How Things Go Viral

Over the past few years, I've become a fan of Wharton Professor Jonah Berger's research.   He now has a book out titled, Contagious:  Why Things Catch On.   Fast Company has profiled his book, and they offer a summary of the basic steps he has outlined for making something go viral.  Berger refers to it as the STEPPS method: 

• Social Currency: We share things that make us look good (even if that means pictures of our cat).
• Triggers: Easily memorable information means it's top of mind and tip of the tongue.
• Emotion: When we care, we share.
• Public: Built to show, built to grow.
• Practical Value: News people can use.
• Stories: People are inherent storytellers, and all great brands also learn to tell stories. Information travels under the guise of idle chatter.

I'm really looking forward to reading the book.  I'll put together another blog post once I'm done with the book.