Text to Win Sweepstakes

Do you think you want to run a text to win sweepstakes? As the World’s First Sweepstakes Marketing Agency, we know a thing or two, and we’d be happy to pass along some knowledge! 

Let’s start with what a text to win sweepstakes is, it’s a quick and easy way for consumers to enter your sweepstake with the push of a few buttons!  Consumers text your brand to be entered in. The participant puts in little effort and has the chance to win, all while your brand has just collected a little bit more information on your audience. To run a well-done text to win sweepstakes, here are some things you’ll need!

An SMS Short Code 

A short code is the phone number used for these types of promotions. In Canada the two types are short codes (5 or 6 Digits) and long codes (8 Digits), the numbers are randomized. In the U.S.A, there are vanity (brands select the numbers) and non-vanity short codes (numbers are randomized). Short codes can only be leased, not bought outright. Depending on the type you choose it can range from $500-$1,000 USD per month, along with a one time set-up fee of $650-3,000 USD.

A Keyword 

Your keyword is simply the word you want the consumer to text to be entered in your sweepstakes. It’s best to use a word related to your brand or the prize they’d be winning! You can make your keyword(s) whatever you’d like, and you can have more than one! Keep in mind your keyword(s) will come at an additional cost as you don’t own the short code. 

Rules 

Your rules will guide your promotion and make sure there is no miscommunication with your consumers. Having rules will ensure that consumers know about the entry process, dates, eligibility and prizes. Rules will help make sure that no legal issues occur, but if some arise your rules will be a legal resource for your brand. 

Data Collection

You have a few options when it comes to collecting data. Depending on what you have consumers do to enter your sweepstakes, you can acquire their name, phone number, email, or address. While you have options in what you acquire, there are rules to follow when it comes to using their information for text promotions. If you’d like to do so, you need to obtain permission from the user, by having them text back “Y” to sign up for future messages. If you’d like to collect more personal information you could direct the user to click the link to your website/landing page to put in more information to complete their entry. 

An AMOE

This stands for an ‘alternate method of entry’. With all text-to-win promotions, an alternate method of entry is required as you can’t make someone purchase something including a phone/plan to have them enter a contest or sweepstakes. You can have a mailing method or an online method as your AMOE.

 

If you’re still interested in a text to win sweepstakes, take a look at our Contest Considerations! 

Have questions about whether or not that’s the right move for your brand? At RAVEN5 we know about contests and sweepstakes through and through, and we’d love to hear from you!

 

Vanessa Niragira, Oakville, Ontario, July 2020

 

Additional Sources:

https://usshortcodedirectory.com/faq/how-do-i-get-a-short-code/

http://www.upsidewireless.com/nasc_faq.htm

http://www.mardenkane.com/articles/amoe-guide-sweepstakes-acronyms.html

https://support.twilio.com/hc/en-us/articles/226460288-How-much-does-a-Short-Code-cost-

 

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