No really, it's terrifying!

So every website needs links right?

Google’s algorithm relies on them. A common problem most website owners face is, how the heck do you get em?

Today I saw any absolutely awesome example of how to do this using a combination of:

1. Social media.
2. A bit of creativity & humour.

A lot of New Zealand businesses struggle to build links organically.  This post is an example of how you could use the speed of social media to generate buzz and build links to your website.

The Key Is Content – How To Sell A Washing Machine

I was working away at my desk today when I noticed something on Twitter that instantly made me stand up and pay attention. A tweet about a Scary Washing Machine on Trademe.

Cracking up I announced to the office: “Have you guys seen this hilarious listing on Trademe about the scary washing machine?” My workmates quickly jumped up from their desks and eagerly rushed over to see what all the fuss was about.

My workmate Louise goes “Oh yeah, my friend emailed me that morning!”

Being a little late to the party, I decided to investigate a little further.

Turned out, this listing is already absolutely fricken everywhere.

Check this out:

• The buzz on Twitter
• It’s on Digg & Stumbleupon.
• People are already blogging about it.
• It has its own Facebook page which at the time of writing this has 1,150 fans! 5413 now!

And to top it off, it’s about to appear on it appeared on TVNZ’s Close-Up.

Impressive for a story about a washing machine and some drawings of dinosaurs.

Smart Business’s Use Social Media

So is this a marketing stunt by Fisher & Paykel? I doubt it. Maybe someone else? I’m yet to find out.

Mr Vintage – now there is a New Zealand business that’s on to it, you can already buy a Scary Washing Machine T-Shirts!

This is exactly why your business needs to be creating interesting content and leveraging the power of social media.

Humour is a fantastic example of how to bait people to link to your content.

Entertaining, got people talking and  is spreading faster the Swine Flu.

All Michael did was put a little of thought into creating content that entertained, and  he stood out from all the others.

Same goes with your own website. If you want to gain some attention online and attract links, create content that people want to share. Get creative.

And it will spread itself, with a little help by pushing it via social media channels.

Easy (and amazingly difficult) as that.

I see this story becoming another New Zealand classic.

UPDATE – It sure was – a website was created in it’s honor, 100% jumped on board and Simon Young of iJump followed up on what happened behind the scenes:

Looks like some people listened, which is key to successful social media.

Now over to you.

Thoughts or questions? I’d love your hear them so leave a comment.