Social Media Contests = More Business?

[KellyLynn01]

If you haven't seen one of the newest trends on IG, FB, TikTok, or any other social media cycling through your feed lately, here's how it goes: "Follow us, tag a friend, share this post, win a prize!"

At least, that's the gist of it. But does the time spent executing these social media contests and the cost of the products given away really equate to more business? Sure, it can gain your company more followers, increase visibility on your social channels, add more user-generated content, and help build up your brand, but there are also other considerations. What if the giveaway is a flop? What if you see a huge spike in followers only to have that number shrink once the contest is over? Most importantly, how do you get the followers you've gained to consistently give your company their business?

These contests seem to be everywhere these days...has your business tried one? How did it work out? Let me know in the comments and tell me a little bit about it!

[Rob]

Hey @KellyLynn01, I have seen some businesses market these contests within a given zip code to increase the likelihood of those followers turning into more sales.
When I helped run a ramen shop, we would host share contests, and we would see larger turnouts if we created something that was in line with something trending. 
An example would be if a new Anime were launching, we might create a ramen bowl to celebrate that launch, then launch a social media contest like, "Come in cos-playing," your favorite character and win a prize," or something along those lines. 90% of the time, we would sell out. 
This is a pretty niche example, but I've found that social media helps a ton if you have a particular niche you are serving or trying to reach! 

[KellyLynn01]

Thanks, @Rob! Love hearing some of these awesome ideas!