To some of you younger online marketers, it may surprise you that viral marketing has been around for decades; just not in the online format.
Most of us have heard of Harley Davidson. I almost wrote right there that it was a motorcycle company, but its not. There are a lot of motorcycle companies, but there is only one Harley Davidson.
People were having Harley Davidson rallies all over before there was even an internet. Thousands of bikers would connect and meet at a place and spend a week doing whatever Harley Davidson fans do, which is sharing together in their love of the bike and the lifestyle it represents.
Now, let me back up a minute and say it a little different, because my last statement above really isn't true. Most people don't know it but when you see those big Harley gatherings, a huge portion of them are white collar workers that put their "costumes" on and ride out in their little world of make believe.
In other words, it is the illusion of the lifestyle and letting yourself go for a little time, that is part of the Harley lifestyle; not a real lifestyle that is represented. Grownups get to play pretend for a little while and base that illusion on the reason they get together.
Why do you think there was litigation about the vrrrooom sound of the Harley. This is really true. Years ago Honda tried to copy the sound of the Harley and it was ruled that the patent for the sound of the bike was legitimate and Honda couldn't copy it.
What's the point? Harley understood what vrrrooom meant to its customers. It was part of the illusion they created that people loved. Take that away and there is no Harley lifestyle.
The reason this is so important is that in viral marketing, it is tapping into the vrrrooom of people that creates communities and spreads messages. Look for the vrrrooom and you'll never have to think of ways to successfully market your products and services. In other words, what is it that offers excuses for people to form a community and spread your message?
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