Sweepstakes Checklist – Are You Ready?

Looking to increase brand awareness? Want to grow your social following? Do you want to reach new customers? The better question is, why isn’t contest marketing a part of your marketing mix? Running a custom contest or sweepstakes can find prospects and new customers, while rewarding existing ones.  Here’s a basic sweepstakes checklist to get you started!

Rules, regulations and restrictions

Every contest or sweepstakes requires a set of rules. The rules sets out how the promotion is structured:

• Details
• Dates
• Entry mechanics
• Eligibility
• Prizing
• Methods of data collection
• Winner selection and notification process
• Other considerations

The rules for each contest are often unique and sometimes require outside legal advice to provide a review. We at RAVEN5 can provide rules for your promotion, regardless of where you plan to run it.

Sweepstakes Registration

Have you ever wondered why certain states are excluded from contests? For example, Rhode Island requires businesses to register contests if the prize is over $500 and is conducted in a retail environment. This can easily cost $150 to start, so most businesses will choose to exclude it from contests.

Similarly, here in Canada, if you plan to run a contest in Quebec, you’ll need to register with the Regie (http://www.racj.gouv.qc.ca/), which requires a deposit on prizes over $100 (along with other requirements). We at RAVEN5 have talked about Contests and the Law before.

Canadian Contests & Sweepstakes

As of July 2014, any commercial electronic messages (CEM) sent within Canada are subject to “Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation” (CASL). In order to advertise to Canadians, you must first obtain consent. Already confused? We at RAVEN5 have already talked extensively on CASL, so check out the CASL Refresher and here’s how to Get CASL Ready! An important part of running a sweepstakes or contest in Canada is to receive express consent when the entrant opts-in, or else there could be hefty fines.

Drawing and Winner Notification

Running a sweepstakes will require you to draw a random winner from all eligible entries. Running a contest will require picking a winner based on the set criteria (which are included in the rules). In some cases, a winner release form is also required. Are you prepared to pick a winner? RAVEN5 can help!

Data Reporting

Contests and sweepstakes are a great way for businesses to collect information, but are you utilizing it? RAVEN5 provides detailed reporting during the contest period, allowing you to determine how effective the promotion was, as well review any collected data from entrants. Our platform allows you to collect demographic data (such as age and gender) as well as any survey questions you choose to include with the promotion.

What are you Waiting for?

RAVEN5 works with clients solving their primary business challenge, finding new prospects and new customers. We provide services in creative, design, branding, digital, strategy and communications. We work with our clients to find new customers, build online engagement and drive in-store sales. Contact RAVEN5 to build your sweepstakes checklist today.

Jesse Bickerton, RAVEN5, July 2018

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweepstake

http://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/h_02771.html

http://learn.rafflecopter.com/why-run-a-giveaway/difference_between_contest_sweepstakes_lottery.html

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217659

https://money.howstuffworks.com/question541.htm

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