When it comes to attracting interest, a contest is a great tool in your arsenal. And if you create one so engaging that it reaches tons of new people – aka, goes “viral” – this can be a game changer for your brand or company. Viral contests can dramatically increase your reach and engagement, bringing new followers and potential customers into your fold.
Here are five secrets to crafting contests that attract attention:
1. Offer Irresistible Incentives
The prize or incentive is often the biggest draw in any contest. To encourage sharing and participation, your prizes should be highly desirable and relevant to your audience’s interests. Whether it’s a high-value product, a unique experience, or something money can’t buy, make sure it’s something worth talking about and sharing.
2. Make Participation Super Easy
The simpler it is to enter your contest, the more likely people are to participate and share it with others. Opt for entry methods that require minimal effort but maximize engagement. Techniques like “Enter to Win” with a single click, or “Tag a Friend” to participate, work wonders. Each entry method should be straightforward yet fun, leveraging platforms where your audience is already active.
3. Leverage Trending Themes and Hashtags
Tap into current trends and widely used hashtags to make your contest more discoverable. Utilizing what’s already capturing public interest can help propel your contest into the spotlight. Be sure to create a unique, memorable hashtag for your contest to facilitate easy sharing and tracking.
4. Encourage Social Sharing
To go “viral”, you need the power of shares. Encourage entrants to share the contest on their social networks by making sharing a part of the contest entry. Offer additional entries for each share, retweet, or repost. This not only increases your contest’s reach but also builds a natural buzz around your brand. You could also consider working with an influencer in your sphere of business in order to reach a larger audience.
5. Create Visual Appeal
A visually appealing contest can make a big difference in how widely it’s shared. Invest in high-quality graphics, engaging videos, and eye-catching design to make your contest stand out. Visual content is more shareable and can make a significant impact on platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
Conclusion
Creating a viral contest isn’t just about luck; it’s about strategically designing a campaign that excites and engages your audience. Follow these tips to maximize your reach and impact, and prepare to watch the entries—and new leads—roll in.
Looking for the perfect tool to launch your next viral contest? Try Digital Joy Contesting, the user-friendly platform that makes creating sweepstakes and contests a breeze. With Digital Joy Contesting, you can increase engagement, gather valuable customer insights, and grow your audience with just a few clicks. Launch your viral contest today and start seeing results
