In the previous two blog posts in this series, we’ve covered the Pros and Cons of using Third Party Apps for Contests, and discussed when using a Third Party App is a must.
We’re going to jump right to it by listing some simple guidelines and things to consider when selecting a prize for your contest:
- You don’t have to spend a boatload on a prize. Sometimes a simple prize works just fine.
- Having a 2nd and 3rd place prize is helpful and should increase the contest participation, resulting in more “likes” and information captures.
- Try to select a prize that relates to your brand and reinforces the loyalty of the customer or encourages the participant to become a customer.
Prize Ideas by Contest Type
Sweepstakes & Giveaways: Sweepstakes with big ticket prizes do well. You’ll also find many organization use prize items that don’t necessarily relate to their brand. That’s OK in this type of contest. Here are some possible prize ideas that can work for a sweepstakes & giveaway:
- Tech – iPad, Kindle Fire, MacBook, etc.
- Car
- Gift Cards to use on your products/services
- Gift Cards to use on other products/services
Photo, Video, or Essay Contest: Given that contests like these are usually extremely brand specific and force the participants to be creative using ideas and products your brand produces, the prize should be related. Here are some ideas:
- Gift Cards to use on your products/services
- A tour of your company, shop, restaurant, etc.
- A one-on-one with your CEO
- Free cupcakes (or related product) for one month
- Allow winner to choose the next product or flavor
Caption Contest: A caption contest is a quick and easy promotion that you can run to hopefully gain some quick engagement from your audience. Because it’s a quick contest, we feel it’s best to give out a handful of small prizes. Here are some ideas:
- $5-15 Gift Cards to your store, shop, or restaurant.
- $5-15 Gift Cards to Starbucks, Best Buy, Visa, etc.
- Become the Fan of the Week with a featured picture on Facebook and your blog
Weekly/Monthly Quiz Contest: Prizes for a weekly quiz should follow along the same lines of the Caption Contest. Try giving out a handful of prizes to 3 or 5 of the people who answered correctly the fastest.
- $5-15 Gift Cards to your store, shop, or restaurant.
- $5-15 Gift Cards to Starbucks, Best Buy, Visa, etc.
- Become the Fan of the Week with a featured picture on Facebook and your blog
Please take a look at the first two parts of our series on Facebook contests. Have any questions? Let us know!
The Guide to Facebook Contests Part 1: Pros and Cons of Third Party Apps
The Guide to Facebook Contests Part 2: When to Use Third Party Apps
