Staying Consistent vs. Going Viral

Striking the Balance

When it comes to digital content creation, staying consistent and chasing the elusive dream of going viral are always at odds. And in most cases, content creators find themselves at a crossroads, trying to decide which path to choose. 

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Here, we'll explore the importance of maintaining consistency in content creation versus creating viral content and how striking the right balance is key to long-term success.

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The allure of viral content

If you’re a marketer for a brand, chances are you’re often thinking of how to crack the code to viral content. 

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Viral content is the holy grail of online marketing – it can catapult your brand or content into the spotlight overnight, attracting massive attention, likes, shares, and comments. Truly, going viral can be a game-changer for individuals, businesses, or influencers, as it can lead to exponential growth and instant recognition.

However, the quest for viral content can sometimes be a double-edged sword. Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge? It was a viral sensation that raised awareness and funds for ALS but faded away quickly. While it was a noble cause, it did not create a lasting impact on the participants or the audience.

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Viral content is uncertain for several reasons:

• It can be unpredictable: What goes viral one day might not work the next. Relying solely on the hope of virality can be a risky strategy.
• It has short-term benefits: Viral content often provides short-term benefits in terms of engagement and visibility, but it may not necessarily translate into long-term brand loyalty or sustainable growth.

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Keeping up with a trend can be tempting, but you must ensure it aligns with your brand values and content strategy. Even though trends can boost visibility, staying true to your core message and keeping it consistent will make a real difference. That’s when consistent content creation comes in. 

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The power of consistency

Consistency, on the other hand, is the cornerstone of building a solid online presence. While consistency may not lead to explosive growth overnight, it sets the foundation for steady, sustainable growth. 

Think of Nike, the sports brand consistently creating content that inspires people to “Just Do It”. Their content is catchy, memorable, and aligned with their brand values and mission. They have cultivated a loyal fan base and a strong reputation over the years. One of the many viral contents they produced was the famous You Can’t Stop Us | Nike. 

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Here's why consistent content is crucial:

• Creates trust and reliability: Consistent content creation establishes trust and reliability with your audience. They're likelier to stick around when they know what to expect from you.
• More focused content: Consistency encourages you to pay attention to the quality of your content. Over time, this can lead to higher engagement and a more dedicated following.

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Crafting an effective content strategy

Viral content gets attention, but sustaining it takes hard work. Providing valuable content consistently cultivates a deeper connection with the audience, encouraging them to become loyal followers who engage with the brand over time.

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Crafting a well-thought-out content strategy is essential to strike the perfect balance between consistency and viral potential. 

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Here are seven 7 ways to do so:

• Understand your audience: Start by deeply understanding your target audience, their preferences, and their pain points. This knowledge will guide your content creation efforts.
• Set realistic goals: Understand that only some pieces of content need to go viral. Set realistic goals for your content, such as increasing engagement, website traffic, or conversions.
• Identify trends: Keep an eye on emerging trends in your niche. Trends have the potential to make your content more shareable and relevant. However, always consider whether a trend aligns with your brand's values and message.
• Diversify your content: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Create various content types, from evergreen to trending topics, to cater to different audience preferences.‍
• Consistency with a twist: Maintain a consistent content schedule, but be bold, experiment, and innovate. Inject creativity into your content to increase the chances of going viral organically.‍
• Learn from viral hits: If you’ve had viral content, analyze what made it successful. Can you incorporate a pattern or element into your consistent content strategy?‍
• Engage with your audience: Building a strong relationship is key. Engage with comments, respond to messages, and listen to their feedback to tailor your content accordingly.

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Content creation tools can help

Consistency is the key to building a loyal audience and establishing a strong brand presence. And in today's digital landscape, there's a valuable ally you can consider to help navigate the challenges of both consistency and viral content. 

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DashoContent combines AI's efficiency with expert creatives and writers. It assists in producing diverse and engaging content based on your specific needs, ensuring both consistency and quality in your content creation efforts.

With Dashocontent, you can enhance your content creation efforts and maintain the equilibrium between consistency and virality.

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By understanding the power of viral marketing, embracing consistency in content creation, and leveraging trends strategically, marketers can navigate this delicate balancing act and achieve long-term success.