Clicks Internet Marketing Magazine for Small Business Clicks Magazine 32 | Page 4

1
Set Goals right
from the Start
Is there a goal you want to
achieve with your contest?
Write it down. However, make
sure that your contest goals are
S.M.A.R.T. What does this mean?
2
choose the type
of the contest
Essentially, a SMART goal is Specific,
Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and
Timely. Not to mention that this rule
absolutely applies to contests on social
media. So, make sure to define your
contest’s goals before even planning it. Many contests fall short
because it’s the wrong type
of contest for their fans &
followers. But that’s mainly due
to lack of planning and preparation.
Choosing the right type of contest is
the first step. And there’s plenty that
like gangbusters. For example, there
are caption-based contests, photo-
vote contests, video-vote contests as
well as sweepstakes, which are always
a great choice for Facebook.
Want to promote your product or ser-
vice? Or maybe grow your email list?
Social media contests can generate
traffic for any of these goals. Offering some kind of prize for the
winner will typically get the best
engagement – and is referred to as a
giveaway.
3
choose the right
Software
You’re not planning on
running the contest, manu-
ally are you? Unless you have
a lot of extra time on your hands,
using contest software like from Hoot-
suite or Rafflecopter for your social me-
dia contest is probably the best way to
manage it.
The truth is, software programs come
with built-in voter verification features
and other tools that will let you col-
lect Facebook user numbers and name
from everyone engaged with your post.
And the best part?
Whatever type of contest you choose,
you can always use the information you
collect for any of your future marketing
campaigns. Insights you can use to
market to your audience better.