising campaign on March 18 using puppets to promote its approach to customer service. The year-long effort, called "Zappets," was created by Boston ad agency Mullen.
 

CytoSport video effort targets students during spring break

March 15, 2010

CytoSport is running a viral video campaign to promote its Muscle Milk brand to college students during spring break. San Francisco-based agency Pereira & O'Dell, which CytoSport chose as its agency of record last June, created the effort.
 

How to make a viral campaign infectious

Adi Sideman, CEO, Oddcast January 11, 2010

What makes a viral campaign a hit? That's a question everyone would like to answer. Defining viral success is still a work in progress, but here is an outline of characteristics common in successful viral campaigns.
 

Muscle Milk releases playful Thankgiving viral video

November 20, 2009

CytoSport, the maker of sports drink Muscle Milk, is conducting a viral video campaign for Thanksgiving. The effort, launched November 19, features a partying pilgrim singing about flirting his way to the New World.
 

Intel debuts viral gift card holiday campaign

November 19, 2009

Intel is conducting a digital e-card campaign that lets users make personalized 3-D cards to send to their friends and family. The campaign, launched November 16, runs through the end of the year. It features a Web site where consumers can create e-cards and view information on Intel products.
 

American Heart Association takes 'hands-on' approach to life-saving

November 03, 2009

The American Heart Association next week will launch a viral video called "Hand-walker," which follows a man walking through a New York neighborhood on his hands. The video is part of an ongoing effort by the nonprofit to build awareness for the hands-only CPR technique, a two-step process that does not include mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
 

Nike uses e-mailed viral video to promote Human Race challenge

October 22, 2009

Nike is promoting its annual Human Race series of 10K races, which take place October 24, by calling consumers to run in the races via a viral e-mail campaign with user-generated video. The goal of the campaign, which began in mid-September, is to increase registration for the Nike race.
 

Dunkin' Donuts debuts online ordering forms

June 25, 2009

Dunkin' Donuts has introduced a new online ordering form in a move to create viral marketing.The goal of the new campaign is to make ordering easier and to take the concept of "A Dunkin' Run" — a trip to Dunkin' Donuts — and make it a household term. To promote the new service, Dunkin' Donuts is using Facebook, Twitter and e-mails to opted-in customers.