How to Host a Giveaway on Facebook

Host a giveaway on Facebook to promote your blog or business.

Hosting giveaways can be a great way to promote your blog or business, drive traffic to your page or promote a product. If you want to use Facebook as a platform for your giveaway, you need to be careful to follow the site's official guidelines for promotions. Following the rules and complying with Facebook's terms of service helps ensure your giveaway can run smoothly without any legal complications.

Instructions

Preparing Your Giveaway

1. Read all of Facebook's guidelines for promotions before you get started creating your own. Familiarize yourself with the rules to avoid having your page shut down.

2. Create a set of official rules, limitations and deadlines for your own giveaway. Decide how Facebook users can enter to win and how you will contact winners and distribute prizes.

3. Log in to your Facebook page. Go to your business or blog's page profile.

4. Click the button on the right-hand side of your page's profile that allows you to use Facebook as your business. This will ensure that everyone who "likes" your business's Facebook page sees your posts on their news feeds.

Sharing Your Giveaway

1. Register for an application designed for Facebook giveaways, such as ShortStack or Wildfire. Add the application to your business Facebook page.

2. Follow the application's instructions for entering information about your giveaway, including the entry deadline. Make sure all of the information is correct.

3. Click the "Share" button to share the link to your giveaway application with your Facebook fans. Include a brief description of the giveaway in your status along with the link.

4. Post the names of the winner on your giveaway application or on a third-party website or blog. Include directions for how the winner can contact you to claim his prize.

5. Collect the winner's mailing address. Send the winner his prize within the time frame specified in the giveaway details.

Tips & Warnings

• Applications such as ShortStack and Wildfire include disclaimers releasing Facebook from responsibility for the giveaway. Using an application helps ensure your giveaway will not be removed by Facebook.

• Do not use Facebook communication methods such as wall posts or inbox messages to notify winners. According to Facebook's guidelines, you must alert winners using a third party or risk having your Facebook page closed.

References

• Facebook: Promotion Guidelines