What are the first steps to running a successful small business Twitter contest, Twitter Party or other promotion on the popular service? The info below will get you started and help you determine if Twitter is a worthwhile channel for your marketing, so you won't waste time or resources using it ineffectively.
#1 - Know your priorities. Set realistic goals.
Make the goals in running the twitter contest or promotion very clear before starting it -- don't invest your time & energy just because everyone else is doing it.
All of the above sound great, right? Try to pick a priority, so the details of your plan can all align with a primary objective and so you can look back afterward to see if you met your goal and assess the ROI.
#2 Choose the right prize. Is it tweetworthy?
Why do customers enter any small business twitter contest in the first place? To win. So, remember to be creative about your prize and incentive. Choosing your prize carefully will not only attract the right audience, but drive organic sharing by your customers. Consider involving other companies or brands as partners in the process to maximize your reach and the quality of your prize. Finally, be aware of small business Twitter contest legal guidelines - some of which dictate the type and monetary value of your prize.
#3 Engage customers during and after the contest or promotion.
More than anything, your small business Twitter contest or promotion is a chance to engage customers and create a memorable experience with their brand - which in turn enhances customer loyalty. Announce the contest on all of your social media platforms including your blog, Facebook, Tumblr, Foursquare, Pinterest, etc. -- this allows everyone who is following your company the ability to participate.
Then, to reach your customers more directly, try utilizing on-premise engagement apps like Rockbot to reach customers while they're at your business -- the contest or promotion is likely more relevant to those who are already at your location and enjoying your product.
Afterward, be sure to announce the winner in an exciting way and, ideally, have your winner share a photo of him or her enjoying the prize, so you can share with other entrants. It's also helpful to have a small prize for all entrants who did not win (a small coupon or discount) to encourage them to stay tuned and engage with your business again in the future.
After your small business Twitter contest, check out Rockbot -- the app that engages over 2 times more customers than popular services like Foursquare. For more information, visit http://rockbot.com.