Posted on May 12, 2009 by Brett

Before you hire a viral marketing agency, take a moment to look objectively at your website. A marketer may be able to drive tens of thousands of visitors to your website, depending on the technique used. However, you are defeating the purpose if your website does not or  does not have the capability to sell your products or services.

If you are confident in your site and the products that you sell, there are hundreds of companies to choose from. You can even take a class and learn how to “do it yourself”. Take your time and shop around. Read about the company’s techniques and see if it is something that you could apply. Find out how many people are part of the network. Read the testimonials, if they are available.

There is one company that operates somewhat under the radar. The techniques that they use may be ok, but sites like YouTube would not approve of them. Besides, their services are not customized. They highly recommend the exact same strategy for all of their clients.

If they are to effectively grow your business, a viral marketing agency should tailor their solutions to suit your products or services. They should offer ways to keep in touch with your current clients and turn your clients’ friends into your customers.

One of the effective techniques is a regular newsletter, sent to your client’s e-mail address. If you have no clients, you may need to obtain a list of e-mail addresses. Some of these lists were compiled by other companies. They survey their clients to find out if they would like to receive communication from affiliates. If the customer says “yes”, the company adds them to the list.

You may be able to find a viral marketing agency that provides this sort of list, along with their other services. To be highly effective, you should create your list that is targeted to include people in your niche market. For example, if you sell toys, parents are your target market. It would be a waste of time to send dozens of e-mails to senior citizens.

Some of the easier methods that you can employ include “social networking”. Join an online club, message board or forum, whose members have interests that “fit” with your niche. If you have yet to identify your niche, you may need a little more help than a viral marketing agency can offer. Everyone has a niche. Sometimes, it’s just hard to see it, from the inside, looking out. Someone outside of your company may be able to help you find your niche and grow your business.