One of the best ways to spark growth and engagement on Facebook is to run a contest or giveaway to your current followers, encouraging them to engage and share your page.
Below are some helpful tips to running a contest on Facebook.
What’s the Difference between Sweepstakes/Giveaways, Contests and Lotteries?
Sweepstakes/Giveaway: A campaign in which a person can win a prize based on chance. No purchase, payment, etc. is permitted.
Contest: A campaign in which effort, skill or merit is required to enter to win a prize.
Lottery: A lottery requires purchase, payment or other consideration, chance and a prize. Lotteries are illegal in the United States. Do not run a lottery.
Help! What’s considered a “promotion” on Facebook?
Promotions on Facebook typically include:
Giveaway or prize
Element of chance
Entry/registration
How do I Make it Clear that My Contest is Completely Independent of Facebook?
Recommended verbiage on your post or contest form includes: “This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by or associated with Facebook.”
What does Facebook forbid I use in my giveaway?
You can ask or encourage people to Like and follow your Page in order to receive contest updates and winner announcements, but you can never force anyone to share your contest on a personal timeline. People may choose to share your contest on their own Timelines, but you cannot require them to do so.
What else do I need to know?
In order to run a giveaway or contest on Facebook, you must include a link to official rules to a contest. These rules could include the following verbiage:
No purchase necessary.
Void where prohibited.
Why this is important to include: This clause allows you to avoid awarding your prize to someone who cannot win based on restrictions imposed where they live.The identity of the host/promotion.
Entry procedures and beginning/ending times, including time of day and time zone.
Eligibility requirements
Why this is important to include: If you have restrictions, such as age or residency, include specifics in your rules to prevent a 16-year-old from entering to win a prize he or she could not use, such as an airline ticket or hotel stay.An explanation of all methods of entry.
A clear description of the prize(e).
Date winner(s) will be chosen.
Method of selecting a winner.
Explicit permission from users regarding use of any user-generated content (UGC) they create in order to enter your contest.
Liability limitations.
Odds of winning.
Your business’ physical address.
Facebook often changes its terms and conditions, so if you’re planning a Facebook contest in 2019, make sure you’re up to speed on their current regulations and rules.
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