clipped from www.asfdesign.com

Here are few practices to keep in mind: 1. First and foremost, think high concept: The viral ‘thing,’ whatever shape or form it takes, has to be highly provocative in some way. This, of course, is easier said than done, otherwise we’d all be drowning in these things. (And thank God we’re not.)

2. Work backwards from the headline: Think about what the headline of the blog entry - or the subject line of the email - about your viral marketing concept would be. Hint: if it won’t make a concise headline or subject line, then it probably won’t make a good viral marketing concept.

3. Keep it simple: You have to hook people fast, so don’t overburden your concept with too many elements or distractions. Your concept should be able to work when plugged into the following fill-in-the-blank sentence, “Hey, did you hear _____?”