‘Tis the season for running holiday contests! Contests are a fantastic way to build your sales funnel and capture the attention of potential clients. However, it’s essential to have a solid strategy in place to ensure your contest’s success. Here are the top 10 things to remember when running a contest:
1. What Are You Giving Away?
First things first, decide on what you will give away. There are three main types of contests:
- Contest: Engages users, creates word of mouth, and gains new followers.
- Sweepstakes: Fun and easy for participants with no required effort.
- Lottery: Requires careful consideration of local state and federal guidelines to avoid legal issues.
2. How Will You Give It Away?
Decide whether you will offer something in-person for local participants (which can be great for follow-up social media posts) or if you will email the prize to the winner. Stick to your plan to avoid any confusion or changes that might drive away potential participants.
3. What Platform Will You Use?
Consider where you will run your contest:
- Your website
You might even use multiple platforms, giving away a prize to a winner on each one. Use advertising dollars to retarget Facebook users, website visitors, and send emails to your current client base for maximum exposure.
4. Decide on a Timeframe and Stick to It
Plan your start and finish dates carefully and stick to them. Consistency in timing is crucial for maintaining trust and engagement with participants.
5. Write Out All the Rules
Clearly outline the rules of the contest and review them thoroughly. Make sure the rules are clear to both you and the participants to avoid any confusion or disputes.
6. Create a Customized Hashtag
A unique hashtag for your contest can help you track its reach and engagement. It makes the contest more searchable and allows participants to easily share and follow updates.
7. Ensure It's Mobile Friendly
If you’re using a landing page for your contest, make sure it’s simple, easy to navigate, and mobile-friendly. There are many tools available to help you set up a contest that follows all the rules.
8. Notify Entrants When It’s Done
Set a clear deadline and ensure all entrants are informed when the contest ends. Keeping participants in the loop is crucial for maintaining engagement and setting the stage for future interactions.
9. Encourage Sharing
Make sure your entrants know they can share the contest. More shares mean more entries, better brand awareness, and a more successful contest.
10. Follow-Up with an Email Drip Campaign
The goal of a contest is to collect valuable potential client information. Develop a follow-up strategy to keep them engaged and in your sales funnel long-term.
Running a contest can be a powerful tool for your marketing strategy. By following these tips, you can ensure your contest is well-planned, engaging, and successful. Happy contesting!
