Online contests have become an increasingly popular way for businesses to increase brand awareness and engage with their audience. With the rise of social media, it has become easier than ever to run an online contest and reach a large audience. In this article, we will explore the importance of online contests for increasing brand awareness and the benefits they can offer to businesses.
Contests offer a fun and interactive way for people to engage with your brand. A blog post by Submittable says user-generated content (UGC) and word-of-mouth advertising is “especially important with social media since you can amplify and spread your message much more effectively when your audience is doing it with you.”
UGC is any content created by users that promotes a brand or product, such as photos or videos. By running a contest that requires participants to create UGC, businesses can leverage their audience’s creativity and engage with them on a deeper level. Using UGC in your marketing campaigns can increase the effectiveness of your content and strengthen your brand’s authenticity. We like to think of it as a form of referral marketing, which is described as “tapping into the power of a super fan or loyal customer and asking them to advocate on your brand’s behalf.” according to Wishpond’s blog.
Recent insights from out Contest Marketing whitepaper – based on results from a survey in Trinidad & Tobago, suggest that social media is the most popular channel when consumers were asked how they usually find out about contests (take a sneak peek below) – the point being that social media and UGC go together like …. [roti and soft drink/ garlic and clove/ doubles and sweet sauce] and thus, it would make sense to make social media your primary source of contests and promotions.
You can download the whitepaper here for more Contest Marketing insights.
Online contests also provide businesses with an opportunity to collect valuable data about their audience. By requiring participants to fill out a form with their personal information, businesses can gain insights into their audience’s demographics, interests, and preferences. This information can then be used to tailor future marketing campaigns and improve the effectiveness of your overall strategy. According to Outgrow “33% of contest participants are open to receiving information about the brand and partners.”
Finally, online contests can help businesses build a loyal following and create a sense of community around their brand. By rewarding participants with prizes and acknowledging their contributions, businesses can show their appreciation for their audience and foster a sense of community. This can lead to increased engagement, higher customer retention rates, and a stronger brand identity.
In conclusion, online contests are an effective way for businesses to increase brand awareness, engage with their audience, and collect valuable data. By leveraging the power of social media and UGC, businesses can expand their reach and strengthen their brand’s authenticity. Turn entrants into brand advocates, and the conversation will continue long after the contest ends.
References:
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- Starmark – INCREASE BRAND AWARENESS WITH A UNIQUE ONLINE CONTEST: https://www.starmark.com/blog/etips/increase-brand-awareness-unique-online-contest/
- Submittable – Contest Marketing Strategy: A Guide to Boosting Your Brand with Social: https://blog.submittable.com/contest-marketing/
- Outgrow – 27 Mindblowing Statistics On Giveaways And Contests In 2021 https://outgrow.co/blog/stats-giveaways-contests
- Wishpond – 20 Life-Changing Giveaway & Contest Statistics https://blog.wishpond.com/post/115675438009/contest-statistics#close-overlay
