|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…
|
What To Know
- This transition from a simple content website to a multi-faceted media organization exemplifies the power of building a community-first and then creating a brand that thrives on its engagement.
- The site’s literary hook centered on creating content that people wanted to share with friends, resulting in a rapid spread across social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
BuzzFeed began as a viral content website known for its quizzes, listicles, and funny videos.
Over time, it transformed into a major media giant, leveraging its massive online community to expand into commerce, original video production, and news reporting.
This transition from a simple content website to a multi-faceted media organization exemplifies the power of building a community-first and then creating a brand that thrives on its engagement.
The Brand Journey of BuzzFeed
- 2006: BuzzFeed founded by Jonah Peretti and John S. Johnson III, focusing on viral content tracking.
- Original Content: Shifted to creating listicles, quizzes, and videos that rapidly gained traction.
- BuzzFeed Video: Launched short, shareable clips, leading to significant growth on YouTube and Facebook.
- BuzzFeed News: Expanded into news and investigative journalism, adding a serious dimension to the platform.
- BuzzFeed’s Partnerships: Collaborated with major brands through native advertising and branded content.
- BuzzFeed Tasty: Introduced in 2015, the food-focused channel became a viral sensation with its cooking videos.
- Pulitzer Prize: BuzzFeed News won its first Pulitzer Prize in 2021, marking a milestone in journalism.
- BuzzFeed’s IPO: Went public in 2021 through a SPAC, indicating its growth in the media industry.
- BuzzFeed Studios: Expanded into longer-form content with original series and films, diversifying its offerings.
The Founder’s Vision
BuzzFeed was founded in 2006 by Jonah Peretti, whose background in technology and media provided the perfect combination for building a viral content platform.
Peretti recognized the power of shareable content and sought to create a website that could capture the attention of internet users with catchy headlines, amusing videos, and interactive quizzes.
His vision was to make content that would be widely shared across social media, driving significant traffic and engagement.
The Literary Hook
BuzzFeed’s initial appeal came from its focus on viral content that was easily shareable.
The site’s literary hook centered on creating content that people wanted to share with friends, resulting in a rapid spread across social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
The website featured a variety of content, including humorous videos, intriguing quizzes, and compelling listicles. This approach attracted a large online community of users who enjoyed the lighthearted and engaging nature of BuzzFeed’s content.
BuzzFeed’s quizzes became particularly popular, allowing users to answer fun questions and then share their results with their social networks. This viral aspect drove substantial traffic to the site and contributed to BuzzFeed’s rapid growth.
Community Building
BuzzFeed’s community-building strategy relied heavily on user interaction and engagement. The site encouraged users to participate in its quizzes, comment on articles, and share content with their friends.
This approach fostered a sense of community among BuzzFeed’s audience, creating a network of users who actively contributed to the site’s popularity.
Social media played a critical role in BuzzFeed’s community-building efforts. The brand maintained a strong presence on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, where it actively engaged with its audience.
BuzzFeed’s willingness to adapt to emerging trends and connect with users through relatable content helped it build a loyal following.
Product Expansion
As BuzzFeed’s community grew, the company expanded its product offerings to capitalize on its existing audience.
BuzzFeed launched a commerce platform, allowing users to purchase products related to its content, such as merchandise based on popular quizzes and videos. This move into e-commerce leveraged the brand’s strong community and provided additional revenue streams.
Another significant expansion was the creation of BuzzFeed Studios, a production arm dedicated to creating original video content. The studio produced web series, short films, and even feature-length movies, showcasing the brand’s ability to diversify its content offerings.
BuzzFeed’s production studio allowed the company to reach a broader audience while maintaining its core focus on viral and engaging content.
Lessons Learned
BuzzFeed’s journey from a viral content website to a media giant offers several valuable lessons:
- Focus on Shareable Content: BuzzFeed’s success was built on creating content that people wanted to share, driving traffic and engagement.
- Build a Strong Community: By encouraging interaction and participation, BuzzFeed built a loyal following that supported its expansion into new ventures.
- Leverage Social Media: BuzzFeed’s effective use of social media platforms was instrumental in building its community and expanding its reach.
- Diversify with Confidence: BuzzFeed’s expansion into e-commerce and original video content demonstrated the brand’s willingness to diversify while staying true to its core identity.
Bottom Line
BuzzFeed’s case study shows how a brand can grow from a viral content website to a multi-faceted media organization by focusing on community-first.
By creating engaging and shareable content, BuzzFeed attracted a large online community that supported the company’s expansion into new ventures.
This community-driven approach allowed BuzzFeed to become a media powerhouse, demonstrating the value of building a brand that resonates with its audience and adapts to changing trends.
Tired of the Status Quo? Tap into our proven growth framework and turn your vision into reality. Our signature EVF Growth Formula is inspired by the thinking behind the following brands.
Working with the EVF Growth Formula will transform your experience into a powerful brand asset leading to financial abundance, influence and respect.
Sign up today and start building your Creator business.