Comments on: Chasing Viral Videos Is As Dumb As Chasing Web Traffic

By: Alex

Alex — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:22:21 +0000

Depending on the end results, having a video go viral without monetizing can still be of value.

A viral video can help spread a new name or brand without necessarily creating an immediate online conversion or sale or traffic to a site.

By: Mike

Mike — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:48:17 +0000

I am enjoying your radio show and this is a good reply to that tech crunch article. I think it is the usual case of company marketing departments getting caught up in internet buzz words, without understanding the full consequences.

By: allen stern

allen stern — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 04:33:29 +0000

Good writeup Jim – I am waiting for Mike’s reply. I am also shocked at the comments that the author left on NewTeeVee – in that people were attacking his ethics – lol :)

By: Jon Ray

Jon Ray — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 21:35:43 +0000

Your point is accurate, in that it is hard to make any significant money directly off of a viral video. But, think about your viral video campaign in the same fashion that you think about a commercial campaign. A well structured, compelling viral video campaign can bring invaluable brand awareness, which can then lead to an increase in sales, depending on your end goal for the campaign.

You’re right, though. I don’t see very many people getting rich off of viral videos.

Enjoying the blog!

By: Jim Kukral

Jim Kukral — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 17:31:34 +0000

@lee, well, yeah. But you “get it”. You guys make great content, especially those awesome videos I love so much.

I guess the points I try to make over and over is that “you’re not going to get rich online by chasing viral or traffic.”

But… that’s all anyone wants to hear… that that’s how you do it. Because creating value and solving problems is actually hard work, when “making a million bucks off a viral video” is not in their minds.

Sigh.

By: Lee

Lee — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 17:12:40 +0000

In my mind, viral and traffic is simply a side effect of quality content. If you create value, solve a problem or entertain people in a surprising way, people will want to tell their friends. Viral as the primary goal is a waste of time, I agree.