Are you trying to get more engagement on your business’s Facebook page? Running a contest is a good way to grow your social media followers and increase your customer engagement. Don’t know how to run a contest on Facebook?
Here are some tips to get you started:
Clearly Define Your Goals
Before you choose which style of contest you want to run, clearly define what you want to accomplish. Do you want to promote a product? Increase use of your services? Grow your email list? Gather customer generated content? When you create your contest, focus on one or two attainable goals.
Review Facebook’s Terms and Conditions
The first thing you want to do is check Facebook’s terms and conditions. It periodically changes rules and regulations about contests and other promotions. Check the Facebook Guidelines page before you launch your contest.
Types of contests which are still permitted on Facebook:
- Like a post to enter
- Post on a Page to enter
- Like as a voting mechanism
- Comment on a post to enter
Using a Third Party App
You may choose to run your Facebook contest with a third party app. These will allow you to run a sweepstakes or a contest.
- A sweepstakes allows users to enter for a chance to win at random and there is no payment or value exchange in order to enter.
- A contest is a type of competition that seeks to find a winner based on merit or skill. Contests can take the form of a photo contest or a video contest – users can upload their content, which can then be voted on by the community.
The type of contest you choose to run will depend on your goals. If you are just trying to grow your email list and engagement, a sweepstakes is a great option. If you are trying to gather customer-generated content and engagement, a contest may be the way you want to go.
Clearly Define Contest Rules
- Set a timeframe
- Contest minimum age
- Eligible countries
- Number of times user can enter
- How winner will be chosen
- How winner will be notified
Pick a Relevant Prize
Last but not least, choose a prize that will entice your ideal customer. Don’t just put up a contest to win a free trip to a spa, if you’re not a spa. If you own a restaurant, offer a free meal. If you own a yoga studio, offer a free class. You get the idea.
Every time you run a Facebook contest, you learn a little more about your followers and what motivates them to engage with you and your contests. Pay attention to this information so that you can run better contests each time.
If you want help growing and managing your business’s Facebook page, contact The Light Digital for a marketing consultation.
