If you’re just starting out with blogging or content creation, it may feel like the only way to get a piece of content to go viral is with luck. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

If you have been looking for ways to create viral content that gets shared, keep reading. In this 4-step guide to create viral content, you will learn how to give your content wings by using proven content marketing techniques.

Even if you are not highly skilled, or proficient in content marketing the steps in this article can work for you. Remember, content marketing is crucial for the growth of your business and generating a steady flow of traffic.

Here are the steps to create amazing content that gets shared.

Step 1: Think About Providing Value to the Reader

Often those who are just getting started with content marketing don’t realize how important this step is when creating viral content. For this reason, many who try to do content marketing fail to make an article go viral.

Therefore, your first step to creating viral content is to dig deep into your niche so that you can provide value to your reader. There have been many studies concerning the content people share the most. And it has always turned out that people share things that are interesting and valuable to them.

A valuable piece of content is something that is helpful to other people or helps solve their problems. Also, if your content is humorous or enjoyable, and makes your audience feel good, it also has a good chance of going viral.

When it comes to the B2B space, aim for content that is researched and trustworthy to the reader for it to go viral. According to Buzzsumo stats, people are more likely to share content that looks trustworthy.

So, where does the value and trustworthiness come from? It comes from research. It comes from the insightful work you may have done.

Here are some useful tips for providing your audience with value:

• Provide intrinsic value to the reader. For instance, you should share a case study or a helpful blog post with your readers, rather than turning them off with marketing collateral.
• Research different topics in your niche. Get to the core of why your readers will read your content? Is your content helping solve some genuine problems they are experiencing? Does your content contain elements that engage the reader?
• Add more value by using video and infographics. It may seem a lot of work, but the results are worth the effort. There is no need to make a professional video. You can use your mobile phone to make a quick video of what goes on behind the scene at your business and share it with your audience. Visuals are a great way to engage your audience and get shared.

Step 2: Create Long Form Content

In this next step, you want to ensure your content is the right length. A study by BuzzSumo found that long-form content is more likely to go viral than short form content.

When I first began content marketing, I made the mistake of creating short-form content, thinking people have no time to read long-form content. I was wrong, in fact the opposite turned out to be true. Readers value what you have to say and there’s no need to skim.

Here are 3 points to consider:

• A study by Moz and BuzzSumo that analyzed 1 million articles suggests that short-form content is less likely to be shared than long-form content. When you look at the pieces of content that went viral, long-form content takes the lion’s share. Aim to create content that has a minimum of 1,000 words.
• If you are new to content marketing, you may ask how can I create long-form content when I have little to tell my readers. Well, the key is research. Many people don’t do their research. The nitty-gritty of long-form content is research. It will reward you with several ideas and give substance to your content.
• Don’t waste your time with gifs and short, fluffy posts. There is a lot of this on the internet already, and people are fed up with the digital clutter. Instead, focus on creating thought-provoking, long-form content.

Step 3: Include Images in Your Content

Okay, you have written your content and you are now ready to share it with your audience. Well, if you have not included at least one image in your content, pump the brakes. Your content is more likely to go viral if it includes at least one engaging image.

When I began content marketing, I thought images were relevant to Facebook posts only. My content didn’t go viral. Looking back it made sense because this study shows that twice as many people share content that includes at least one image than content that doesn’t include an image.

Multiple images are great for breaking up long form content and can be placed between headings and paragraphs to create visual interest.

Step 4: Use Compelling Call to Action at the End of the Content

What is the most reliable method to compel people to share your content? Ask them to share it! When your content is valuable, you only need a call to action to get it shared. Add a CTA at the end of your content, so the readers can easily share and engage with it.

Never underestimate the power of a good call to action. Be sure the CTA is straightforward so the reader knows how to share your content.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a simple 4-step guide to creating viral content that gets shared. You now know the essential elements of creating content that goes viral. There is just one thing left for you to do: get to work by applying these steps.

By taking action you will soon reap the benefits of making your content go viral.

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