8-Steps to Running a Successful Instagram Contest | Social Media Marketing Course Tips

Did you know that nearly 35% of customers can be acquired through contests alone?

Did you also know that Instagram contests get 60x more comments and 3.5x more likes than the average post?

If the above statistics do not cut it, here’s another fact our social media marketing course instructors have recently learned. Instagram users who hold contests are able to achieve 70% faster follower growth than users who do not hold contests.

 ‘Social Media Marketing Course – Instagram-accounts-that-hold-contests-grow-70-percent-faster-stat – DMAC’ form source:
https://www.tailwindapp.com/blog/instagram-contest-ideas-that-will-grow-your-followers-70-faster

It is a well-known fact that an Instagram contest is an effective way to engage with your audience, boost brand awareness and build community. The best Instagram contests feature items/prizes that are relevant to their followers. They are also fun and lighthearted and reflect a brand’s and business’ goals.

Any business with a will and way can host an Instagram contest. New businesses that launch their first online venture easily use it to compete with bigger and established brands. Established businesses with low conversion rates use it to boost their conversion rates. Likewise, Big Brands like McDonalds and Southwest Airlines found use and success in running social media (Instagram) campaigns.

Like with any other contest, there are guidelines that need to be followed. There are some essential steps that you would need to take to make the contest successful. This blog post, written by our savvy social media course instructors, serves as a guide to running a successful Instagram contest or giveaway in 8 easy steps.

How to Run a Successful Instagram Contest or Giveaway: 8 Tips

Our social media marketing course instructors have compiled a list of rules to help you run a creative and successful contest on Instagram.

• Define your objective

Before kick starting your contest, define the overall objectives so that you know how to determine whether it was successful in the end. The goals need to be SMART, meaning they are Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Result-driven and Timely.

• Define you target audience

Firstly, choose the prize that will motivate users to participate, such as a free flight or gift certificate. Show an image of your prize to engage people in order to enter your contest. Identify the target market you want to engage on Instagram. Your contest will be different depending on who you are marketing to.

• Define your entry method

Decide what users need to do to participate in your contest: Do they need to submit a photo? Is there a special hashtag? Do they need to follow you on Instagram?

• Create a clear set of official rules

The rules should be easy to follow and written in list format using bullets or numbers. It is also important to post the official rules on multiple channels, including your website.
When writing the description for your contest, our social media marketing course instructors recommend including the following information:

1. What the rules are
2. How people can participate
3. Any restrictions on who can enter
4. The prize
5. The deadline
6. When you will announce the winner

Add the disclaimer

All contests on Instagram require a disclaimer. The disclaimer must state that the contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram. The promotion guidelines can be found below.

‘Instagram Contest Guidelines – How to Run a Successful Instagram Contest in 8 Easy Steps – Social Media Marketing Course’ from source: https://help.instagram.com/179379842258600

Build your contest

Add the contest rules in an Instagram post. Use a short title and include calls-to-action. Create a specific and unique hashtag. (Ex: #GRILLMARKMOMENT)

Monitor progress using a unique (branded) hashtag

This allows you to find out how many pictures your hashtag included and the number of likes and comments you received. It also helps you monitor the success of your campaign and allows you to adjust if necessary.

Announce the winner

Choose, notify and announce the winner on all your social media networks in order to increase people’s attention and encourage following you if you decide to launch a new contest. Don’t forget to thank all participants and congratulate the winner.

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