Running Contests for Lead Generation
How many times have you been scrolling your social media feeds and you come across a post saying something along the lines of “Follow us and share this post for a chance to win…” or “Subscribe to our mailing list for a chance to win…”? Contests are a great way to generate initial interest in your business and its offerings. They are also an effective way to grow your social media following because people are always drawn to winning something.
Contests allow your customers the opportunity to become ambassadors for your brand. If your brand resonates with them they will share your contests to their network meaning more entries and more organic exposure for your business. Contests allow your customer to truly engage with your brand and share your content.
Wondering what type of contest you should run? It really depends on your marketing goals. Are you launching a new product or service and want to get the word out about it? You could offer that product or service for free to the winner. Regardless of who wins, you get a number of organic impressions for your new offering and those that don’t win may come and pay for the product or service now that they know about it, not to mention the winner coming back to purchase the product or service again when they are in need. Are you trying to grow your social media following? Run a contest to win a product where existing followers must like and share the post with their friends who must do the same to enter themselves. Even if their friends don’t enter, you get organic impressions from your followers post. Are you trying to grow a newsletter list? Offer people who sign up a special discount or a small token of appreciation (think a free small coffee or a free giveaway, with your brand on it of course, when they come in to your store or purchase something online)
“Even if their friends don’t enter, you get organic impressions from your followers post.”
“Social media enables the amplification of your contests and other promotional materials like never before…”
It is important to have a promotional plan for your contests that encompasses multiple marketing channels. Social media enables the amplification of your contests and other promotional materials like never before which means that contests can be extremely effective when used as part of a comprehensive marketing strategy. At OmniWorx Inc. we can help your small or mid-sized business with the creation and execution of a marketing strategy. Email us at hello@omniworxinc.ca to see how we can work with you to create an effective marketing campaign and execute it so that it reaches your target audience
With files from Brad Warren, Owner of GET Marketing
About the Author - Jack C. Henry
A graduate of OCAD University’s Graphic Design program, Jack blends art with real-world business strategy. The result? Creative solutions that add value to your business. Jack has designed for a wide range of industries including restaurants, retail stores, health care, community organizations and charities. As well as helping companies develop their brand, he creates beautiful marketing materials and signage. More…
About OmniWorx Inc.
OmniWorx Inc. is a boutique design firm based in Scarborough in Toronto’s east end, with an office in Lakefield in the Kawarthas, providing graphic design, branding, marketing services to individuals, local small & mid-sized businesses and realtors. More...