Getting buzz on social media is great, but can you build a successful company around it? The answer is yes, if you do it right.
When Kerith Rogers was being bullied at school for being dark-skinned, her sister tried to encourage her by posting a photo of her online with the hashtag #FlexinInMyComplexion. The post went viral on Twitter. Two days later, with confidence and the support of her family, Kerith started selling. Showing off my skin The T-shirts sold out within 10 minutes.
Below, Kelis shares four tips that helped him build his business after going viral.
How to turn your viral moment into a business
When an unexpected viral moment happens, you don’t have much time to capitalize on it before the moment is gone. Don’t miss the wave of fame. If you have a business idea, be ready to act when the time is right.
1. Don’t be afraid to take risks
After her hashtag As it started to gain popularity, Kelis wanted to seize the opportunity. Even as a primary school student, she dreamed of creating a business that would help people feel more confident.
“When you have an idea, the only person who can stop it is you,” Kellis says.
If you can grab people’s attention online, take the opportunity and don’t be afraid to go after something that’s already garnering attention. It was a bold move, but Kelis decided to take the plunge because she wanted to inspire even more people with her work. Brand message.
2. Ask for help
Once you’re committed to your idea, you’ll need people to help you get the product into customers’ hands. “It was really a family and friends business at first,” Kellis explains.
Her mother contacted a friend who makes T-shirts, and her sister Designed the website“It was all very spontaneous and the company was literally founded in two days,” Kellis said.
Working with people who support you will help your company soar and maintain long-term success. “There’s nothing wrong with asking for help,” Kerris says. “A lot of people are too scared, but if you need help, ask for it.”
3. Going out in public
“I was doing a lot of interviews and photo shoots and traveling a lot, so we kept ourselves relevant,” Kelis says.
After going viral, Kelis shared her content with new audiences to keep them interested and keep Flexin’ In My Complexion going strong. A surge in coverage online and in the news also brought her new clients. “Consistency is key, so keep doing creative photoshoots and make sure you keep people interested,” she says.
4. Set priorities
Kellis gave up time with friends, stayed home and prioritized schoolwork to make time for her business. “At the end of the day, there are people out there who want orders and that takes a lot of sacrifice,” she said.
More than seven years later, all of those sacrifices have paid off: Kelis has inspired hundreds of thousands of people with her motivational fashion while building the career of her dreams.
If you’re confident, motivated, and not afraid to ask for help, you’ll be rewarded with viral views. And if you can follow Kelis’ advice, your viral moment could be the catalyst for your new business idea.
Read more about Kelis’ founder story and social media tips in full. Shopify Master episode.
