Have you ever wondered why some posts on social media go viral and others flop (probably yours, if you’re like me, the famous “vagina movie post” that got over 1500 comments notwithstanding).

I mean, it’s the marketer’s dream to get other people to share your message and spread the word about your product, right?

Not to mention that free is great.

The problem is, however, there is no 100% surefire way to predict what will go viral. Some of the world’s biggest companies spend a lot of money trying different viral campaigns. They hire outside consultants from big advertising firms, try different messages, spend a lot of money and time, and usually fail.

There are a few companies out there, however, who hit more homeruns than most.

How do they do that? Is there a “secret sauce?” In a word, yes.

I’m going to try to explain it in a series of emails.

There is a science behind the art of creating and managing viral ad campaigns. Of course, it’s the art that separates the winners from the losers.

But you can increase your odds of success by studying the science of viral content. The whole idea behind making something go viral is getting people to share that content.

So what can you do to encourage that sharing?

More to follow…

PS - Note in my signature above a link out to the IM Inside Track. It's a membership site where you can learn everything you need to know about online marketing. It is a rich resource, and dirt-cheap.