Building an awesome promotion is half the strategy when it comes to launching a successful campaign. The other half depends on how well the contest or sweepstakes is promoted because the only way people will engage with your campaign is if they KNOW about it first! To help you out as you plan your next campaign, here are 9 tips for promoting your contest or sweepstakes.

9 TIPS FOR PROMOTING YOUR CONTEST OR SWEEPSTAKES

Tip 1: If you’re running a Facebook promotion, make sure it’s prominently exposed on your timeline.

In order to draw attention to your Facebook promotion, you need to make sure your application is visible on your Facebook Timeline. For example, make sure it’s one of your top four application tabs, alongside “Posts” “Photos” “Videos” etc…

Tip 2: And, make sure it’s called out in your Cover Photo.

Customize your Cover Photo with a strong visual and headline, but make sure you leave out a call-to-action, since that violates Facebook’s policies. Essentially, you want to use this real estate to draw attention to your campaign, but not as a way to participate.

Tip 3: Post about it frequently.

Announce (and repeatedly talk about) the campaign on all of your usual social media channels. Your audience is already hanging out there, so grab their attention by announcing the promotion and keeping them informed.

Tip 4: Use your other standard communication channels to communicate information about the promotion.

In addition to posting about your campaign on social media, be sure to also rely on your other communication channels to convey this information as well. An example might be to send an email newsletter out about it, or leverage some real estate on your website’s home page to spread the word.

Tip 5: Leverage in-store signage.

If you have a physical brick-and-mortar location, in-store signage or announcements are a great way to get the word out about your promotion.

Tip 6: Use catalogs or packing slips.

For retailers, consider promoting your campaign in your catalog or with a simple message on all packing slips.

Tip 7: Leverage your influencer network.

Ask your network of influencers to talk about and promote your campaign on their communication channels. Offer to point to their content from your blog (if relevant) as a thank-you for their help.

Tip 8: Draft a press release.

A press release is a great way to reach a large audience and obtain coverage for your promotion.

Tip 9: Advertise.

Search advertising, display ads and Facebook ads are all great way to spread the word about your promotion.