Since so many people like to use words like “viral marketing”, “buzz marketing” or “WOMM” interchangably, I thought I would write this quick post to help clarify the differences:
According to Dr. Paul Marsden, WOMM/Viral/Buzz are all same thing, namely network enhanced Word of Mouth.
But after doing a little digging, I came across someone named Keith Bates. Keith Bates is one of the leading authorities on all things related to Word-of-Mouth, Blogs, Buzz and Viral Marketing (visit www.kbates.com). In his white papter, Keith uses these definitions:
-
viral marketing leverages digital networks;
-
buzz leverages media networks; and
-
WOMM leverages social networks.
Viral marketing can employ either an ideavirus or shockvirus approach, while social networking is typically managed as influencer relations. Keep in mind that pure word of mouth has no limits on distribution vehicles.
So what do these nuances mean to you if you are a small business owner? Probably not much. But the mere fact that these national consulting firms spend so much time and money on these definitions must tell you that Viral, Buzz and Word of Mouth marketing can be very, very powerful.
Sean said,
October 22, 2008 @ 8:43 am
I.Would like to suggest this free widget , which makes the word of mouth more viral.This ‘tellafriend’ widget helps your readers to sync with their email or IM, without any manual input of addresses. All this is done without the readers leaving the page they are reading.You can do a free download of this widget from http://tellafriend.socialtwist.com/index.jsp .It gave tremendous boost in traffic to my site. Thought you’d have something to say about it too.
websatan said,
October 23, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
Hey thanx. I think now I will have some better ideas educating my clients and would sound more smart
anyway check out my viral marketing tool
http://tellafriend.socialtwist.com/index.jsp
Hmmmmm, hey it kinda gets into social networks too- so how do I position it?