Have you ever thought about running a contest on Twitter but don’t know where to start. Here is a review of a few different types of Twitter contests.
1. Creative Answer Contest
In this type of contest followers are asked to answer a question from you using a hashtag. The answers need to be as creative as possible, and the winners and their ideas will be chosen by you.
People love it when they can be heard and involved with a contest while using their creativity and humor in order to win prizes. This type of contest could simply ask a fun question about our company or perhaps could be a original idea that you want your followers to participate in.
Example:
If you could add any feature to our buses what would it be and why? Tweet us your answer with the hashtag #WTdreambus for a chance to win.
2. #Hashtag Contest:
During this contest, each tweet that contains your chosen hashtag and @mentions your twitter username is entered into the draw and winners are chosen at random.
Example:
To celebrate a great winter and welcome spring we giving away 1 month bus passes to 3 lucky followers. Tweet us with #VillageTransit to be entered.
3. Retweet to Win
This is the most popular competition on Twitter as it’s effortless and effective. Entrants are asked to ReTweet you to be in with a chance of winning. Much like the hashtag sweepstake, after the duration of the campaign has ended, the winner will be randomly from all ReTweets.
Example:
@VillageBus’s late winter schedule starts on April 2. RT & Follow for a chance to win a bus pass <link to schedule>
4. Photo Contest
For this type of contest, users will have to tweet a photo and they have a chance to win the prize. Like the ‘creative answer’ contest, the winner or winners will be picked by the organizers (us). We could also feature the winning photo on our website(s).
Example: Tweet @VillageBus a pic of you sitting in your favourite seat on the bus for a chance to win 1 of 3 monthly bus passes.
Notes:
- Contest dates can be in tweet or in profile description
- We can use an electronic ballot system but may have to enter names manually
- We can send out a press release about the contest to get the buzz going
- All entrants must be following @WhistlerTransit
- Contest rules should be posted somewhere online (suggestion)
Have you ever ran a Twitter contest? Please share in the comments below!