Boost Customer Loyalty with Contests and Giveaways

By: Sync Marketing | In: Contests, social sweepstakes, Sweepstakes, sweepstakes company, sweepstakes management, sweepstakes marketing

5 Ways to Boost Customer Loyalty with Contests and Giveaways

Let’s face it—customer loyalty is like gold dust for any business. Loyal customers don’t just stick around—they sing your praises, refer friends, and become your biggest advocates. But how do you turn one-time shoppers into die-hard fans? One fun and powerful way is through contests and giveaways.

Not only do giveaways give your audience a reason to engage with your brand, but they also create positive experiences that keep them coming back for more. Here are five clever strategies to use contests to boost customer loyalty—and tips to make them wildly successful.

1. Reward the Faithful with VIP-Only Giveaways

Everyone loves feeling special, and VIP-only giveaways can make your most loyal customers feel like royalty. Think members-only sweepstakes for loyalty program participants or contests exclusively for newsletter subscribers.

To keep these contests exciting, offer personalized prizes, such as early access to new products or limited-edition merchandise. This sense of exclusivity strengthens customer relationships, creating a bond that casual customers just don’t get. For more ideas, check out Forbes’ insights on customer retention strategies.

2. Tap Into User-Generated Content

Nothing builds loyalty like making your customers feel part of your story. Contests that encourage user-generated content (UGC)—like photos, videos, or testimonials—are a surefire way to deepen engagement.

For example, ask customers to share photos of how they use your products with a branded hashtag, then reward the most creative submission with a prize. Not only does this boost customer loyalty, but it also provides you with fresh content to share on your platforms. A great example of this approach can be found in HubSpot’s marketing tips.

3. Celebrate Milestones Together

When your brand hits a milestone, turn it into a celebration your customers can join. Whether it’s your business anniversary, reaching a major sales goal, or launching a new product, tie a giveaway to the occasion.

For instance, “We just hit 100,000 Instagram followers! To celebrate, we’re giving away a $500 shopping spree!” Not only do these contests reward your loyal audience, but they also strengthen the emotional connection between your brand and your customers. This idea aligns perfectly with Sync Marketing’s sweepstakes solutions for creating meaningful campaigns.

4. Make It Easy to Enter (and Share)

The easier it is to enter your contest, the more likely customers will participate. Use simple entry methods, such as signing up with an email address or tagging a friend on social media.

Encouraging participants to share your contest with friends—perhaps in exchange for extra entries—can amplify your reach and foster a sense of community among your audience. Everyone loves to share something they enjoy, whether it’s a great contest or their favorite pizza spot.

5. Keep the Fun Going with Consistency

A one-off giveaway is nice, but regular contests are a game-changer. Hosting monthly or quarterly giveaways builds anticipation and keeps your customers engaged throughout the year.

To keep things fresh, create themed contests like a “Holiday Wishlist Giveaway” in December or a “Summer Adventure Sweepstakes” in July. Consistency not only keeps your brand top of mind but also establishes your company as a go-to for fun and rewards.

The Bottom Line

Contests and giveaways are more than just fun—they’re a strategic tool for building loyalty. By rewarding your most dedicated fans, creating engagement opportunities, and celebrating milestones, you’ll turn customers into lifelong advocates.

When you’re ready to launch your next loyalty-building sweepstakes, Sync Marketing has the expertise to ensure it’s not only successful but also stress-free. Let’s make your next contest unforgettable!

With these tips in hand, you’re all set to create campaigns that strengthen loyalty, drive engagement, and make your brand truly unforgettable. Now, go forth and giveaway like a pro!

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Contest Law

By: Sync Marketing | In: Best Practices, contest company, Contests, Legal and Prize Fulfillment, sweepstakes company, sweepstakes management, sweepstakes marketing

Contest Law and Why You Need a Sweepstakes Agency Like Sync Marketing

Contests and sweepstakes are powerful marketing tools that can help drive engagement, increase brand awareness, and reward loyal customers. However, running a successful promotion involves more than just creativity and prizes. It also requires a solid understanding of contest law to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.

Understanding Contest Law

Contest laws vary from country to country and even between states or provinces within a country. These laws govern how contests and sweepstakes can be run, including rules related to eligibility, entry methods, prize fulfillment, and more. Failure to comply with these laws can result in legal consequences, including fines and lawsuits.

For example, in the United States, contests and sweepstakes are subject to federal laws, such as the Deceptive Mail Prevention and Enforcement Act and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Additionally, individual states may have their own regulations that must be followed.

Why Hire a Sweepstakes Agency Like Sync Marketing?

1. Legal Expertise: Sweepstakes agencies like Sync Marketing have a deep understanding of contest laws and regulations. They can ensure that your promotion complies with all relevant laws, reducing the risk of legal issues.
2. Risk Mitigation: Running a contest or sweepstakes involves certain risks, such as fraud or disputes over prize eligibility. A sweepstakes agency can help mitigate these risks by implementing proper security measures and providing clear rules and terms for participants.
3. Experience: Sweepstakes agencies have experience running promotions across various industries and can provide valuable insights and best practices to make your promotion more successful.
4. Efficiency: Running a contest or sweepstakes can be time-consuming, especially if you’re not familiar with the process. A sweepstakes agency can handle all aspects of the promotion, from legal compliance to prize fulfillment, saving you time and effort.
5. Brand Reputation: A well-executed contest or sweepstakes can enhance your brand’s reputation and customer loyalty. A sweepstakes agency can help you create a promotion that reflects positively on your brand and resonates with your target audience.

Contest law is complex and ever-changing, making it essential to seek professional assistance when running a promotion. Hiring a sweepstakes agency like Sync Marketing can help ensure that your promotion is legally compliant, well-executed, and successful in achieving your marketing goals.

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Super Bowl Sweepstakes

By: Sync Marketing | In: Ask Sync Marketing, Contests, Marketing, social sweepstakes, Sweepstakes, sweepstakes company, sweepstakes management, sweepstakes marketing, Television, Turnkey Sweepstakes

Scoring Big: The Best Three Types of Super Bowl Sweepstakes to Run

The Super Bowl is a cultural phenomenon that captivates millions of viewers worldwide. For businesses, it presents a golden opportunity to engage with their audience and drive brand recognition through exciting promotions like sweepstakes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top three types of Super Bowl sweepstakes that can help your brand score big and leave a lasting impression on your customers.

1. Super Bowl Ticket Giveaway: Imagine the excitement on your customers’ faces when they learn they have a chance to win tickets to the biggest game of the year! A Super Bowl Ticket Giveaway is one of the most captivating sweepstakes you can run. While it may require a significant investment, the potential for generating buzz and brand loyalty is unparalleled.

Key elements of a Super Bowl Ticket Giveaway:

• Prizes: Tickets to the Super Bowl, including travel and accommodation if possible.
• Entry method: Online forms, social media shares, or in-store purchases, depending on your target audience.
• Promotion period: Launch well in advance of the Super Bowl to build anticipation.

Benefits:

• Generates significant attention and excitement around your brand without all the costs of a Super Bowl ad.
• Attracts a broad audience of football fans.
• Drives social media engagement through sharing and tagging.

2. Super Bowl Party Package Sweepstakes: The Super Bowl is as much about the parties as it is about the game itself. A Super Bowl Party Package Sweepstakes offers an opportunity for your customers to win everything they need to host the ultimate Super Bowl party. This type of sweepstakes is more budget-friendly while still offering a substantial prize package.

Key elements of a Super Bowl Party Package Sweepstakes:

• Prizes: A complete Super Bowl party package, including a big-screen TV, sound system, catering, and branded merchandise.
• Entry method: Entry forms, social media tagging, or purchase requirements.
• Promotion period: Start at least a month before the Super Bowl to allow winners to plan their parties.

Benefits:

• Appeals to a wide audience looking for a fun Super Bowl experience.
• Showcases your products or services if included in the prize.
• Encourages engagement as participants share their party ideas on social media.

3. Super Bowl Prediction Contest: The Super Bowl is famous for its unpredictable moments and nail-biting plays. A Super Bowl Prediction Contest taps into the excitement of the game by challenging participants to predict specific game outcomes, such as the final score, the first touchdown scorer, or the MVP. This type of sweepstakes requires more skill and knowledge from participants, making it a great option for engaging die-hard football fans.

Key elements of a Super Bowl Prediction Contest:

• Prizes: Cash prizes, gift cards, or exclusive Super Bowl merchandise.
• Entry method: Online forms with prediction fields or social media submissions.
• Promotion period: Start a couple of weeks before the Super Bowl to allow participants to study the teams and make their predictions.

Benefits:

• Appeals to avid football enthusiasts.
• Encourages engagement and discussions about the game.
• Provides an opportunity for data collection and market research.

Running a Super Bowl sweepstakes can be a winning play for your brand. Whether you choose to give away Super Bowl tickets, offer a party package, or host a prediction contest, these promotions can help you connect with your audience, generate excitement, and leave a lasting impression. Remember that effective marketing, a user-friendly entry process, and clear rules are essential to ensuring a successful Super Bowl sweepstakes that resonates with your target audience. So, huddle up, plan your strategy, and get ready to score big during the next Super Bowl season! Contact Sync today to brainstorm ideas for your next Super Bowl sweepstakes!

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Black Friday Sweepstakes: Top 3 Types to Run in 2023

By: Sync Marketing | In: contest company, Contests, social sweepstakes, Sweepstakes, sweepstakes company, sweepstakes management, sweepstakes marketing

Black Friday is the shopping extravaganza that consumers eagerly anticipate each year. For businesses, it’s a prime opportunity to boost sales, engage customers, and create buzz around their brands. One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is by hosting Black Friday sweepstakes. In 2023, as the shopping season approaches, let’s explore the three best types of Black Friday sweepstakes to run for maximum impact.

1. “Ultimate Shopping Spree” Sweepstakes

There’s no better way to get customers excited about Black Friday than by offering them a chance to win the ultimate shopping spree. This type of sweepstakes taps into the very essence of the Black Friday spirit – finding incredible deals and making the most of discounts. Here’s how to create a successful “Ultimate Shopping Spree” sweepstakes:

a. Grand Prize: The centerpiece of your sweepstakes should be a generous shopping spree prize, such as a gift card or store credit that covers a substantial amount of purchases. Prominently advertise the prize value to entice participants.

b. Multiple Entry Points: Encourage participants to enter the sweepstakes through various actions, such as making a purchase, signing up for your newsletter, or sharing the sweepstakes on social media. This multiplies engagement and extends your reach.

c. Limited-Time Promotion: Keep the sweepstakes period limited to the Black Friday weekend or a few days leading up to it. This creates a sense of urgency and aligns with the time-sensitive nature of the shopping holiday.

2. “Early Access” VIP Sweepstakes

Black Friday shoppers love to get a head start on deals. Offering exclusive early access to select customers through a sweepstakes can be a powerful incentive. Here’s how to execute an “Early Access” VIP sweepstakes:

a. VIP Benefits: The grand prize should include exclusive access to Black Friday deals before they are available to the general public. Ensure the winners have the opportunity to shop for their desired items before they sell out.

b. Targeted Marketing: Promote this sweepstakes to your loyal customers, email subscribers, and social media followers. Rewarding your most engaged audience can foster brand loyalty and increase participation.

c. Limited Slots: Create a sense of exclusivity by limiting the number of winners who will gain early access. This scarcity can drive even more engagement as customers strive to secure their spot.

3. “Gift-a-Friend” Contest

Black Friday isn’t just about scoring deals for yourself; it’s also about spreading the joy of gifting. A “Gift-a-Friend” contest encourages participants to nominate a friend or family member for a special shopping experience. Here’s how to run this heartwarming contest:

a. Nominations: Allow participants to enter the sweepstakes by nominating someone they believe deserves a memorable Black Friday shopping experience. Encourage them to share heartwarming stories or reasons for their nomination.

b. Personalized Prizes: Offer prizes tailored to the nominated individuals, such as customized shopping experiences or curated gift bundles. This personal touch can create emotional connections with your brand.

c. Shareable Content: Encourage participants to share their nominations and the contest on social media. User-generated content that showcases heartfelt stories can go viral and generate organic engagement.

As Black Friday approaches in 2023, consider these three exciting sweepstakes and contest ideas to captivate your audience, boost sales, and enhance your brand’s image. Remember to align your campaign with the essence of the shopping holiday, create excitement, and leverage the power of social media and email marketing to reach a broader audience. With the right strategy, your Black Friday sweepstakes can be a win-win for both your business and your customers. Contact Sync Marketing today to get started!

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Sweepstakes vs. Contests: Unveiling the Distinctions

By: Administrator | In: Best Practices, Contests, Sweepstakes, sweepstakes company, sweepstakes management, sweepstakes marketing

In the world of promotions and giveaways, sweepstakes and contests are two popular methods companies use to engage their audience and generate excitement. While they have some similarities, sweepstakes vs contests are surprisingly very different. In this blog post, we’ll explore the five main distinctions that set sweepstakes apart from contests, helping you understand when and why to use each.

1. Entry Requirements
   • Sweepstakes: Participation in a sweepstakes is typically straightforward. Participants often need to provide basic information like their name, email, or contact details, and sometimes just a simple click to enter. It’s a game of chance, and everyone has an equal opportunity to win, regardless of their skill, talent, or effort.
   • Contests: Contests, on the other hand, require more active participation. Participants must submit some form of creative or skill-based entry, which could be anything from writing an essay to creating artwork or solving a puzzle. Winners are typically determined based on criteria like creativity, skill, or adherence to specific guidelines.
2. Judging and Selection Process
   • Sweepstakes: In sweepstakes, winners are selected entirely at random. This randomness ensures fairness and transparency, as there is no subjectivity involved in choosing winners. It’s a matter of luck, and anyone can be the fortunate recipient of the prize.
   • Contests: Contests involve a judging process where entries are evaluated based on predetermined criteria. Judges or a panel of experts assess the entries and select winners based on merit. This subjectivity allows for creativity and skill to shine and rewards the most deserving participants.
3. Prizes
   • Sweepstakes: Prizes in sweepstakes are typically fixed and predetermined. Everyone who meets the entry requirements has an equal chance of winning the same prize, be it cash, a product, or a trip.
   • Contests: Contest prizes can vary significantly based on the complexity of the entry requirements and the judging criteria. They can range from cash rewards to unique experiences, scholarships, or even opportunities like internships or publication for artists and writers.
4. Odds of Winning
   • Sweepstakes: Since sweepstakes winners are selected at random, the odds of winning are relatively consistent for all participants. However, they can improve if participants are allowed multiple entries or take part in multiple sweepstakes.
   • Contests: In contests, the odds of winning are directly linked to the quality of the entry and the competition. If you have a remarkable talent or create an exceptional entry, your chances of winning increase significantly. It’s a competition where your skills or creativity make the difference.
5. Regulatory Compliance
   • Sweepstakes: Sweepstakes are subject to specific laws and regulations that vary by country and state. These laws often require disclosure of the official rules, no purchase necessary clauses, and certain eligibility restrictions. Sweepstakes must be carefully structured to avoid being considered illegal gambling.
   • Contests: Contests are also subject to regulations, but they tend to be less stringent than sweepstakes laws. Nevertheless, it’s essential to have clear contest rules that specify the judging criteria and eligibility requirements to ensure fairness and transparency.

Sweepstakes vs contests: while sweepstakes and contests both serve as effective promotional tools, they differ significantly in terms of entry requirements, judging processes, prizes, odds of winning, and regulatory compliance. Understanding these differences is crucial for businesses planning to engage their audience through these methods. Whether you’re looking for a game of chance or a competition that rewards skill and creativity, choosing between a sweepstakes vs a contest can make all the difference in achieving your marketing goals.

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Navigating Social Media Contest Rules and Regulations

By: Sync Marketing | In: contest company, Contests, Facebook, Instagram, social sweepstakes, Sweepstakes, sweepstakes company

In the ever-evolving realm of social media, sweepstakes and contests have emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to engage with their audience, boost brand visibility, and encourage user participation. However, to ensure a successful campaign, it is essential to ensure that your social media contest rules and regulations are compliant. In this blog post, we will delve into the critical considerations and legal guidelines associated with running social media contests, enabling you to execute captivating campaigns while staying within the boundaries of the law.

1. What are Social Media Contests? Social media contests are promotions conducted on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok, where participants have the chance to win prizes based on certain criteria, such as likes, shares, or creative submissions. These contests can generate buzz, attract new followers, and encourage user-generated content.
2. Understanding the Rules and Regulations:
   1. Disclosure of Material Connection: To maintain transparency, it’s important to disclose any material connection between your business and the contest participants. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines, if you provide incentives, such as free products or discounts, in exchange for contest participation, you must clearly disclose these relationships.
   2. Compliance with Platform Policies: Each social media platform has its own set of rules and guidelines regarding contests. For instance, Facebook requires businesses to use a third-party app for running contests and mandates that promotions should not be conducted on personal timelines. Familiarize yourself with the platform-specific rules to avoid any penalties or contest disqualification.
   3. Age Restrictions and Geographical Limitations: Depending on the nature of your contest, you may need to consider age restrictions and geographical limitations. Some countries or states may have specific regulations related to contests and giveaways, especially when targeting minors. Ensure your contest complies with the legal requirements in the regions you are targeting.
3. Ensuring Fairness and Avoiding Misrepresentation:
   1. Clear Contest Rules: Provide participants with detailed instructions, eligibility criteria, and any specific entry requirements. Clearly state the start and end dates, the method of selecting winners, and how prizes will be awarded. This will help avoid confusion and set clear expectations for all participants.
   2. No Purchase Necessary: To ensure your contest is not deemed an illegal lottery, include a “no purchase necessary” clause. Offer alternate means of entry, such as a mail-in option, for participants who do not wish to make a purchase or may not have access to social media platforms.
   3. Intellectual Property Rights: When running contests that involve user-generated content, it’s essential to address copyright and intellectual property concerns. Clearly state in your rules that participants grant your business the right to use their submissions for promotional purposes. Additionally, remind participants to only use original content and respect the intellectual property rights of others.

Social media contest rules and regulations can be an exciting and effective way to connect with your audience and achieve your marketing goals. However, it is crucial to prioritize compliance with the rules and regulations that govern these promotions. By understanding and adhering to the disclosure requirements, platform policies, age restrictions, fairness guidelines, and intellectual property considerations, you can run successful and legally compliant social media contests that resonate with your audience. Remember to consult legal resources and seek professional advice when needed to ensure your contests are in full compliance with local laws and regulations. With a solid understanding of the rules and regulations, you can confidently harness the power of social media contests to engage, excite, and build meaningful connections with your target audience. Contact Sync Marketing today to get started on your next social media contest.

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Unveiling the Winning Recipe: 4 Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Contest Company

By: Sync Marketing | In: contest company, Contests, Marketing

Just like putting together the perfect meal, you need with right ingredients to become a perfect contest company. Organizing a successful contest requires careful planning, execution, and expertise. This is where a trustworthy and experienced contest company comes into play, helping you navigate the intricacies of your campagin and ensuring a seamless experience for both you and your entrants. In this blog post, we’ll explore five essential factors to consider when choosing the ideal company. So, let’s dive in and discover the ingredients that make a contest company truly exceptional.

1. Expertise and Experience: The first element to look for in a contest company is their expertise and experience in the field. An agency with a proven track record will have the necessary knowledge and insights to design and execute a contest that aligns with your goals. A contest company will understand the dynamics of different contest formats, have insights into target demographics, and be equipped to handle various challenges that may arise during the process. Look for a company that has a portfolio of successful campaigns and positive client testimonials to ensure you’re working with seasoned professionals.
2. Creative Conceptualization: A great contest company will be able to bring your ideas to life through innovative and engaging concepts. Do you want to gather user generated content (UGC)? Then a social media photo contest might work best. Want to tell someone’s unique story? Then an essay or video contest will reach that goal. They should be adept at crafting unique and memorable contest themes, which will capture the attention of your target audience and differentiate your brand from competitors. The ability to think outside the box, coupled with a thorough understanding of current market trends, will ensure that your contest stands out and generates maximum participation.
3. Seamless Technology Integration: Contests in today’s digital age often rely on sophisticated technological solutions for registration, tracking, and judging. A reliable contest company should have a robust technological infrastructure that can seamlessly integrate with your existing systems or provide custom solutions tailored to your needs. Sync Marketing provides password protected judging platforms where clients can log on and judge entries as the campaign runs. Look for features like user-friendly interfaces, secure data management, and automation capabilities to streamline the contest process and enhance the participant experience.
4. Comprehensive Contest Management: Managing a contest involves numerous tasks, including legal compliance, rule creation, prize fulfillment, participant communication, and more. A top-notch contest company should offer end-to-end contest management services, taking the burden off your shoulders and allowing you to focus on your core business activities. From drafting contest rules and handling legal requirements to managing participant inquiries and resolving disputes, the company should be your trusted partner throughout the entire contest journey.

By choosing the right contest company, you will be running a memorable and successful contest that resonates with your target audience before you know it. By considering the expertise and experience, creative conceptualization, seamless technology integration and comprehensive management, you’ll be equipped to find a partner that can help you achieve your goals and make your contest a resounding triumph. Remember, investing in the right contest company today will pay off with a long-lasting impact on your brand’s visibility, engagement, and growth.

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Top 10 Types of Sweepstakes to Run in 2023

By: Sync Marketing | In: Ask Sync, Best Practices, Contests, Instant Win, Legal and Prize Fulfillment, SMS Campaigns, social sweepstakes, Sweepstakes, sweepstakes company, sweepstakes marketing, User Generated Content

Sweepstakes have long been a popular marketing tool for businesses as they produces a tremendous return on investment (ROI). In 2023, there are many different types of sweepstakes that brands (and their agency partners) can run to engage with customers, build brand awareness, and generate leads. Here is list of the top 10 types of sweepstakes to run in 2023: 

1. Social Media Contests:  

With billions of people using social media every day, running a sweepstakes on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Twitter is a great way to reach a large audience and interact with consumers. Brands can ask customers to like, comment, and share their posts to enter the sweepstakes, and can even require entrants to follow their social media accounts to participate.  

This can have two positive impacts: 

Increased Brand Awareness: The ripple effect is real. The more people know about you, the more their friends and followers will know about you. 

Increased Engagement: Social media sweepstakes can also help businesses increase engagement with their existing followers. By offering a chance to win prizes, it can increase engagement and help to build a stronger relationship with customers. Additionally, the excitement and anticipation of the sweepstakes can encourage customers to visit a business’s social media channels more often, which can lead to increased engagement overall. 

2. Referral Sweepstakes:  

Referral sweepstakes incentivize customers to refer their friends to your business. Entrants can earn additional entries for each friend they refer who also enters the sweepstakes, which can help brands build their email lists and reach new customers. Referral sweepstakes can create a greater likelihood that those referrals will turn into new customers because they are being referred by a friend. That’s an instant vouch of support for the brand.  

These types of sweepstakes can be achieved in different ways. You can have a simple enter to win sweepstakes where entrants can refer up to five friends after entry for extra chances to win or they can refer friends by tagging on a social media sweepstakes.  Our client Wealthfront just finished a campaign where they gave away $25,000 to three different Wealthfront members. Entrant received extra entries for doing a number of different tasks including referring friends!

3. Instant Win Sweepstakes:  

Instant win sweepstakes allow customers to enter and find out immediately if they have won a prize. This type of sweepstakes can be especially engaging for customers, as they don’t have to wait for a drawing to find out if they’ve won. It also allows them to feel like they have a great chance to win. Sync recommends offering daily entries for instant win campaigns as it will keep customers coming back and engaging with your brand. 

4. Survey Sweepstakes:  

Surveys are a great way for businesses to gather feedback from customers, and adding a sweepstakes component can help incentivize customers to participate. Businesses can offer prizes to random survey participants, or even offer a larger prize to the customer who provides the most helpful feedback. 

5. Photo or Video Contests:  

Photo and video contests can be a fun way for customers to engage with a brand and show off their creativity. Businesses can ask customers to submit photos or videos related to a specific theme, and then award prizes to the best entries. Sync can help guide you on what type of judging criteria to include in the official rules. We also offer a judging platform for to score entries. 

6. Daily Sweepstakes:  

Daily sweepstakes allow businesses to keep customers engaged over an extended period of time. It’s best to offer a different prize every day to keep entrants coming back. Then offer a lager overarching grand prize to anyone who entered through the sweepstakes entry period. 

7. Essay or Writing Contests:  

If you want to engage with customers who are passionate about something, offering an essay or writing contests can be a great option. Brands can ask customers to write about a specific topic, and then award prizes to the entries that best matched the judging criteria. 

8. Treasure Hunt Sweepstakes:  

These are fun! Treasure hunt sweepstakes can be a fun way to engage with customers and build brand awareness. Businesses can hide clues or information about their brand or products throughout their website or social media channels, and then award a prize to the customer who finds all of the clues. If it’s within the budget you can include it on your website, but if you want to do smaller scare, we recommend running these types of campaigns on your social channels.  

9. Instant Discount Sweepstakes:  

Instant discount sweepstakes offer customers a chance to win an immediate discount on their next purchase. We typically recommend the discount to appear after entry and still offering a larger overarching grand prize. This type of sweepstakes can help drive sales for businesses while also providing customers with a fun and engaging experience. 

10. Charity Sweepstakes or Contests:  

Charity campaigns allow businesses to give back to their communities while also engaging with customers.  

Sweepstakes: Businesses can donate a certain amount to a charity based on the number of entries they receive. Allowing entrants to vote on the charity they want to donate to, is another great option. 

Contests: Going back to the essay contests, brands can ask people to nominate deserving people for the chance to win. The person nominated would then money for themselves and the cause they donate their time to. Sync recommends background checks for this and can provide this service for you.  

In conclusion, there are many different types of sweepstakes that businesses can run in 2023 to engage with customers and build brand awareness. Whether you choose to run a social media contest, a referral sweepstakes, an instant win sweepstakes, or any of the other options on this list, a well-executed sweepstakes can be a powerful tool for driving sales and building customer loyalty. 

top 10 types of sweepstakes to run in 2023

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The Top Summer Sweepstakes and Contest Ideas

By: Sync Marketing | In: Contests, Marketing, social sweepstakes, Sweepstakes, sweepstakes marketing

Summer is a fantastic time for brands (and their agency partners) to engage with their customers and create buzz around their brand. One way to do this is by running a summer sweepstakes or contest. There are many different types of sweepstakes and contests to choose from, but not all of them are created equal. Today, we’ll explore the top summer sweepstakes and contest ideas. 

1. Simple Enter to Win 

Running a straight forward enter to win sweepstakes is a great way to reward consumers while collecting emails. Offering a chance to win a trip to a popular summer destination, such as a beach resort, national park, or theme park will really entice consumers because summer is already on the brain. 

Here are a few prizing ideas to consider: 

Adventure Sweepstakes in the Outdoors 

Summer is the perfect time for getting outside, and an outdoor adventure sweepstakes is a great way to engage customers who are interested in hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities. A prize package could include camping gear, hiking boots, or even a guided camping trip.  

Summer Vacation Sweepstakes 

People love to travel during the summer, and a summer vacation sweepstakes is a great way to tap into this enthusiasm. A prize package could include a weekend getaway, a cruise, or even an all-expenses-paid trip to a popular vacation destination. Check out this sweepstakes from Sync and our client La Tierra de Mezcal who is giving away a trip to Mexico!

Backyard BBQ Backyard BBQ Sweepstakes 

Backyard BBQs are a summer tradition, and a backyard BBQ sweepstakes is a great way to engage customers who love to grill. A prize package could include a grill, grilling accessories, and even a gift card to purchase food and beverages. 

2. UGC Contests 

Running a user-generated content (UGC) contest over the summer can have numerous benefits for businesses looking to engage with their audience. Whether it is a summer cocktail recipe contest, or a world’s best guacamole contest, you’re sure to receive a lot of great content that fits with your brand.  

Sync offers a variety of services when it comes to UGC contests. While we have you covered with legal and outlining the structure of your promotion, we can also track and judge the entries for you.  

3. Event Sweepstakes 

Sweepstakes held at special events like festivals and sporting events provide a great opportunity to build your email database. Create some on site marketing materials with a QR code straight to your entry page to allow people to enter for a chance to win. If it’s a paid event, Sync can create an alternate means of entry (AMOE) microsite to keep your campaign legally compliant. 

Overall running a summer sweepstakes or contest can increase engagement, sales and brand awareness in a cost-effective way. With a well-designed and executed campaign, businesses can capitalize on the excitement and enthusiasm of summer and create a positive impact on their bottom line. There’s still plenty of time. Contact Sync today to get a same day quote for your summer sweepstakes! 

top summer sweepstakes and contest ideas

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5 Ways to Avoid Legal Issues when Running a Sweepstakes

By: Jennifer French | In: Ask Sync Marketing, Best Practices, Contests, Legal and Prize Fulfillment, Marketing

Running an online sweepstakes or contest is an effective tool to engage consumers and elevate your brand or company. There are many things to consider when including a sweepstakes such as budget, run dates, eligibility, and prizing. The most important and often overlooked items are the legal parameters of a campaign. If not addressed in advance, it could derail all your efforts. Below are 5 ways to avoid legal issues when running a sweepstakes.

Official Rules and Abbreviated Rules

Think of this as your sweepstakes’ user manual. The official rules should be a blueprint of your campaign and should clearly outline eligibility, campaign run dates, how and where to enter, prizing and the total ARV. It’s also important to include when and how a potential winner will be notified. Entrants should have a clear understanding of how the sweepstakes works and there should be no surprises. Abbreviated rules are a shortened version of the full rules that should give entrants a direct link to the full set of rules. Here is a helpful article of what should be included in the rules.

Bonding and Registration

Did you know that certain states require you to bond and register your promotion? Usually, it’s dependent on the total ARV of a campaign, but it varies by state. Neglecting to bond and register and not adhering to the timing deadlines for when you can submit your registration and bonding could amount to hefty penalties. Here are links to New York, Florida and Rhode Island that specifically addresses their requirements. 

Legal Review of Marketing Materials

You may have your official rules buttoned up, but did you know there are legal disclaimers that should appear on your marketing materials such as emails, POP and social media posts? Also, your marketing materials must not be misleading to entrants. A full-service sweepstakes agency can guide you on what is required to keep your promotion legally compliant.

Social Media Restrictions

Social media campaigns are fun and inexpensive, but they do come with legal requirements which are constantly changing. Each platform has their own guidelines that you must following in order to run a campaign. Guidelines change quite frequently so it is a good idea to consult with a legal professional who is up-to-date on all of the changes. If you can’t get outside help, it’s a good idea to go to each platform. Here are links to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram’s policy pages. 

Privacy and Collecting PII

Consumer privacy is a very hot-button item. There are many rules and regulations about collecting and storing personal identifying information (PII). Consulting the laws for each participating state and country if international is essential before running a campaign. For example, here is a helpful article about the CCPA law that affects promotions running in California.

While many companies opt to use inexpensive sweepstakes software to build and manage their campaigns, they often overlook the legal elements. It may be less expensive, but in the long run, you may end up paying heavily in fines and even have your promotion shut down mid campaign. Now that you know the 5 ways to avoid legal issues when running a sweepstakes, consider using a full-service agency like Sync to manage your campaign.

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