Do we really all need to "go viral"?

Now more than ever, when you look at new products launching on Product Hunt or anywhere else online, the conversation is dominated by one topic: virality.

There is an endless stream of tools and hacks promising to make your content "explode." It often feels like "going viral" has become the default KPI for every modern business. If you aren't trending, are you even growing?

But is going viral a real, effective marketing strategy?

Pros:

• Massive awareness: You get in front of eyes you never would have reached organically.

• Social proof: High numbers can validate your project to investors or partners.

• Adrenaline: Let's be honest, watching the view counter spin is exciting.

Cons:

• The "tourist" traffic: Viral hits often bring curious onlookers, not qualified leads. They arrive, look, and leave without converting.

• Unpredictability: You cannot build a reliable business model on lottery tickets. Relying on virality makes your revenue unstable.

• Brand dilution: When you try to appeal to everyone, you often end up appealing to no one deeply.

To build a healthy and effective business, you shouldn't be interested in a million views if it means zero connection.

The goal remains the same as it has always been: to reach the right people. 100 engaged, loyal users who truly love what you build are worth infinitely more than 100,000 people who watch a 10-second clip and scroll past.

Has your content ever gone viral? Or do you aim to create viral content?