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Cost-effectiveness of viral marketing: a case study of successful campaigns

https://doi.org/10.21869/2223-1552-2025-15-3-163-175

Abstract

Relevance. With the rapid growth of digital communications and changes in consumer behavior, traditional advertising methods are losing their effectiveness. Viral marketing is becoming an important tool for attracting attention to a brand with relatively low investment, but with a high level of effectiveness, unlike traditional advertising methods. Studying the economic effectiveness of this advertising strategy allows companies to optimize their costs and maximize their return on investment.
The purpose of this article is to analyze the effectiveness of viral marketing using the example of successful case studies and identify the key factors determining the success of companies.
Objectives: to analyze theoretical approaches to the definition of viral marketing and its effectiveness, select and describe successful case studies of viral campaigns, compare the results of different campaigns and identify common patterns that ensure high economic efficiency.
Methodology. Successful viral marketing campaigns were selected for the analysis. These campaigns were selected based on their wide reach and positive response among users of social networks. The methods used included the collection of secondary data from open sources and quantitative analysis of the financial results of campaigns.
Results. The analysis revealed that viral marketing is a powerful tool for attracting attention and increasing sales, but its success largely depends on the right choice of strategy and a well-chosen target audience.
Conclusions. The case analysis demonstrates that viral marketing strategies can significantly increase the economic efficiency of a business. However, each case is unique, and to achieve the best results, it is necessary to take into account the specifics of the product, market, and target audience. Viral marketing will be an excellent modern tool for adapting to new realities in order to achieve business goals.

About the Authors

N. V. Pyanova
Orel State University named after I. S. Turgenev
Russian Federation

Natalia V. Pyanova, Candidate of Sciences (Economics), Associate Professor of the Department of Service

95 Komsomolskaya Str., Orel 302026

Researcher ID:N-3589-2016



E. A. Stolyarova
Orel State University named after I. S. Turgenev
Russian Federation

Elizaveta A. Stolyarova, Undergraduate of the Department of Technology and Entrepreneurshi

95 Komsomolskaya Str., Orel 302026

Researcher ID: N-3589-2016



R. R. Pyanov
Orel State University named after I. S. Turgenev
Russian Federation

Ruslan R. Pyanov, Student of the Faculty of the Physical Culture and Sports

95 Komsomolskaya Str., Orel 302026



O. А. Kryzhanovskaya
Southwest State University
Russian Federation

Olga А. Kryzhanovskaya, Candidate of Sciences (Economics), Associate Professor, Associate
Professor of the Department of Regional Economics and Management

50 Let Oktyabrya Str. 94, Kursk 305040

Researcher ID: N-3589-2016



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For citations:


Pyanova N.V., Stolyarova E.A., Pyanov R.R., Kryzhanovskaya O.А. Cost-effectiveness of viral marketing: a case study of successful campaigns. Proceedings of the Southwest State University. Series: Economics. Sociology. Management. 2025;15(3):163-175. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21869/2223-1552-2025-15-3-163-175

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ISSN 2223-1552 (Print)