While the creation and execution of social media giveaways has evolved over the past few years, there’s one thing that always remains the same: People LOVE free stuff. Want to truly grab the interest of your audience? Make them an offer they simply can’t refuse.
Our client Hotel Monteleone is currently running a summertime giveaway to not only give their fans and followers a chance to share their love for the historical establishment, but to also promote their special room rates during the summer months.
Here are a few tips we’ve learned over the years about how to harness the power of social media giveaways:
Tip #1: The Bigger, The Better
There are varying sizes of giveaways. The more you are willing to include in your giveaway, the more attention it will garner. Hotel Monteleone’s current giveaway includes not only a two-night stay, but dinner for two and two complimentary cocktails at the Carousel Bar, providing an all-around amazing New Orleans getaway. Users are flocking at the chance of that experience without spending a dime. You get what you give, so be thoughtful about the items you include in your giveaway.
Tip #2: Choose Your Entry Method Wisely
While most large social campaigns used to be built within Facebook Tabs (like the “What Happens at Tales, Stays at Tales” contest we planned for Tales of the Cocktail in 2014), we have found that most current successful social giveaways now live within regular Facebook posts and mainly Instagram posts. The inclusion of a giveaway hashtag is much more friendly on the latter platform, and also provides a great place for all giveaway entries to live.
Hotel Monteleone’s summer campaign includes sharing your favorite Monteleone memory using the hashtag #DreamEasy. Because the prize is so desirable, requesting a higher barrier to entry fits with this giveaway. However, if your prize only includes a gift card or singular item, we recommend a barrier to entry as simple as tagging a friend or two in the comments section. Requiring people to follow your social accounts to enter is also a great way to boost growth on your account. The entry method should parallel the size of the giveaway.
Tip #3: Promote, Promote, Promote Your Social Media Contest
If you’re going to the trouble of creating the giveaway, make sure people can easily find out about it. Repeatedly post about the giveaway. As Hotel Monteleone’s #DreamEasy campaign lasts all summer, we include a mention of it in content weekly. Create customized graphics making it transparent you are conducting a ‘giveaway.’
Tip #4: Use Influencers
Some of the best brand advocates can be social influencers. To reach a new audience, have your giveaway live on an influencer’s accounts. Not only will this provide a trust factor towards your brand’s relationship with the influencer, your accounts will receive attention from new fans and followers.
Want to enter Hotel Monteleone’s #DreamEasy giveaway? Head to Instagram and give it a shot!
Learn more about other social media contests we’ve created for our clients
We worked with the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau to encourage locals to become tourists in their own city with our successful #beatouristNOLA contest. We’ve also run a number of successful social media contests for Hotel Monteleone over the years, including a “Pin It To Win It” Pinterest contest.
