Here’s an interesting viral marketing story that recently happened when Off licence Chain The Thresher Group sent a powerful offer to their suppliers.
This is one of those classic stories of viral marketing. The offer of 40% off Wines & Champagnes was sent to suppliers and quickly placed on their website for immediate friends.
This then spread to other friends & colleagues who in turn placed it on their blogs, websites and sent it via email.
The key here from viral marketing point of view is “The Offer” which is one of 3 key motivators in making something viral.
Further more the offer correctly answers the “what’s in it for me question” that many viral campaigns lack.
At writing the BBC, Daily Mirror, The Times and Many other websites and blogs have featured the coupons, not to mention users sending them to friends and colleagues.
The original website it was posted on reports over 800,000 downloads and counting. This doesn’t include the websites and other sources above so the real count is much more and all in a matter of weeks.
At the moment Thresher are holding their breath to see what the damage is as this was completely unintentional.
My bet is that even if they only break even it will be well worth while.
Why?
Because the coupon requires a sign up and thresher will now have the details of thousands of new customers eagerly waiting for the next offer.
The only question mark is if Thresher will run with it and capitalize on this to its fullest extent.
Until next time…
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