Facebook has over 500 million active users, creating an environment that allows you to tap into networks that might have once seemed out of reach for a small business. Running a Facebook contest is a fun way to actively engage these networks, gain some valuable FREE market research and catapult your brand.
- Tie your contest into current events
It could be a holiday or a specific sports event, whichever it may be, try having a contest that fits the theme of that current event to play off of what’s already on people’s minds. A great example is John Soules Foods, who hosted a Facebook contest just in time for the 2011 Super Bowl. Winners of the sweepstakes won 2 tickets to go see the two teams battle it out for the championship LIVE! - Make it a game
Turn your Facebook page into a game for your fans to play, with a prize as the result. You can try a scavenger hunt, a word jumble, or post pictures for people to guess where they were taken. - Reward “Likes”
By like-gating your contest fans will be able to sign up for your contest by “Liking” your Facebook page. This is a great way for companies to get feedback about their product or service, and engage their audience. Like-gating is easy to add and an easy way for contestants to participate . - Ask fans to share their best tips
This is a great way to not only engage your fans but to also accomplish some market research. Running a contest that asks fans what they think then choosing the best idea will strike up a viral conversation and provide the opportunity for you to get to know your fans. - A picture is worth a thousand words
Ask people to submit pictures of themselves or others, promoting your brand. The ability to use tagging on Facebook will not only let your original fans see, but also their friends, and their friend’s friends and so on. Have the public vote on the photos to find the winner. This will create new exposure, and as a result, traffic continued even after the contest ended.