Why Just Go Viral When You Can Go Viral AND Make Money
In today’s fast-paced digital marketing world, going viral is often seen as the ultimate goal. Brands chase trends, create flashy content, and hope their posts get millions of shares. But here’s the truth—going viral means nothing if it doesn’t make you money.
What if you could create viral content that not only gets attention but also drives sales? That’s where smart digital marketing comes in. Instead of just chasing likes, you can turn those eyeballs into paying customers. Let’s break down how.
1. Viral vs. Profitable: What’s the Difference?
Going viral means your content spreads quickly online. Maybe it’s a funny meme, a shocking tweet, or an emotional video. But virality alone doesn’t guarantee business growth.
Profitable virality, on the other hand, is when your viral content actually makes money. It could be:
- A viral ad that leads to sales
- A trending post that grows your email list
- A meme that brings traffic to your store
The key difference? Strategy. Smart digital marketing ensures your viral moments convert into real revenue.
2. How to Make Viral Content That Sells
A. Start with a Goal
Before creating content, ask: What do I want this to achieve?
- More website visits?
- More product sales?
- More newsletter signups?
If your goal is sales, design your viral content to lead customers toward a purchase.
B. Make It Shareable (But Also Clickable)
Viral content gets shared—but profitable viral content gets shared and clicked. Examples:
- A funny video that ends with a discount code
- A trending challenge that links to your product
- A meme that directs users to your website
Pro Tip: Use hooks like “Want more? Click the link!” to turn viewers into buyers.
C. Use the Right Platforms
Not all platforms convert the same.
- TikTok/Instagram Reels = Great for brand awareness
- Facebook/YouTube = Better for direct sales
- Twitter/Threads = Best for engagement & website clicks
A strong digital marketing strategy picks platforms where virality leads to profit.
3. Real Examples of Viral + Profitable Campaigns
Example 1: The “Drop” Strategy
Brands like Prime and Stanley Cups used scarcity marketing. They created hype (virality) and then “dropped” products (profit).
Example 2: The “Meme Store” Trend
Some brands turn viral memes into merch. When a joke spreads, they sell T-shirts or mugs with the meme—making money from the trend.
Example 3: Challenge Marketing
Remember the “Ice Bucket Challenge”? It went viral and raised millions for charity. Businesses can use similar challenges to promote products.
4. Turning Viral Traffic into Paying Customers
Getting viral traffic is great—but if visitors don’t buy, it’s wasted. Here’s how to convert them:
✅ Strong Call-to-Action (CTA) – Tell users what to do next (“Shop now,” “Sign up,” etc.).
✅ Landing Page Optimization – Ensure your website loads fast and looks trustworthy.
✅ Retargeting Ads – Follow up with visitors who didn’t buy the first time.
This is where digital marketing skills make the difference between virality and profit.
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Focusing Only on Likes – Likes don’t pay bills. Track sales, not just engagement.
Ignoring Analytics – Use tools like Google Analytics to see what converts.
Forgetting the Funnel – Viral content should lead to a sales funnel, not just disappear.
Final Thought: Virality + Strategy = Profit
Going viral is fun, but making money from it is smarter. With the right digital marketing approach, you can turn trends into revenue.
