Article Thinking Of Running A Contest On Facebook? Think Again! - Virtual Assistant Forums

Lia-VSS · #1 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009

I don't know if any of you who run contests etc on Facebook but I thought it'd be good as they've decided to change their policies so you aren't allowed to use FB for running contests.

here's an article explaining why you can't do it anymore:- http://whyfacebook.com/2009/11/09/th...k-think-again/

TargetStars · #2 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009

I couldn't believe it when I first read this article. I have to admit Facebook really does seem to be trying to make it harder for small businesses to promote their products and services. I never ran a contest, but it was nice to know that at least I had the option to do so. I know why they are doing it, but it still does not seem right to me.

virtual writing · #3 (**permalink**) 11-12-2009

Yuk. Seems like there's always more Facebook hurdles to get over. What a conundrum! 'They' become more difficult all the time, even as I become more attached to the site!

JKVirtualOffice · #4 (**permalink**) 11-13-2009

I think that it really has to do with Facebook doesn't want the liability responsibility. I did see some articles today where they have implemented targeting advertising, that is, you can use their ads to target the friends of your fans. This seems to be a step in the direction of helping small businesses to marketing their fan pages more effectively, just not with a contest! Ad campaigns on FB are really pretty affordable.

leedrozak · #5 (**permalink**) 11-13-2009

I agree with Kimberly on the liability issue. I also think that they do not want FB to be overrun with free giveaways.

Quote:

You CAN publicize a promotion that is completely outside of Facebook — but it cannot mention Facebook in any way, shape or form, nor can you condition entry upon any action involving Facebook, e.g. joining a Fan Page, uploading a photo, updating a status, etc.

You can still run a contest you just need to point to an outside source. One of my clients runs a contest utilizing FB whereby she does give-aways based on comments to her blog posts. She posts her latest contest and link to her blog where she has monthly drawings for programs and such. She has found much success because she can still use FB to promote and gets some great activity on her blog too.

I think it is a matter now of being creative in your strategies. I just hope that this is not a next step ban these types of activities as well.

Virtually Assisting You · #6 (**permalink**) 11-13-2009

Yes, Kimberly and Lee

I currently have a client running a contest similar to Lee's client. The contest is not held on Facebook and the winning response is not from Facebook. It's all on her blog. We use Facebook to promote the contest as we do Twitter. I love creating contest for clients, there's a lot of creative thinking involved and it's fun as well.

King Business Management · #7 (**permalink**) 11-16-2009

Hi,
I think that really is a shame. Plus the high cost really puts small businesses out of the market. Thanks for sharing.