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How to Run a Successful Facebook Contest in 15 Steps

Checklist Simple How to Run A Successful Facebook Contest in 15 STEPS It's no secret that a Facebook contest done right can increase visibility and engagement. Equally important: contests can provide valuable customer information. If you've ever run a contest and the results weren't what you'd hoped for, you may have made a few strategic errors. These steps will help increase the odds of success. 1. Decide If you really need a contest A Facebook contest is not right for every business. For example, a B2B company that deals in a niche market might not benefit from a giveaway. Example: A concrete company that sells to a handful of clients probably won't benefit from a contest. Take your time and set some Goals 2. 0 Do you want to Increase brand awareness or highlight a new product? Or do you want to increase the number of "Likes" on your Page? Do you want to boost user engagement, gather user feedback, or develop advocates for your brand? Design the 3. Right Contest There are four basic types of Facebook sweepstakes, essay, photo and video. Video, photo. and essay contests provide lots of content for your Page, but they also require more effort to enter. Sweepstakes are easiest. contests: Win! Tip: Start with an easy contest first, then try other types based on user feedback. Familiarize 4. Yourself with Facebook's Policies and Guidelines When it comes to contests, Facebook has an extensive list of "dos and don'ts." Save yourself a headache and study them. Link: Before you beg in, read Facebook rules here. Choose a 5. Third-Party App to run the contest Facebook explicitly requires page owners to use a third-party application when running contests (or you can build an app yourself). It's nearly impossible to meet all Promotions Guidelines without one. Choose a third-party app developer 6. that has these Three Essential Features Flexibility. If it's not customizable, the app might not give you the results you're after. Embeddable capabilities. Many third-party apps only work on Facebook. Look for one that allows you to install the contest on your website, too. Mobile capabilities! According to Facebook's 2012 second quarter report, 543 million of its most active users access Facebook from a mobile device. Choose a third-party app developer that 17. Won't Bust Your Budget There are free third-party apps and those that cost thousands of dollars. Using a free or low-cost app reduces your risk if the contest doesn't deliver what you hope. Pick a relevant Prize 8. A contest should showcase your own products and services. After all, people are coming to your Page because they are interested in learning more about what you offer. Tip: If you're a restaurant, giue away a dinner for two. Make it 9. Worthwhile The value of your prize should reflect the effort participants need to make when they enter. Photo-voting contests are easy: essay and video contests require more effort. Example: The prize for a simple sweepstakes might be a 20% off coupon for your product: the prize for a uideo contest might be a month's supply. Keep it 10. Simple Make the contest easy to enter. The more fields you ask users to fill out, the fewer entries you'll receive. Name: Email SUBMIT Tip: Ask yourself: "DoIreally need that info?" Make it 1. Visible ENTER HERE The contest app should be easy to find on your Page. Call the app "Enter Now" or "Sweeps" and post Status Updates about the contest on your Timeline. Tip: Pin your post to your Timeline. Tell the World 12. about it Promote the contest on Twitter, include information about it in email newsletters, and send out reminders. It is okay to remind your fans periodically that the contest is going on - just don't overdo it, and be sure to promote your overall business along the way. Tip: If you haue a brick-and-mortar store, print signs or flyers mentioning the contest. Printed materials are a great place to put your QR codesl 13. Advertise Investing in Facebook Ads is a great and affordable way to increase the reach of your promotion. Tip: All ot $5 or $10 a day as a test. Mine the Data 14. Your promotion is over, the prizes have been awarded.and now you're done, right? Not so fast. You ran the promotion so you could gather information about your customers, so spend a little bit of time making sense of what you've learned. | 15. Follow up! Make sure you follow up and let your followers know that you appreciate their engagement so they'll be motivated to keep "talking" with you. Ultimately they'll be even bigger fans of your business. Tip: When the contest ends, email all entrants to let them know someone has won but also to thank them for entering. presented by SHORTSTACK

How to Run a Successful Facebook Contest in 15 Steps

shared by PancakeLabs on Mar 05
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Doesn’t it seem like everyone is giving something away on Facebook these days? From hotel stays and cowboy boots to iPads, every day is a contest day on Facebook. There’s a good reason for the pop...

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Pancake Labs

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Lea Heckley

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Social Media
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