Top 5 Things We’ve Learned After Executing Hundreds of Facebook Contests

When done correctly, Facebook contests are a great way to increase followers, engagement, and leads for businesses and brands. And at 2060 Digital, we’re no strangers when it comes to contesting. Over the years we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. So before you launch your next Facebook contest, take a look at our top five tips!

1. Platform App or Wall Contest

Decisions…decisions…. Are you considering running a Facebook app or wall contest? There are different benefits to both, so here’s how you decide:

• Is your goal to gain new followers and grow your email marketing database? Then your best bet would be to run an app contest. Users have to share their email address and information to enter for their chance to win.
• Is your goal to spike engagement? Then you probably want to run a wall contest. Users can easily enter by liking or commenting on a Facebook post to enter to win. Once you make a decision it’s on to the fun stuff!

2. Theme

Is the contest product-related? Seasonal? A voting or photo contest? When it comes to selecting a theme, it’s important to remember that it will set the tone for your creative, content, and method of entry. Facebook is a platform where you can have fun; yes, fun! A creative theme is more likely to go viral and boost fan engagement. However, don’t get too carried away, the simpler it is for fans to enter to win, the more entries it will receive.

3. Prizes

Who doesn’t want to win a great prize? Here’s your chance to get creative, but it’s important to keep it brand-related to see the best ROI. Remember, in order to see your business grow, you want to attract quality fans over quantity. When selecting the prize value, the prize should reflect the effort users need to make to enter. And, if we’re being honest, the bigger the value the better!

4. Content

As the saying goes, “content is king,” and that’s true when it comes to contesting as well. After your contest goes live there’s still work that needs to be done. If you create a monthly content calendar, it’s important to include promotional posts (kickoff, reminders, winner announcements, etc.) about your contest throughout the month. We also suggest using some of your advertising budget to run Facebook ads in order to reach and target as many people as possible. Additionally, you can promote the contest across all your social media networks to help spread the word.

5. Graphics

In addition to good content, you’ll need graphics to support your contest. We suggest promoting your contest in the cover photo, profile photo, promoted posts, email marketing, and website. It’s important to work with your design team on the graphics to carry a consistent theme throughout the duration of the contest.

Implementing these tips will only help your page grow, followers interact, and contests succeed! Happy contesting!