Steve Gerl

Content is king.

A friend of mine asked me the other day how to make something go viral.  I was flattered that they thought that I knew how to make something go viral, having never had more than 200 views on any Youtube video.

But I did know the answer to their question.  In fact, it was easy.

Content, more specifically, great content is the sure-fire way to make something go viral.  It is all three legs on the tripod.  Things can go viral that do not have the necessary content, but they often fizzle out.  And it is true that some great content can go without being seen for months.  But when you get down to the nuts and bolts, at the core of anything that does go viral, its content is paramount.

Moreover, this is the secret to the entire social media game we play.  Quit paying that consultant.  I just told you the overarching idea that everything he or she would say to you is based on.  You’re welcome.

I feel like this is the secret to not only social media, but also life in general.  A watchmaker who produces good watches is of the same ilk as a viral video campaigner who produces funny videos.  A good dry cleaner produces good content (clean clothes at a fair price).  If you are good at what you do, you just need to take the time to apply your expertise through different channels.  The ‘viral’ will take care of itself.