I’ve been doing some research for a client of mine on how to get votes using social media for a contest she is entering in March. We all have seen those contests – it’s a growing trend. Companies will use contests to get contestants to do the company’s word of mouth marketing for them. It’s actually quite brilliant – getting others to get their friends, family and anyone else to visit the company’s website in a short period of time.
It seems the best way to go about getting votes is using a multi-pronged communications strategy – engaging your entire list of friends and such through email, social media and direct contact, but it does take a lot of time and energy to mobilize your community.
Here are some tips I learned through my research that may help you as well:
• Email is the most effective method of communication according to several articles I read
• Always use your own shortened URL site, like bit.ly, so you can monitor and track a bit better
• Keep these two questions in mind: are you making it easy for your community to vote; are you communicating about this opportunity completely, efficiently and concisely
• Be personal – tell them why you want to win this contest and make sure you thank those who let you know they voted for you
• Use your network – ask others to forward and promote you to their networks – have any social media influencers in your corner, they can be an awesome ally in something like this
• Keep an eye on the conversation – even going as far as using Google alerts or Twitter tools to see what’s going on – and this makes it easier for you to see who is helping you out and thanking them for their work on your behalf
Any other thoughts or ideas? I would love to hear them, not only for me but for my client as well!
Serina Kelly
Relevate
www.getrelevate.com
serina@getrelevate.com
317-203-7740
Tags: indianapolis small business, Relationship marketing, Social Media, Social media contests
