Thanks to the Internet, more and more people are aware of what the term “viral” means, when used in the context of an idea or “thing” that is circulated rapidly and widely. For example an uploaded video that attracts thousands of viewers in a short space of time.
“Things” going viral and becoming contagious are not just limited to the Internet however and the term can be equally applied to offline examples in the same context.
Based on his extensive research, Jonah Berger believes that the key to making things popular begins with the message itself.
Berger suggests that there are six key steps that make things and ideas contagious and he uses the acronym “STEPPS” as way of teaching these. Social Currency, Triggers, Emotion, Public, Practical Value and Stories.
Regardless of what line of business you are in, if you’re looking for ways to make your products and ideas catch on and become contagious, these steps may assist you in getting people to share your products or information quickly.
Original Source: Jonah Berger presents his “STEPPS” process for making things and ideas catch on in this Talks at Google Video
