A contest is the perfect way to gain followers, raise awareness, and establish your brand on social media. Contests can range from huge pay-offs to free swag. No matter which end of the spectrum you choose, it’s important to host an efficient contest for your followers. Below are a few simple steps to help you run a successful social media contest.

1. Terms of Service

It’s important to make sure your brand is protected throughout the competition. Create a Terms of Service for participants to read. This will inform the participants on the rules and what the contest parameters are.

2. Define Goals

What do you want your brand to achieve through this contest? Is it just to gain followers? Increase awareness in the community? Or reward existing followers? Whatever you goal, it’s important to make them trackable. You want to ensure you’re reaching these goals throughout the contest.

3. Contest Type

There are a multitude of ways you can conduct a social media contest. Choose your platform first to dictate where you’ll be measuring results. Then, decide what actions the contest will need. A like? A follow? A photo entry? A mention? An online entry? Make sure the platform you choose allows for the actions you desire. We go in depth into types here. (insert link into here)

4. Set Rules

This goes hand in hand with the Terms of Service. How long will it run? What actions are required? What are the details of winning? Rules will protect your brand from being taken advantage of and keep your contestants honest. Lay the rules out in an off-site document for followers to view and make sure you keep them updated on the platform to remind followers.

5. Measure

If you created goals for the contest, this is where you track the success of those. Social Platforms allow for tracking a variety of factors. If you wanted to gain followers, track the daily increase and present the total in comparison with your target goal. If likes were your goal, track the increase during and after the contest with your previous average.

For more tips on how to have fun with social media or for help with your communications efforts, please email us at info@theburnetteagency.com or fill out our contact page here