As offensive as it may sound, viral marketing , when well executed can reap benefits for your business. The term viral marketing may sound complex, but it’s really nothing more than “word of mouth” advertising. It’s very effective in the sense that it costs nothing and it can spread exponentially.

Viral marketing can turn your customers into your sales force. If they have a positive experience working with you, they’re likely to spread the word and tell people they know about your business. The catch is do something or offer something unexpected that will make your business stand out in the minds of your customers. People need a reason to refer business your way, so make sure each customer walks away feeling good about their experience.

Before you jump in and go down this route, it’s important to know that tracking your return or the effectiveness of a viral campaign can be difficult. Also, it’s likely that the message can be altered as it filters from one person to the next, so beware that you’ll have little control over what people are saying about your business.

For more information on viral marketing, tips for getting started and advantages of using this tactic, click here to visit the Know Marketing Guide at www.ARArental.org.