Have the rules and regulations surrounding Facebook contests caused you to shy away from trying them in the past?
Not long ago the social network quietly updated its promotions policy, making it possible for businesses to run contests on their own timelines, without the use of third party apps. The rules have been relaxed to allow companies to collect contest entries simply by asking fans to comment on or Like a page post, making it quick and easy to run contests that generate engagement, Shares and Likes.
Now that Facebook contests have become more flexible, it’s a great time to test them out to see what they can do for your resort. So, what do you need to know? Here are the basics.
Why Your Resort Should Run a Timeline Contest
Timeline contests are a free way to promote engagement and strengthen your relationship with your guests. They can be accessed on mobile devices and are a great way to get people talking about your property within your online community and beyond.
Timeline Contest Best Practices
Although Facebook has relaxed its rules in recent months, there’s still a set of guidelines you need to be aware of and stick to or risk having your contest closed down or perhaps even more serious repercussions such as account suspension.
Here are some guidelines for hosting fair and fun contests your fans and Facebook will love.
1. Make the rules clear
Clearly set out your rules and disclaimers within the post. If you require more space, you can choose to host the rules on a separate website and direct your fans there with a link.
2. Use a picture
Images are more engaging than text posts and will promote more Shares and Likes.
3. Ask for comments
If you ask fans to enter the contest by posting a comment, when you come to select the winner, it’s easy to tag the person via the comment.
4. Maximise visibility
Pin your post to the top of the page to get your contest seen by as many people as possible.
5. Use app contests for bigger prizes
If you are offering an extra special promotion, opt for an app contest. These are easier to promote and allow you to collect email addresses from the entrants. Some apps even give you the option to synch your contest with your email provider.
What about you? Have you tried out a timeline contest yet? Let us know in the comments below.
