Rules to follow
| Rule | Source |
|---|---|
| No share-to-enter or tag-friends-to-enter on Facebook | Facebook Pages terms |
| Include a release of Facebook and say it is not a sponsor | Facebook Pages terms |
| Write official rules, eligibility and prize terms | Facebook Pages terms |
| Disclose posts made to enter, like #Brand_Contest | FTC endorsement guides |
The FTC says a hashtag that includes "contest" or "sweepstakes" should be enough. It says "#sweeps" probably is not. State laws on sweepstakes also apply, so get legal advice for valuable prizes.
Plan it in four steps
- PrizePick something only buyers would want.
- EntryKeep it to one or two simple actions.
- RulesPost dates, eligibility and how you pick winners.
- Follow-upOffer every entrant a next step.
Do they still work?
Giveaways can spike reach and followers fast. Many of those followers want free stuff, not your service. A prize tied to your service, like a free cleaning, attracts people who might buy. Follow up with an offer for all entrants.
Good example. A carpet cleaner gives away a whole-home cleaning to local homeowners. Entrants get a discount code, and many book.
Bad example. A carpet cleaner gives away a tablet and asks people to tag five friends on Facebook. It breaks the rules and gains followers who never book.
Read how to encourage customers to post. Our social media marketing plans promotions that follow platform rules.