Let's be real, getting your brand noticed on Instagram feels like shouting into a void sometimes, doesn't it? You're not alone in this.
Hosting an Instagram giveaway might just be the answer you're looking for. This is also one of the proven strategies in Instagram marketing.
Did you know brands that run social media contests or giveaways on Instagram tend to grow their followers 70% faster than those who don't?
In this article, we'll explore how to do a giveaway on Instagram, along with 7 Instagram giveaway ideas to get inspiration from.
If you're ready to see how a giveaway can help transform your brand's presence on Instagram, stick with me, and let's get started.
What is an Instagram giveaway contest?
An Instagram giveaway or contest is a simple yet powerful way to promote your Instagram and grow your brand.
Think of it as a fun exchange: you offer something valuable, like a gift card or a month's supply of your product, and in return, people follow your account, like your Instagram giveaway post, or tag their friends.
It's more than just a chance for them to win something cool; it's a smart move for you to build a stronger connection with your audience.
Why is it important?
This approach matters because it's a practical strategy to increase your brand awareness. When people interact with your giveaway post, they're not just hoping to win something—they're also engaging with your brand, sometimes without even realizing it.
And for you, every like, comment, and new follower is a step towards growing your brand's presence on Instagram.
So, by running a giveaway, you're not just offering a prize; you're strategically inviting people to connect with your brand.
9 steps to host an Instagram giveaway (step-by-step guide)
1. Setting Clear Goals for Your Giveaway
Before you dive into running an Instagram giveaway, it's super important to know what you want to get out of it. This is all about setting clear goals.
Are you looking to bump up your number of Instagram followers?
Maybe you want to get more people talking about your brand.
Or perhaps your aim is to get more likes and engagement on your posts.
Whatever your reason for hosting an Instagram contest, having a clear goal will guide you in planning your giveaway.
So, take a moment to think about what you really want to achieve. This step will make your journey into running an Instagram giveaway much smoother and more effective.
2. Decide on Collaboration
When you're gearing up for an Instagram giveaway, a big question is whether to fly solo or team up with an influencer.
Partnering with an influencer can give your giveaway a serious boost. They bring their own followers to the table, which means more eyes on your brand.
But if you prefer to go it alone, that's cool too.
Doing it yourself means you have full control over the giveaway from start to finish.
Both choices have their perks.
If you have a strong following already, you might go solo. But if you're looking to reach new people and don't mind sharing the spotlight, an influencer could be your ticket to success.
The choice is yours!
3. Choosing the Right Giveaway Software
Choosing the right giveaway software can make a big difference in how smoothly your Instagram contest runs.
It's all about finding a tool that helps you design, track, and manage everything without a hitch.
One of my favorite giveaway software programs is ViralKit (I've personally tried the tool and written a detailed review here).
ViralKit is one of a few AI-powered giveaway tools that really does its job.
It’s user-friendly, which means you don't need to be a tech wizard to use it.
With ViralKit, you can customize your giveaway to fit the look and feel of your brand, making your contest feel more authentic and engaging.
The platform also offers robust tracking features.
You can see who’s entering the contest, how they’re engaging with your contest, and even track the performance of your giveaway in real time.
This kind of insight is invaluable because it lets you tweak your strategy on the fly to get better results.
4. Choosing the giveaway prize
Choosing the right prize for your giveaway is a crucial step. It's what hooks people in and gets them excited about joining your contest.
Think about what your audience would love.
Is it a trendy tech gadget, a collection of best-selling books, or perhaps an exclusive experience related to your brand?
Your prize should be something valuable and appealing, something that makes people eager to take part.
Remember, the prize is more than just a freebie; it's a reflection of your brand. It should be something that resonates with your followers and matches their interests.
Whether you're a tech startup offering the latest smart device or a lifestyle brand providing a luxury spa day, your prize should align with what your audience loves.
This not only gets people to engage with your Instagram contest or giveaway but also encourages them to follow your account and stay connected with your brand.
So, take a moment to think: What prize would make your followers say, 'Wow, I need to win this!'? That's your golden ticket.
5. Choose the entry method
You want to make the entry method as easy as possible for people to join in. Think about minimizing entry barriers.
Maybe it's as simple as asking followers to like your post, tag friends in the comments section, or follow your account.
The key is to keep it straightforward and hassle-free. You don't want to make people jump through too many hoops; otherwise, they might just give up.
The simpler the entry process, the more likely people are to participate. Remember, the goal is to get as many people as possible excited about your contest, so make entering it a breeze.
6. Determine the duration of your contest
At this step, consider how long your Instagram giveaway lasts. Think of it as setting the right pace for your race.
Too short, and not enough people might see or enter your giveaway. Too long, and people might lose interest. A sweet spot is often between one and two weeks.
This gives you enough time to get the word out and for people to participate, but it's also short enough to keep the excitement up.
Your contest duration should give your followers just enough time to see your posts, react, and take action. Remember, the right timing can make a big difference in the success of your contest.
7. Create a contest caption
Creating a catchy caption for your Instagram giveaway is super important. This is where you grab people's attention and tell them all about your contest. Your caption should be clear and exciting.
Include:
- What they can win
- How to enter
- Instagram giveaway rules
- When the contest ends.
ViralKit can be a real lifesaver here. It has an AI description generator that can help speed up the process.
Just plug in some details about your contest, and then you can get yourself a compelling caption that's ready to go.
8. Launch and promote your contest across the channel
When it's time to launch your contest, getting the word out across all channels is key to run a successful Instagram giveaway.
Don't just stick to your Instagram profile; spread the news everywhere you can. Share it on your Facebook page, tweet about it, even mention it in your email newsletter.
The more places you promote your contest, the better the chance to win big with a wider audience.
Remember, every share is an opportunity for someone new to see your contest and think, "Hey, I want a chance to win that!"
So, put your contest out there on as many platforms as you use. The more you promote, the more excitement you build, and the more successful your Instagram contest will be.
9. Announce the Winner
Announcing the winner is a big moment in your Instagram giveaway. It's the climax where everyone's waiting to see who gets lucky.
When it's time to select a winner, make sure you do it fairly and clearly. Your target audience has been following along, so keep them in the loop.
Post the lucky winner's name on your Instagram, maybe even share a little about them (with their permission, of course), or you can let them know via DM.
This isn’t just about informing who won; it’s about building trust. When your followers see you celebrating the winner, they know you're a brand that keeps its word.
Plus, it's a great way to wrap up the contest on a high note and get people excited for the next one.
Remember, the way you announce the winner can leave a lasting impression on your audience, so make it count!
Final thoughts on how to do a giveaway on instagram
As we wrap up my deep dive into how to do a giveaway on Instagram, remember that running a giveaway on Instagram is more than just a chance to get likes and followers. It’s an opportunity to really connect with your audience and boost your brand.
But let's be honest, it can feel a bit overwhelming to get everything just right.
That's where ViralKit comes in. It's a tool designed to help you nail your Instagram giveaway from start to finish. With ViralKit, you can effortlessly create, manage, and promote your contest, ensuring it reaches your target audience and makes an impact.
So, if you're thinking about giving your brand a boost with an Instagram giveaway, give ViralKit a try. It could be the game-changer you need to make your contest a roaring success.
