Build a Contest in 4 Easy Steps

Contests and sweepstakes have been around for a number of years, but with the development of social media, it seems like they have been given a new life in the eyes of marketers. Here are four reasons why every marketer should make contests a part of their arsenal.  While contests are certainly not the only tool that will help people notice your product and/or service, it is an extremely effective way to garner attention from potential new customers. Here’s how to build a contest in 4 easy steps:

1. Contests are a great tool for Building a Fan Base

It doesn’t matter how many likes you currently have on your Facebook or Twitter page, contests are an effective and proven way to increase your following on social.  Along with running a great contest, you need to make sure you have to have a great promotion to go along with it. Without proper incentive, there isn’t a reason for anyone to visit and like your page, so keep that in mind.

2. Engage your Audience

Of course, when you think about a contest you think about building your likes and visitor count, but what about engaging that audience that you’re longing for? You want them to long for you just as much as you long for them and you want them fully invested in what you’re trying to sell them.  A user-generated content (UGC) promotion such as a photo or video contest is a great way to do just that. These types of contests tap into the human drive to compete and be the best!  Plus, they provide a way for everyone to experience their 15 minutes of fame. The most important part of running these types of contests is that people upload their own personal content. This is key, because naturally they are invested in your brand if they are willing to go the extra mile to win that prize pack or whatever it is you’re promoting.

3. Rich, Filthy rich…

In data! Yes, running a contest can help you extract an enormous amount of information from your customers or potential customers. You lure them in with a prize and they are willing to give up a reasonable amount of information about themselves in order to win what you’re giving away. Just like when you say “Don’t miss this great opportunity to win this fabulous cruise to the Bahamas” you don’t want to miss out on this great opportunity to get to know your customers better. You can learn a lot just from the tiny interactions and encounters you make with your customers.

4. Contests Empower your Consumers to market for you

Absolutely, they do! Running a contest can actually encourage people to market for you by spreading the word about your contest. To accomplish this, it’s important to have a promotional plan that encompasses many marketing channels, but thanks to sharing on social media sites, contests today enable an amplification of your marketing message that was not previously possible.

If your contest includes a voting component, participants are more inclined to share the contest with their family or friends to receive support for their entry. This sharing component can be extremely valuable to you and allows your contest to reach even more potential customers.

Make sure that before you start a contest in your area that you are familiar with the local laws and regulations. Every country, province, or state has its own laws for contests. Do your research first.

For more information on how to build a contest, click here to read more on Mashable.

 

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