It seems like you can’t turn a web page these days without seeing the term “viral”.

Answers.com defines viral as:  Viral, when used as a computer term, refers to a reoccurring practice or pattern of Internet use that moves from person to person.

Ok, that’s easy enough.  But let’s drill down to a deeper meaning.  How about this:  “Viral, in relation to a post on the internet means to instill a strong enough emotion for the reader to take action.”  I like that one even better.

I think when most bloggers post there is a viral element.  Certainly we want others to read what it is we have to say.  We would all love our readers to stumble, digg and email our posts to every contact in their address book.  If your site is strictly for blogging, this may be good enough and the first definition of viral works just fine, thank you very much.

Suppose that your website has a blog as one of the elements, but you are most interested in having them purchase something, say a product or service you offer.  Viral as stated in the first definition is certainly a good thing, but what you really want is the viewer to take some kind of action.  Subscribing and commenting is all very good, but how do you translate those viewers into buyers?

Viral as stated in the second definition is what I’m talking about here.  Turning viewers into consumers requires the blog posts to strike home in a way that viewers connect with the words, the emotions and the gist of what the blog post is offering.

The single best way to accomplish this is to write with passion and inspiration.  When you are inspired, those feelings come through in the way you place your words, the selection of vocabulary and the way you choose to present them.  When you write with passion, you will make connections.  Not with everyone of course, but with those that may really matter.

Someone who feels connected is more inclined to peruse your site to see what it is that you have to offer.  This person could be a casual observer or someone who is actually in search of the services you offer.  Even if they are not in the market, chances are there is someone they know who is, thus the first definition of viral applies.

So think about what kind of viral you’d like your posts to be and write with the passion and inspiration that made you a writer in the first place.