{"id":65887,"date":"2020-01-28T10:30:45","date_gmt":"2020-01-28T09:30:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.easypromosapp.com\/blog\/contests-advantages-marketing-strategy\/"},"modified":"2025-08-07T11:46:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T09:46:10","slug":"contests-advantages-marketing-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.easypromosapp.com\/blog\/en\/contests-advantages-marketing-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"All the Advantages of Contest Marketing Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

According to an Epsilon study of social media trends in 2020, contests and giveaways are the most effective branded content<\/strong> on social media. Let\u2019s delve into the detail, and find out how online contests<\/a> make a difference to your marketing strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Social media trends 2020 by Epsilon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

At the moment, 72% of online users follow brands on social media (according to an IAB study from 2019). They also take part in contests and often talk about their purchases online. But those same consumers are demanding, and they only choose to interact with brands that respond to their needs and interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if your business operates entirely offline, you still need an online presence for the sake of your customers – and potential customers. People use social media to find out more about brands and products before they shop. That\u2019s your opportunity to get their attention and create a good impression.
<\/p>\n\n\nEven if your business operates offline, you still need an online presence for the sake of your customers – and potential customers.u003c\/strongu003eu003cbru003e <\/a><\/span>Share on X<\/a><\/span>\n\n\n

Well-run contests can make all the difference to your reach and engagement targets. Want to know exactly how it works? Read on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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How to plan a contest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you start planning your branded contest, run through this checklist. Follow each point to optimize your content and maximize the return on investment (ROI). <\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Define your marketing objectives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Clear objectives will help you choose the right type of promotion or contest. You\u2019ll also be able to set specific targets and key performance indicators (KPIs).<\/p>\n\n\n

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The above example presents an annual contest that always follows the same structure. The organizer looks to obtain user-generated content<\/a> and turn the winner into a brand ambassador <\/strong>by giving them a chance to live an experience of a lifetime! UGC can be easily obtained with Photo and Video Contests. And to make the promotion go viral, enable the voting system to encourage the participants to share the promotion with their family and friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A promotion that boosts brand awareness is totally different from a contest that raises engagement. Start by deciding where you want to go, then figure out the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure your KPIs are realistic and easy to measure with the feedback from your contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Choose your target audience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your audience should dictate every part of the promotion: the theme, social network, and even the prize. Pinpoint your target audience for a more effective campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Marketing<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This brand organizes weekly Instagram Giveaways<\/a> aimed at mothers. The text and picture clearly state who the target audience is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need to understand how your audience behaves online, their tastes and preferences. This will help you choose the right social media channel for your marketing strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Pick a contest type and theme<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now you\u2019ve picked your objectives and your audience, it should be easy to find the right type of contest. Find a theme based on your products or major dates on the calendar.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Spin the Wheel<\/a> promotions are perfect to grow your database with new leads, and also to promote your brand and products. You can also convert the players into paying customers if you distribute discount codes and vouchers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


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The perfect prize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s in it for your followers? Start by deciding on the quantity and value of the prizes on offer. Try to pick rewards that are clearly related to your brand, and will appeal to your target audience. There\u2019s no point running a contest with a big reward and lots of participants if none of those people will ever buy from your brand. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Marketing<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

This type of online contest will you tick off a variety of different marketing objectives. With our Hashtag + Entry Form app<\/a>, you obtain user-generated content<\/strong>, increase engagement<\/strong>, and by enabling the entry form you also generate new leads<\/strong>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Who\u2019s in charge? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nominate someone on your marketing team who will take charge of the promotion. They\u2019ll monitor its progress and be ready to deal with any queries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Create terms and conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The terms and conditions are an essential element of any contest. They should explain who is responsible for the contest, who may take part, how to take part, and what prize is on offer. If you run a contest on Instagram, where you can\u2019t share links in individual posts, you must add a link in bio<\/a> so that people can find your terms and conditions easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Benefits of using contests in your marketing strategy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve already hinted at the biggest benefit of contests: they\u2019re the most effective branded content for social media engagement. Why? Because contests are entertaining, rewarding, and different.
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But there\u2019s more to come. Read on for even more reasons why regular, well-executed contests are key to your marketing strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Increase reach and brand awareness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Everyone loves a free gift. If you set up your promotion correctly and distribute it well, you\u2019ll see a rise in brand reach and awareness. 
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Here are a few easy ways to share your contest: <\/p>\n\n\n\n