Do you remember when "going viral" meant getting 10,000 views on your content?
Just a few years ago, that was the benchmark for success. But oh, how times have changed!
Nowadays, going viral can mean millions of views, shares, and engagements, propelling creators and small businesses into the limelight overnight.
But what happens when the spotlight shines on you? Are you prepared to capitalize on that moment?
You don't need a lot in order to take advantage of this, just a simple checklist.
The Viral-Ready Checklist:
- A microsite
- Email capture (list building) option
- Regular newsletter
- Privacy policy and Terms of Service (if applicable)
Let's dive into each component, exploring why they're crucial for your success during virality and beyond.
1. Microsite: Your Online Home Base
Having a microsite is like having a virtual business card. It's a compact, easy-to-navigate website that showcases your work, products, or services. When you go viral, people will want to learn more about you. A microsite ensures they have a place to land, explore, and connect with you further.
Take Sarah, a talented illustrator who went viral after sharing her unique pet portraits on social media. Thanks to her microsite, new fans could easily find her portfolio, commission information, and contact details, turning her viral moment into a thriving business.
2. Email Capture: Building Your Fanbase
An email list is a powerful tool for building a long-lasting relationship with your audience. By offering an email capture option, you can convert one-time visitors into loyal subscribers who will stick around even after your viral moment has passed.
Recently, I saw a viral video of a small business selling Lisa Frank inspired stickers, but targeted toward millennials. All her stickers were sold out, so she included a "sign-up to get notified when restocked" option - which I signed up for. Yesterday, I got notified the stickers were back, and I immediately put an order in.
An email list allows people to connect with you when you're ready to accept their order OR they're ready to work with you.
3. Regular Newsletter: Keep the Conversation Going
A regular newsletter is your chance to stay connected with your audience and keep them engaged with your content. It's an opportunity to share updates, new products or services, and exclusive offers that will keep your fans coming back for more.
Consider Maria, a talented chef who gained fame with her viral cooking tutorial. Thanks to her weekly newsletter, she was able to share new recipes, cooking tips, and even launch a successful online cooking course – all because she kept the conversation going with her newfound audience.
4. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service: Covering Your Legal Bases
While they may not be the most exciting part of your online presence, having a privacy policy and terms of service is crucial. These documents protect both you and your audience, ensuring you're operating legally and transparently.
I get it, legal documents are not what you want to think of when you're looking to grow online, but without having at minimum a privacy policy in place, you're opening yourself up to legal issues.
Avoid the headache, have the policy.