Posted on May 1, 2009 - by Kelly Verge
Swine Flu Marketing – “That’s Just Sick!”
Due to the rapid spread of stories about the Swine Flu pandemic, more people have begun to market to this niche. That’s not surprising at all.
The thing that I find most unusual is the indignation I’ve seen from people on Internet Marketing forums.
They say things like “I can’t believe he’s trying to take advantage of the situation,” or “that’s really tasteless,” or other comments indicating that they think this “behavior” is really low and despicable.
Here’s the thing:
We’re marketers. We find people with a want or need and we fill it. Period.
Anyone who’s using a different formula will likely never succeed (pet rocks are the exception).
If someone was making claims that Product X cures or prevents Swine Flu, sure. That’s just wrong. But the targets of these attacks are giving visitors real, helpful information about the flu then presenting an offer for a product that helps them in some way.
Consider the other health-related niches. What makes the Swine Flu any different than the rest?
If someone had a blog about heart disease then offered an ebook explaining natural ways to lower cholesterol would he be vilified? Of course not.
Get off your high horse.
Please let me know if you think I’m wrong (or right).
You've visited a few times and I would appreciate your thoughts on this post. Why not comment?
Visit My Website
May 1, 2009
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One of my clients is writing an article on “things to worry about instead of swine flu” and while I think it’s a great idea, I want him to be careful with the overall tone of the article. I’m not worried about it, I know he’s not, but people are dying and getting ill. Still, I like and agree with your vantage point.
Visit My Website
May 1, 2009
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I agree. As long as you’re not making false claims, using recent, topical (and therefore, popular) search phrases to reach your audience is recommended.
Visit My Website
May 2, 2009
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I agree, too. If we can provide people with useful information and genuinely helpful products, I consider that a service!
Media hype brings with it a sense of fear and powerlessness. Some media outlets are exploiting the public far more than most Internet marketers will.
I see nothing wrong with helping people with information (e.g., the 1918 deaths “flu” deaths were probably from strep) and products (that build health and resistance to infections and viruses).
Restoring a sense of empowerment — and reducing hysteria — are commendable, whether it’s done as a public service, a business, or both.
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May 6, 2009
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I totally agree. As long as they’re not presenting inaccurate or overly-sensationalized claims for a cure or protection, there’s nothing wrong with presenting information to people who are asking for it.
Visit My Website
May 8, 2009
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I couldn’t agree more. A successful marketer will spot an opportunity wherever one exists.
As always, as long as there are no false claims, take it and run. If people are willing to pay for info, sell it to them!
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May 11, 2009
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I hate when people try to take the “high ground” and act morally outraged about swine flu. Especially since it’s such a minor disease.
Swine Flu was just a big fad, and people are already forgetting about it.
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June 30, 2009
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Hi Kelly,
I agree wholeheartedly too.
It’s no different from having a site for any other illness in the human condition, as long as it’s providing useful info and not making false or misleading claims.
Keep up the good work.
Michael
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February 4, 2010
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“We’re marketers. We find people with a want or need and we fill it. Period.”
I like your point of view, man.
Added this phrase to my favorite quotations list.
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February 12, 2011
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I agree with your point of view but I feel that to effectively market products for any kind of flu, there should be a landing page with scientific facts backing it up Kind Regards