Here are the different methods that can be used to take part in a contest (beside an application):
- Post on a page’s wall
- Comment on/like a page’s post
- Send the page a private message
- Use the “like” feature as a vote
Example:
These changes are said to have been made in order to allow businesses of all sizes to launch contests on Facebook.
This change comes as a surprise since there are already several almost-free solutions for launching Facebook contests. It’s even more surprising given that, just a few days ago, Facebook opted to make pages with quality content a priority. Furthermore, these methods will only add to the amount of spam by increasing the chances that a same comment will be posted multiple times below a post.
What’s even more worrisome is that it’s difficult for a page to obtain the names and information of contest participants. It’s difficult for page administrators to communicate with users; they must therefore request that users include their email addresses in their comments in order to take part, or post a request for the winner to contact them.
Cons of this new method:
- It is impossible to communicate with a participant
- It is impossible to obtain participants’ information (email address, postal address, etc.)
- There is no control over the mode of participation
- Facebook does not encourage sharing of contest posts
- The most important factor to consider: with the new method, the user has no obligation to like a page to enter a contest
Pros of this new method:
- A contest can now be launched for free
- There’s no need to create visual content solely for the purpose of a contest
- A contest can be launched in minutes
When should you use this method?
If you’re offering an instant prize giveaway for a value below $100. This is the maximum amount permitted by the Régie des Jeux du Québec without the creation of contest rules. We can grasp its utility for a brand launching a spur-of-the-moment contest such as a draw for a gift card for example.
Furthermore, this would be a means of facilitating contests such as voting on a photo gallery for example.
Why keep using an application?
- Increase the number of page fans
- Obtain participant information
- Demand more specific actions on behalf of participants
- Better control over the contest and participants
- Fraud prevention (multiple entries under fake profiles and a same IP address)
- Makes it possible to share a contest
- Launch contests for which the prize value exceeds $100