If you've got your video that's going to do for mops what Will It Blend? did for blenders and you want to start some viral marketing on the internet, you should probably know some things before you start.

Dan Zarrella, a viral marketing and social media scientist, has provided a checklist to make sure companies (and not just those selling mops) don't "miss the forest for the trees".

He believes that it is vital to make sure the specific goals for the campaign have been specified, as well as knowing the demographic that's being aimed at.

Unfortunately, that seems to imply that anyone who uses a blender also likes to see various items destroyed in said blenders, but never mind.

Then, the novelty-factor and originality must be considered: "It can be a new take on an old idea, but there must be some kernel of novelty present because otherwise, who cares?"

This means that Will It Mop? may be just about passable as an idea, assuming it's spiced up enough.

Mr Zarrella offers some other tips, but it could be argued that this novelty-factor is the stumbling block.

Can companies really afford to spend time and money coming up with something truly novel, or are they better served focusing on other online marketing services and only starting a viral campaign when they stumble upon a novel idea - as was the case with Will It Blend?

Online Marketing specialists Business Feet help create value from business websites