Facebook Rules Checklist for Contests/Sweepstakes

FacebooScreen Shot 2013-07-17 at 4.40.49 PMk contests/sweepstakes have proven to be very lucrative for brands seeking to both grow their email lists and engage with current followers. With ideas ranging from photo to social gaming contests, their are many creative ways to excite your fans and increase traffic to your Facebook page. However, before jumping to your company’s Facebook admin panel, here are a few rules you should know about creating contests on Facebook. Contests that fail to follow all rules almost always are found out and shut down by Facebook. Companies that continue to break these rules face their complete pages being shut down.

Pre-Contest

Screen Shot 2013-07-17 at 4.42.37 PMMake sure to let Facebook know about the contest via this form https://www.facebook.com/business/contact.php.

Screen Shot 2013-07-17 at 4.42.37 PMSweepstakes/Contests must be administered through a third party agency/software service, either on a Canvas Page or a Page App.

Screen Shot 2013-07-17 at 4.42.37 PMMake sure your contest is in compliance with state/regional laws and guidelines for businesses running prize giveaways through Facebook.

During Contest/Contest Components

Screen Shot 2013-07-17 at 4.42.37 PM When running your contests, you must not grant entry to the registration or form upon the user liking a wall post, uploading a photo, or commenting on your Facebook wall. You can however set up like-gating, or suggesting a user like a page to enter your contest.

Screen Shot 2013-07-17 at 4.42.37 PM Include an opt-in check box on your contest in order to legally send emails to contest registrants and utilize demographic/email data.

Screen Shot 2013-07-17 at 4.42.37 PMYour contest must state somewhere specifically that it “is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.”

Screen Shot 2013-07-17 at 4.42.37 PMFacebook’s like button cannot be used as a voting mechanism for contests or a sweepstake entry button.

Post-Contest

Screen Shot 2013-07-17 at 4.42.37 PMFacebook messages, chat, or timeline posts cannot be used to notify contest winners. Companies must communicate with winners privately.

 

Since Facebook loves to change their rules and guidelines every season, its best to follow up with their promotional guidelines page for a comprehensive list. As for now, use our handy list when crafting your next social media promotions.

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