Get More Mobility Into Your Brand's Plans

Social media is a huge presence in branding and marketing for your business.

Without it, you'll miss out on big marketing opportunities to gain valuable customers. The more innovatively you utilize a social, mobile presence, the more benefits you'll see from it.

Your social media followers will want to be involved; engaged and part of any campaign. One way you can bring them in is with contests.

Whether you own a dance studio, a tutoring service, a nightclub or food truck, you can run fun mobile contests through text and social media, and this will not only bring more customers to you, but also increase the engagement of the ones you have.

How do I do this and what do I do?

As the following article looks at, you can find great ideas for contests on blogs like Winning at Text-2-Win: How to Launch a Successful Mobile Contest at Your Club and also look to see what your colleagues are doing. You not only need to decide on what kind of contests, but how to run them. Read on...

How to run a successful mobile contest...

• Advertise the contest. You can do this through your text messages, shouting out on your social media and even in your brick and mortar space;

• Choose great, worthwhile prizes. Some like to offer multiple prizes, like a big, awesome grand prize and then something for the runner ups. Others like to go a different route, perhaps award a dozen winners all the same prize, or even just one winner. Decide what works for you and your business. A good idea is to switch up the prizes and how you award them for each contest;

• Be clear in details. Clearly state how and when to enter and what the guidelines are, as well as deadlines to enter and when the prize will be awarded and what it is. The clearer your rules are, the more people will be apt to enter.

Some fun contest ideas...

Much of this will depend on your product or business, but some ideas will transpose to any business. Let's take a look at some fun ideas...

• If you run a business related to food, have your followers name a new recipe. Post a pic of a new item and have followers name it. The winner can enjoy a meal on you;

• For your nightclub, run a contest with the most fabulous pictures of your club-goers and their friends at the club. Maybe it's a themed night so the best costumes will win, or the most energetic or cutest couple. You can offer free admission or a free cocktail;

• Seasonal contests are always fun. Text out your guidelines for your customers to post pictures on vacation with your product - they can write your name in the sand, wear a t-shirt to the Grand Canyon or shout your name out at the top of the Empire State Building. Urge creativity!

Contests are fun to market - fun for you and your customers.

Have clear guidelines with a deadline, offer great prizes and be sure to post and repost what they send you.

Have fun and watch the great effect it will have on your business.