Giveaways, photo contests, “I Spy” games, caption contests… do they boost your social presence, increase sales or encourage online engagement with customers? The answer is yes! Not only do they offer a cost-effective marketing strategy, but they can also give you valuable information about your customer base.
A contest must be well crafted to excite your own customers. Here are some tips for creating a successful online contest.
Decide Your Goal
Are you trying to expand your followership on a certain social site? Or, are you hoping to increase engagement in your current base of online followers? Do you want to increase contact points, such as email or texting? Or, do want to promote a new product, service or line. All of these are great goals, but will have different contest strategies.
Pick the Best Contest Idea
There are so many different ideas out there, but there are a few main categories. There are giveaway drawings of new products or services, that are usually linked to asking for the customer to follow a certain social or giving an email address. Photo or video contests, such as the cutest Halloween costume, the best Christmas decorations, or a photo of customers using a product are a great way to engage current customers. There are also voting and naming contests for new products, referral bonuses, and so much more.
Make Instructions Simple and Clear
Be sure that the contest requires as little as possible from the customer. And that the instructions for the contest are clear and easy to follow. Use bullet points, make the steps easy to follow, and make sure someone on your team tests all the steps in the entry process.
Pick the Best Prize
Choose something that will get your customers excited and motivated to engage in the contest. There are so many things demanding their time, this has to be something worthwhile to them.
If you want help revamping your online presence, Octane can help.