Snapchat has become one of the most popular social media platforms, especially among younger audiences. With over 200 million daily active users, it’s no surprise that businesses, influencers, and creators are eager to leverage this platform for brand growth. Hosting contests and giveaways on Snapchat is an excellent way to engage your audience and increase visibility. Whether you’re looking to grow your followers or promote a new product, a well-organized contest can help you achieve your goals. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of hosting successful contests and giveaways on Snapchat.
Why Host Contests and Giveaways on Snapchat?
Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand why hosting contests and giveaways on Snapchat can be a game-changer. First, Snapchat is a visual platform, which allows you to engage your audience with eye-catching, creative content. The platform’s disappearing nature of Snaps adds excitement, encouraging users to participate more actively. Additionally, the ephemeral nature of posts on Snapchat creates a sense of urgency, prompting users to engage quickly.
Research shows that interactive contests and giveaways are a great way to boost your brand awareness. According to a study, 70% of users on Snapchat are more likely to interact with brands that host such events. Therefore, contests and giveaways can provide a direct way to boost engagement and reach a broader audience.
Steps to Plan Your Contest or Giveaway on Snapchat
Planning your contest or giveaway is crucial for ensuring that it runs smoothly. The first step is defining the objective. Are you looking to grow your followers, increase sales, or raise awareness about a new product or service? Clarifying your goals will help you design a contest that aligns with your brand's mission.
Next, you need to decide on the type of contest or giveaway. Some popular options include:
Photo or Video Submissions: Ask your audience to submit photos or videos using a specific theme or product.
Snapchat Challenges: Create a fun challenge that users can participate in.
Trivia Contests: Hold a trivia quiz with interesting and engaging questions.
Random Drawings: Users can enter by simply following you, sharing your Snap, or tagging friends.
Make sure the contest is aligned with your brand’s messaging and fits your audience’s preferences. Keep the prize attractive enough to motivate participation.
Setting the Rules for Your Snapchat Contest or Giveaway
Setting clear and transparent rules is essential for avoiding confusion or disputes during the contest. Ensure that participants know exactly what they need to do to enter. Outline the criteria for winning, eligibility requirements, and any deadlines. It’s a good practice to specify whether users need to follow your Snapchat account or tag friends to enter.
Consider using a hashtag related to the contest for easier tracking. Additionally, make it clear that the contest is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Snapchat to avoid potential legal issues. Remember, simplicity is key! The easier the rules, the more likely people will participate.
How to Promote Your Snapchat Contest or Giveaway
After setting up your contest, the next step is promoting it. Snapchat may not have the same reach as other platforms, but there are effective ways to get the word out. One great way is by collaborating with influencers or other Snapchat creators in your niche. They can share your contest with their followers, helping you expand your audience quickly.
Utilize Snapchat’s built-in features, such as Geofilters, which can encourage users to interact with your contest in specific locations. You can also create a custom Snapchat lens that relates to your contest theme, which encourages more users to engage and participate.
Aside from promoting on Snapchat, share the details of your contest on other social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Cross-platform promotion can help boost your visibility and attract new followers to your Snapchat account.
Engaging Your Audience During the Contest
While your contest is ongoing, engagement is critical. Interact with participants by responding to their entries, liking their snaps, and providing updates on the contest's progress. Consider creating a sense of excitement with teaser content, countdowns, and sneak peeks. This way, users feel more connected to the event and motivated to keep participating.
Another effective engagement strategy is to use Snapchat Stories to showcase entries in real-time. This not only keeps the energy high but also encourages others to join in on the fun. You can also use the polling feature in Stories to let your audience vote on specific aspects of the contest, such as their favorite entries.
Selecting and Announcing the Winners
Selecting a winner is one of the most exciting parts of any contest or giveaway. Depending on the type of contest you’ve organized, you can choose a winner based on creativity, skill, or randomly. If it’s a photo or video submission, a panel of judges or audience voting could determine the winner.
After selecting the winner, make an announcement through a Snapchat Story. Be sure to thank everyone who participated and express your appreciation for their engagement. Transparency is crucial during this stage, so it’s a good idea to showcase the selection process if possible.
For larger contests, consider hosting a live stream to reveal the winner, which can generate additional buzz around your contest.
Tips for Maximizing the Impact of Your Contest
To ensure the success of your Snapchat contest or giveaway, here are a few bonus tips:
Timing Matters: Pick the right time to run your contest. Try to avoid busy seasons or holidays when people may be distracted. Analyze when your target audience is most active on Snapchat.
Leverage User-Generated Content: Encourage users to share their entries on other platforms like Instagram, which can increase exposure.
Create a Sense of Urgency: The more urgent the contest feels, the more likely people will participate. Use countdowns and limited-time offers to motivate action.
Follow Up: Even after the contest ends, keep the momentum going by thanking the participants and updating your audience on future events.
Conclusion
Hosting contests and giveaways on Snapchat is an exciting and effective way to boost your social media presence, engage with your followers, and promote your brand. By understanding your audience, setting clear rules, and promoting your contest effectively, you can achieve fantastic results. Whether you’re a business looking to increase brand awareness or an influencer aiming to build your following, Snapchat’s interactive features provide the perfect platform to host fun and engaging contests.
Keep your contests fresh, creative, and easy to participate in, and you’ll see your followers grow in no time! Happy snapping!