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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Sweepstakes Fulfillment Companies and the Top 5 Services Offered

By: Sync Marketing | In: Legal and Prize Fulfillment, Marketing, Prize Fulfillment, sweepstakes company, sweepstakes marketing

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Why Hire a Sweepstakes Company?

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

The Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Sweepstakes Company to Run Your Sweepstakes

Ah…so you’re thinking of running a sweepstakes, but not sure if you should try to do it yourself or hire the professionals. Well, you have come to the right place! Sweepstakes and contests have become a powerful marketing tool for brands and businesses of all sizes. They generate buzz, increase brand awareness, and engage customers. However, running a successful sweepstakes requires careful planning, legal compliance, and expert execution. That’s where a professional sweepstakes company comes into play. Why hire a sweepstakes company you ask? Well, in this blog post, we’ll explore the top five reasons why hiring a sweepstakes company to run your sweepstakes is a smart move.

1. Expertise in Sweepstakes Regulations and Legal Compliance: Running a sweepstakes involves navigating a complex web of regulations and legal requirements. Sweepstakes companies specialize in understanding the ever-changing laws related to sweepstakes and contests to ensure your promotion is compliant at every step. From drafting the official rules and winner release forms to filing your promotion in the applicable states, we have the knowledge and expertise to keep your sweepstakes on the right side of the law.
2. Customized Sweepstakes Strategies: A sweepstakes company brings valuable experience and creativity to the table when designing your promotion. We can assist you in formulating a tailored strategy that aligns with your marketing goals. Whether it’s determining the ideal entry mechanism, prize structure, or promotional channels, we will help you maximize your brand’s exposure and generate meaningful engagement. One of the first things we ask are what your goals are. If it’s obtaining more emails and consumers, then a simple enter-to-win sweepstakes would be the way to go. Want to receive user generated content? Then try a contest or social sweepstakes. By leveraging our insights and experience, we will be able to help you navigate the most effective type of campaign to run.
3. Seamless Execution and Prize Fulfillment: Executing a sweepstakes involves managing various moving parts, from collecting entries to verifying winners and delivering prizes. Our goal is to streamline this entire process for you, ensuring a smooth execution from start to finish. We have the tools and systems in place to handle a high volume of entries, conduct fair drawings by following the guidelines provided in the official rules, and manage prize distribution efficiently. By entrusting this crucial aspect to the professionals, you’ll save time, eliminate logistical headaches, and provide a positive experience for your consumers.
4. Enhanced Security and Fraud Prevention: Maintaining the integrity of your sweepstakes is of utmost importance. Sweepstakes companies like Sync Marketing employ robust security measures and fraud prevention techniques to safeguard your promotion and your customers Personally Identifying Information (PII). We utilize secure entry platforms, implement fraud detection systems through captcha and backend monitoring, and conduct thorough audits to minimize the risk of fraudulent activities. Protecting your brand’s reputation and maintaining the trust of your entrants is crucial, and a professional sweepstakes company can help you achieve that goal.
5. Data Management and Analysis: Sweepstakes provide an opportunity to collect valuable data about your target audience. A sweepstakes company can assist you in capturing and analyzing this data effectively. From participant demographics to preferences and feedback, we can help you gain valuable insights that can inform future marketing strategies. By leveraging our expertise in data management and analysis, you’ll be able to make informed decisions, refine your marketing approach, and ultimately drive better results for your business.

Running a successful sweepstakes requires more than just luck; it demands careful planning, legal compliance, and flawless execution. Hiring a professional sweepstakes company can provide you with the expertise, resources, and peace of mind necessary to ensure your promotion’s success. From navigating legal complexities to designing customized strategies and managing logistics, we will handle the intricate details, allowing you to focus on your core business. So, if you’re considering running a sweepstakes, investing in a reputable sweepstakes company like Sync Marketing, is a wise decision that can help you achieve your marketing goals effectively and efficiently. I’ll make it easy for you now, here’s our number: 323.902.7962. We look forward to speaking with you.

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5 Tips for Running a Social Media Sweepstakes

By: Sync Marketing | In: Ask Sync Marketing, Best Practices, Facebook, Instagram, Legal and Prize Fulfillment, social sweepstakes, Sweepstakes, sweepstakes company, sweepstakes marketing

Social media sweepstakes can be a great way to increase engagement, grow your following, and reward your audience. However, managing a social media sweepstakes requires careful planning and execution to ensure its success. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 tips for running a social media sweepstakes.

1. Clearly Define the Rules and Regulations 

The first and most crucial step in managing a social media sweepstakes is to define the rules and regulations. Clearly outline the eligibility criteria, entry requirements, prize details, start and end dates, and any other important information related to the sweepstakes. It is essential to ensure that your sweepstakes comply with the rules and regulations of the country in which you are running the sweepstakes. Moreover, include a disclaimer stating that your sweepstakes is in no way affiliated with or sponsored by the social media platform.  

Hiring a sweepstakes company to handle this element for you can be helpful as we specialize in sweepstakes law and stay up to date on the latest changes in social media. In addition to drafting the official rules and abbreviated rules, Sync review all of your marketing materials to ensure it is legally compliant and contains the necessary disclaimers. 

2. Choose the Right Platform 

Choosing the right social media platform is important for the success of your sweepstakes. Different platforms have different rules and regulations, so it is important to choose a platform that aligns with your sweepstakes requirements. For instance, if you want to run a photo or video-based sweepstakes, Instagram or TikTok may be the right platforms. If you want to reach a wider audience, Twitter may be a better choice. Sync recommends running campaigns on no more than two platforms at a time. This way your messaging can be more focused and you can better track the success of the campaign. 

Check out Acer’s #AcedIt Hole in One sweepstakes with the LPGA that Sync has been managing for the last five years.  

3. Promote Your Sweepstakes Effectively 

To ensure maximum participation in your sweepstakes, you need to promote it effectively. Use all the relevant social media channels to reach your target audience. Create visually appealing graphics, videos, and posts to grab the attention of your followers. Moreover, collaborate with influencers or other brands to reach a wider audience. Make sure to include a clear call-to-action in all your promotional content to encourage people to participate. 

4. Monitor and Respond to Entries 

Once your sweepstakes is live, it is essential to monitor all the entries and respond to any questions or concerns promptly. Using a sweepstakes company like Sync Marketing to track and manage all of your entries, will ensure that all entries meet the eligibility criteria. Moreover, Sync can respond to any questions or concerns related to the sweepstakes within 24 business hours. This will not only improve the user experience but also help build a positive brand image. 

5. Announce the Winner and Follow Up 

After the sweepstakes has ended, it is important to announce the winner publicly and follow up with them after they have been confirmed and verified. After obtaining the necessary release forms from the winner, use social media to publicly announce the winner and tag them in the post. Before doing all of this, you will need to contact the winner privately to inform them of their win and provide them with details on how to claim the prize. This is typically don’t through direct message. Make sure to follow up with the winner after they have received the prize to ensure that they are satisfied with their experience. 

In conclusion, managing a social media sweepstakes can be a great way to engage your audience and grow your social media following. By following these top 5 tips for running a social media sweepstakes, you can ensure that your sweepstakes is a success and builds positive brand awareness. Contact Sync today to find out how we can help you execute your next social media sweepstakes!

tips for running a social media sweepstakes

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Sweepstakes tips for Alcohol Companies

By: Sync Marketing | In: Advertising, Ask Sync Marketing, Best Practices, Legal and Prize Fulfillment, Sweepstakes, sweepstakes company, sweepstakes marketing

Running a sweepstakes can be a great way for alcohol brands to engage with their customers and build brand loyalty. However, there are several legal and ethical considerations that adults beverage companies must take into account when running a sweepstakes involving alcohol. In this blog post, we will discuss four sweepstakes tips for alcohol companies and what they should consider.

1. Comply with Legal Requirements: Alcohol brands must comply with various legal requirements when running a sweepstakes. For example, in the United States, brands must comply with state and federal laws, including the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau regulations. Brands must also ensure that their sweepstakes are open to individuals of legal drinking age and are not accessible to individuals who are prohibited from consuming alcohol. 
2. Hire a Sweepstakes Agency: As mentioned above there are several legal requirements to consider and these must be clearly defined in the rules and Regulations. Hiring a sweepstakes agency who specializes in sweepstakes law is key. The sweepstakes agency will structure the rules to include the eligibility criteria, how to enter, the deadline for entry, the prize, and any other relevant details. The rules and regulations must be easily accessible and prominently displayed to potential entrants.
3. Adhere to Responsible Marketing: Alcohol brands have a responsibility to market their products in a responsible manner. This includes promoting responsible consumption and avoiding any messaging that could be perceived as promoting excessive or irresponsible drinking. Alcohol brands should also ensure that their sweepstakes do not target underage individuals or encourage excessive drinking. In addition to handling the creation of the official rules and abbreviated rules, Sync will review all of your marketing materials to make sure that they are legally compliant.
4. Ensure the Prize is Relevant and Appropriate: The prize for the sweepstakes should be relevant and appropriate to the brand and its target audience. For example, a luxury whiskey brand may offer a private distillery tour as a prize, while a beer brand may offer tickets to a popular sporting event. Additionally, the prize should not actually include alcohol or promote excessive consumption of alcohol.

In conclusion, running a sweepstakes can be a great way for alcohol brands to engage with their customers and build brand loyalty. However, alcohol brands must consider several legal and ethical considerations to ensure that their sweepstakes comply with legal requirements, promote responsible marketing, and are relevant and appropriate to their target audience. By following these tips, you can run a successful and responsible sweepstakes!

Sweepstakes tips for Alcohol Companies

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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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Sweepstakes Company

By: Sync Marketing | In: Advertising, Best Practices, Contests, Facebook, Instant Win, Legal and Prize Fulfillment, Marketing, Prize Fulfillment, SMS Campaigns, Sweepstakes, sweepstakes company, Text Message Sweepstakes, Turnkey Sweepstakes

Looking for a sweepstakes company that can handle all aspects of your next online sweepstakes campaign? Look no further than Sync Marketing. Sync Marketing is a Los Angeles-based sweepstakes company that specializes in online sweepstakes.

What we do

The Specifics

Regardless of what type of sweepstakes you want to run, we handle an array of details within every sweepstakes or contest.

Strategy and Management

In this phase of the project, we will go over your goals and ideas and come up with effective solutions for you to exceed your goals. Whether you want to gain email opt-ins or user generated contact, we have the experience and know-how to suggest the right type of sweepstakes for your next campaign.

Design and Programming

Our highly passionate and experienced team of programmers and designers are ready to create a stand out sweepstakes for you. We offer responsive design and mobile-optimized sites to make sure the user experience is seamless for your consumers.

Legal and Prize Fulfillment

This is quite possibly the most important piece to the puzzle. Making sure to hire an agency that specializes in sweepstakes law is integral to the success of your sweepstakes. Especially with social media sweepstakes, because these can be quickly taken down by a social media network if you are not abiding by their policy. Sync Marketing is a sweepstakes company that has got you covered in this area. Not only does our legal team specialize in promotion law, but we attend the latest law conferences and are quite frequently speakers at these events.

Analytics and Reporting

You need to know if your promotion is successful, right? Our programmers provide a 24/7 password protected website so you can access your metrics at any time. We will go over your goals prior to programming to make sure we’re tracking everything you need for your promotion.

Types of Sweepstakes

At Sync Marketing, we offer an array of sweepstakes. Our most popular is our TurnkeySweeps by Sync platform. These are turnkey sweepstakes that launch within a week of receiving approval on the creative. We also run SMS campaigns, instant win sweepstakes, and custom campaigns. If you’re looking for a sweepstakes company who solely focuses  on sweepstakes and contests, then we’re the agency for you. Contact us today for a quote.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Finding the Perfect Sweepstakes Company

By: Jennifer French | In: Best Practices, Contests, Marketing, Sweepstakes, sweepstakes company

Not all sweepstakes companies are the same. They come in all shapes and sizes and offer different services, platforms and pricing. This article will touch upon finding the perfect sweepstakes company for your next promotion.

Identify your goals

The very first thing you need to do to determine the type of campaign you want to run is to consider your goals. Do you want to capture consumers’ email addresses? If so, then a turnkey sweepstakes on a microsite would meet your goals and give you exceptional ROI. Or, do you want to gather user-generated content? If this is the case, then an Instagram sweepstakes would be the right route to go because you will receive UGC and build your follower base. Determining your goals will help you in finding the perfect sweepstakes company because you need to first know if the company offers these specific services.

Budget

This is a key factor to consider when finding the perfect sweepstakes company because it will determine the type of promotion you are able to run and will narrow down the sweepstakes company based on their capabilities. If you are looking for a quiz or gaming element, you should make sure the sweepstakes company offers these types of platforms and clearly outlines pricing. If you have a smaller budget, but want the benefits of a sweepstakes, then a turnkey sweepstakes might be right for you.

Timing

Do you need your promotion to launch within a tight turnaround? Not all agencies are able to accommodate quick timing and require long lead times. Consider using TurnkeySweeps by Sync for your next promotion. Your sweepstakes can launch within one week of receiving approved creative. For more information, check out our latest blog article on the subject.

Legal Expertise

This is a very important factor when finding the perfect sweepstakes company. You should make sure that the agency’s legal team specializes in promotion law and stays up-to-date on all of the latest actions and changes in the field. Need more convincing? Here is an article on tips for hiring an agency for your legal and prize fulfillment needs.

Customer Service

If you are looking for one-on-one personal service, you should consider working with a boutique agency. At a minimum, you should always work with a sweepstakes agency that thinks of themselves as an extension of your team and holds your services to the highest standards.

Campaign Metrics

Campaign metrics are some of the most important aspects of a sweepstakes as they are the true indicator of whether you’re getting a return on your investment. When finding the perfect sweepstakes company it’s important to look for these services on their website. Some sweepstakes companies, including Sync Marketing, will provide campaign metrics as often as the client prefers. Or if the client wants access at any time, we offer a 24/7 password protected website to view metrics at a moments notice.

We hope these few tips will help you when finding the perfect sweepstakes company for your promotion. Consider contacting Sync for all of your upcoming sweepstakes needs.

Finding the Perfect Sweepstakes Company

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Turnkey Sweepstakes Services

By: Julie Link | In: Best Practices, Marketing, Sweepstakes, Turnkey Sweepstakes

More and more we’re hearing our clients say that they are looking for more turnkey sweepstakes services for their promotions. They want their sweepstakes to launch fast and to be affordable while still being able to collect the same information they have in previous campaigns. That’s why we’ve created TurnkeySweeps by Sync. These full-service, cost-effective turnkey sweepstakes can launch within a week and are very affordable. In addition, this promotion platform still includes our personalized customer service and management.

How does this promotional platform work you ask? Well, if you have an in-house creative team, we’ll provide you with detailed wireframes and site specs to create your new sweepstakes. Then, you provide us the layered PSD files and we’ll get started. If you don’t have a creative team, no worries, we can design the site for you with photos and logos you provide. Just choose design as an add-on option to your turnkey sweepstakes services. One week later, your sweepstakes is ready to launch. During the week, we’ll make sure you have two rounds of reviews prior to the site going live.

In addition, our turnkey sweepstakes services include everything we’ve offered in the past, but now through a more streamlined process. For those clients wanting the freedom to add on games, multiple extra entry options, quiz features, etc., don’t worry. If you want a completely custom campaign with all of the bells and whistles, we still create those as well. You can find a full list of our sweepstakes and contest services here.

Some of the turnkey sweepstakes services included in our base price are as follows:

• mobile and tablet optimization
• programming and development
• backend management
• 24/7 password protected client access to sweepstakes metrics
• social sharing
• email capture
• all administrative and legal service for rules development and winner release forms
• marketing material review for legal compliance
• prize fulfillment

Not only are our turnkey sweepstakes fast, effective and affordable for you, there’s no better tool when it comes to acquiring new consumers and engaging with your current consumers, than Sync Marketing’s turnkey sweepstakes. By providing engaging content and targeted prizing, you will capture new consumers’ information and build your brand equity. And the price is right! If you want to learn more about our turnkey sweepstakes services and receive a quote, contact us today.

Turnkey Sweepstakes Services

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