One goal that many businesses have that are using Social Media and Social Networking tools to market their business is that they will share or create something that will go viral.

viral: The buzzwords viral marketing and viral advertising refer to marketing techniques that use pre-existing social networks to produce increases in brand awareness or to achieve other marketing objectives (such as product sales) through self-replicating viral processes, analogous to the spread of pathological and computer viruses. It can be word-of-mouth^[1] Viral promotions may take the form of video clips, interactive Flash games, advergames, ebooks, brandable software, images, or even text messages. delivered or enhanced by the network effects of the Internet. (from wikipedia )

This morning I saw a great example of success in creating something that will go viral and be shared by many.  This is a video produced by Evian.  It has a catchy beat, uses babies and get it’s message across — but leaves the entertainment factor in place.  When you watch it you just feel like you have to share it and you do not feel like you were promoted or pitched to.

Here is the video for you to judge for yourself — did they do a good job in creating something that potentially will go viral and be seen by many and shared?

As you begin using Social Networking and Social Media tools to market your business and connect to your customers and prospects you need to include a FaceBook Fan page into this mix.

A Facebook Fan Page will allow you to engage your target market on Facebook and reach out to them to share more information on your business as well as connect with them.

Here are several reasons that you need to create a FaceBook Fan Page and begin connecting with your target market via this tool:

• Facebook Fan Pages are free – Facebook allows you to create and maintain a fan page for free

• Search Engine Optimization or Link Love – Google and the other search engines like Bing love Facebook because it is one of the top visited sites.  Having a fan page will allow you to obtain another link in the search engines back to your business

• Instant Mailing List – You can communicate with all of your fans with one message, it provides you with an instant mailing list

• You can have an unlimited number of fans – Facebook doesn’t limit the number of fans you have

• Community – a Fan page allows you to build a community with your fans and engage them.  Often fans will contribute content and provide information so that you can determine their needs and provide them.

• Exposure – A fan page will allow for more exposure for your business

• Viral Marketing – Fan pages are a viral tool because often people will share and invite others to become a fan

• Increase influence – a fan page will allow you to share information and in doing so will increase your influence and help build your credibility

• Natural Promotion – by having a fan page and sharing information you are able to promote your business naturally without truly advertising