How to set up a Facebook competition
Facebook competitions are a great way to use the real power of Social Media. They encourage your Fans and customers to spread awareness of your business, products and services across their own social networks, by providing a bit of fun and the chance of winning a prize.
There are two ways to set up a Facebook competition; on your Facebook Page Wall or by using a Facebook App (aka Tab). For some time, many brands have run ‘Like and Share’ competitions but it’s only recently that following the recent relaxation of Facebook’s promotion rules, you can now set up a competition directly on your Wall. It should be noted that whilst Liking as a means of entry is permitted, Sharing is not - read Liking - Yes, Sharing - No.
Here are three competition ideas that you can use for either approach:
1. Sweepstake/Draw – hold a draw with a prize for a randomly selected winner.
2. Photo competition – Entrants upload or select Facebook Photos to enter. Best photo wins prize.
3. Question/Answer – Ask a question with correct answers going into a draw.
Here are advantages and disadvantages to running competition on a Wall and using an App:
Wall competitions
Pros: Easy to setup, free, works on mobile devices, big potential audience, can ‘Boost’ reach wtih Facebook Ads
Cons: Hard to choose and contact winner/s, amateur look and feel
Facebook App competitions
Pros: Professional look and feel, works on mobile devices*, ‘Like Gate’ option (entrants have to Like your Page), email address captured, easy to select winner, easy to link to for promotion, can ‘Boost’ reach with Facebook Ads.
Cons: Small cost, time to set up.
* Not all Facebook Apps work on mobile devices - go here for an example. My recommended tool for setting up Facebook competitions is Shortstack - great templates, easy to use and works on mobile.
If you need further advice on running a social media competition please get in touch.
