Social media contests are a great way to engage your audience, increase brand awareness, and drive traffic to your website. However, they can also be risky if not executed properly. In this article, we’ll explore the do’s and don’ts of social media contests, and help you create a successful and engaging contest for your audience.

 

Do’s:

Set Clear Goals

Before launching a social media contest, it’s important to set clear goals and objectives. Determine what you want to achieve from the contest, whether it’s increasing engagement, driving website traffic, or building brand awareness. This will help you create a contest that’s tailored to your specific goals and ensure that you’re measuring the right metrics to determine its success.

Choose the Right Platform

Choose the right social media platform for your contest based on your target audience and the type of contest you’re running. For example, if you’re running a photo contest, Instagram or Pinterest may be the best platform. If you’re running a quiz or poll, Twitter or Facebook may be a better option. Make sure the platform you choose aligns with your contest goals and objectives.

Create an Engaging Contest

Create an engaging contest that’s relevant to your target audience and aligned with your brand. Make sure the contest is easy to participate in and has clear instructions. You can use various types of contests, such as photo contests, caption contests, trivia quizzes, polls, or giveaways, depending on your goals and objectives.

Follow the Rules

Follow the rules and guidelines of the social media platform you’re using for your contest. Each platform has its own rules and guidelines for contests, so make sure you read and understand them before launching your contest. Failure to follow the rules can result in your contest being shut down or your account being suspended.

Promote Your Contest

Promote your contest across various channels, including your social media profiles, email newsletter, website, and other digital channels. This will help you reach a wider audience and increase participation in your contest. You can also consider partnering with influencers or other businesses to increase the visibility of your contest.

Don’ts:

Ask for Too Much Information

Don’t ask for too much personal information from participants, such as their address or phone number. This can deter people from participating in your contest and also raise privacy concerns. Stick to basic information, such as their name and email address, and only ask for what’s necessary to participate in the contest. Learn more on where to buy cheap followers here.

Break Platform Rules

Don’t break the rules of the social media platform you’re using for your contest. This includes violating the terms of service or guidelines for contests, such as asking participants to share the contest on their personal profiles or requiring them to follow your account to enter. This can result in your contest being shut down or your account being suspended.

Exclude Participants

Don’t exclude participants based on their age, gender, race, or other discriminatory factors. Make sure your contest is open to all participants and doesn’t discriminate against anyone. This will ensure that your contest is fair and inclusive for everyone.

Ignore Feedback

Don’t ignore feedback from participants or fail to respond to their questions or concerns. Make sure to monitor your contest and respond to any feedback or questions in a timely manner. This will help you build trust and credibility with your audience and ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.

Mislead Participants

Don’t mislead participants by providing false information or misleading them about the contest rules or prizes. This can damage your brand’s reputation and credibility, and also result in legal issues. Be transparent and honest about your contest and provide clear instructions and guidelines to participants.

Conclusion

Social media contests can be a fun and effective way to engage your audience and increase brand awareness. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a successful and engaging contest for your audience that’s aligned with your brand and goals. Remember to set clear goals, choose the right platform, create an engaging contest, follow the rules, promote your contest, and be transparent and honest with your participants. By doing so, you can create a positive and memorable experience for your audience and achieve your contest goals.