Viral Marketing

Increase the awareness while using social networks: “viral Marketing”

The influence of advertisements increases day by day. Consumers are never far from advertisements or other kinds of commercials.  As a consequence, they turn themselves off, in other words, they ignore that influence. 

For example, they switch the channel if the program is interrupted by commercial breaks. There are more and more varieties of products and more and more new brands in the marketplace. Consumers are confused and the buying decision becomes complicated. 

After watching the movie "The Persuaders" I have thought about another kind of controlling consumer´s behavior, instead of using the right words and images for marketing campaigns.

Viral Marketing (virus - / buzz marketing) is an efficient tool for companies to be still successful. This strategy encourages consumers to pass on a marketing message to others (like viruses). Rapid multiplication is the engine for fast propagation. "Interpersonal relationships" is the new magic word.

Some important key aspects are:

•  The use of common motivations
• Incentives for recommendations
• The use of existing communication networks / social networks
• The opportunity to transfer information to others effortlessly

Apple – Friend or Foe

Apple is an American multinational corporation that designs and sells electronic equipment. A few days ago the company unveiled their latest product, the iPhone 5. This new iPhone has a larger screen and a more powerful processor as well. The sales of the company increase year after year and Apple products are absolutely in vogue currently whereas a decrease of Apple´s success is not in sight.

But what is behind the success of Apple?                          

The problem is if you decide to buy your first Apple product it would be very hard for you to switch over to alternative products.

Here are some reasons:

1. It is necessary for you to use the iTunes-application if you want to use your iPod.
2. You have to content yourself with the App-Store if you want to update your iPhone with a new helpful or interesting app. Moreover, Apple prevents outside sources from improving their apps.
3. It is difficult to change your operating system if you buy an Apple computer. Usually you have to deal with Mac OS.
4. Apple installs software and unwanted apps as well without the users´ permission.

These points are indirect measures to maximize the profit.

Nevertheless, I am the lucky owner of some Apple products as well ;)