I think we all know that Facebook is the place to be when it comes to using word of mouth to get your message out there. But knowing where you should be as opposed to what you should do are two different things. What is why I would like to look at a powerful technique that has worked well on Facebook – the Contest.
No Facebook marketing guide would be complete without the contest. It is a great way to drum up support and get your message out there. Essentially, what you do is give away a product or service as a prize. The only thing a person has to do to enter to win that prize is “like” your Facebook fan page.
But it is not as easy as it seems. There are some subtle dos and don’ts that can make or break your contest. So let’s go over some ground rules so that you can get your contest off the ground.
An example: The Doughnut Shop
Let’s say, for example, that you are a doughnut shop. You sell tasty doughnuts at an affordable price and you want people to know about your doughnut of the month. So you decide to garner a bunch of new fans for your Facebook fan page by holding a contest. But what will you give away?
A Dilemma: The Giveaway
Here is the first fork in the road. If you choose well, the people you attract through your contest will become lifelong fans. Choose poorly, and you have given away something for nothing in return.
Pick a prize that people that go to your doughnut shop would really appreciate. Let me give you an example: You could give as your prize $100 in free doughnuts or a $100 coupon to a gym membership. While more people might want the gym membership, I doubt those that “like” you for the contest will be interested in your doughnut of the month when it comes out. But if you give away $100 in free doughnuts, the clientele that you attract from that prize will be more receptive to your future offerings.
So look for items that people that you already cater to are looking for. By doing this you contest is sure to attract you niche market. In the next post we will continue to talk about the contest as a great way to drum up a large fan base. Facebook can be
you greatest alley when it comes to creating and maintaining devoted fans. So stay tuned as we walk through some of the basics.
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Shaun has helped hundreds of people around the globe grow their business. His passion is helping small- and medium-sized companies expand their brand online.
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