We’ve mentioned a time or two that it’s very important to make your social media channels a conversation. There are several great ways to accomplish this, but one of our favorites is hosting a social media contest.
A social media contest works for just about any kind of business or industry, and it’s a fun and easy way to engage followers. If you’re ready to take the plunge, here are some general steps to follow in order to make a successful marketing move:
1 | Set Your Goals and Budget
Just like any other marketing tactic, it’s only successful if you’re able to – well – measure its success. Before launching the contest, determine your goals, which are usually along the lines of:
- Increase page likes by X number of followers
- Get X number of comments on the contest posts
- Increase number of converted leads
In addition, determine your budget for the contest. Will you be boosting the posts, running ads, etc.?
2 | Pick a Desirable Prize
Really tap into your audience’s desires before determining the prize. Who are you trying to reach, and what will really get them to participate? Tickets to events and concerts are usually hot sellers, but each demographic is different. Take your time finding the perfect giveaway to maximize engagement.
3 | Decide on the Type of Contest
Once your overall budget is set, you can decide how labor-intensive to make the contest, which helps determine the type of contest you want to host. Something elaborate, like a scavenger hunt, will generally be more time-consuming on your end (but it’s fun!). Photo contests, “caption this” contests or even something as simple as “tag a friend” contests can all be successful if operated well.
4 | Outline the Rules Ahead of Time
Make sure all contest participants are well-aware of the contest guidelines before going live. If the rules are too complicated to lay out in a single social media post, consider linking to a company blog post that delves into greater detail. Here are a few rules to consider explaining:
- Contest timeline
- Specific instructions for participants
- End prize
- Number of winners
- Any restrictions
5 | Promote it Outside of Social Media
If one of your goals is to win the attention of not-yet followers, you’ll need to promote the contest outside of social media as well. Include it on your website, company blog, email newsletter, and in social media ads that will reach people who haven’t liked your page.
Social media engagement is a key part of many companies’ marketing strategy. If you’re ready to take your digital marketing to the next level, the Brindle digital marketing team in Greeley can take the lead. Contact us today to get started.