Everybody loves a contest because it gives people the opportunity to experience the thrill of winning.

Everybody loves a contest because it gives people the opportunity to experience the thrill of winning.

Last week, we discussed tips to making a social media contest a success on Facebook and Instagram. In our second half, we will discuss tips on using Pinterest and Twitter for social media contests while keeping in mind that the success of your contest relies on how you target participants.

 

Pinterest

The most popular type of Pinterest contest is the “PinItToWinIt” contest. Because everything on Pinterest stays on Pinterest for as long as the board remains, you are likely to continue to get traffic from those boards for a long time. A good way to encourage traffic back to your site is by creating the contest around Pinning things from your site. This way the content from your site shows up on many different participants boards, giving you a bigger audience. Keep in mind what types of images and articles the Pinterest audience likes so you have content on your website that will work with this platform.

 

An example of a successful Pinterest contest is one being done by AMC Theaters. It has worked so well that they dedicated an entire Pinterest pinboard to AMC Giveaways. All users have to do is follow the pinboard to stay up to date on the latest AMC contests. When they see a prize they want to try to win, they can click on the image, which takes participants to a landing page that collects the contestant’s basic information and preferences. They win if their name is drawn.

 

Twitter

Twitter is also a great place for a contest. Popular Twitter contests have included describing something in 140 characters or less, or “Retweet to Win.” For these contests, a brand will ask followers to retweet a post and choose a winner at random after a specified time has passed. However, putting together a contest that takes a bit more effort will make you stand apart and participants may have more fun with it as well.

 

A good example is KFC’s ‘creative answer’ Twitter contest in 2010 where the winner was presented with a $20,000 scholarship by KFC. Participants had to explain, in 140 characters or less, why they deserved to win and include the hashtag #KFCScholar in their tweets.

 

The winner Amanda Russell (@arlp111) tweeted, “#KFCScholar Hey Colonel! Your scholarship’s the secret ingredient missing from my recipe for success! Got the grades, drive, just need cash.” That’s a great answer and it made for an even better promotion of the brand.

 

The one problem with Twitter, however, is you don’t receive emails when people participate. To combat this, ask contestants to tweet their answers and send you the link with their email, name and other details via a form you create. Also, don’t forget to have them use a hashtag.

 

These tips and examples are just the start. Put your creative thinking cap on and see what contests might work for your brand. What are your ideas for social media contests? We want to hear from you!

Special Offer: Complimentary Consultation

Three Girls Media, Inc. is a public relations and social media management agency with teams in Silicon Valley and the Seattle area. We love working with small and emerging companies across the nation to raise their brand awareness and name recognition. We offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation with our CEO and can answer your questions and discuss your specific marketing needs.

Call 408-218-2391 or Contact us today to arrange yours!

Photo Credit: greyweed

 

Subscribe To Our E-Newsletter!

Want the latest marketing tips & tricks e from our team? Stay at the top of your marketing game and subscribe now!

Woo Hoo! You'll get your first marketing tips soon!