The word sweepstakes likely conjures up images of Ed McMahon ringing your doorbell with a giant check in hand. But the truth is that a sweepstakes promotion can be a great way to get your band’s name out there. And you don’t even have to show up at anyone’s door with an oversized check (unless you want to!). You can structure your sweepstakes in a way that will appeal to your audience, providing a prize such as free concert tickets, a backstage meet and greet, or access to a private show. Here are five ways that bands can benefit from running a well-planned sweepstakes promotion and what you need in order to get started.
Get better visibility on social media
If you are just getting going with social media marketing and hoping to improve the visibility of your profiles, hosting a sweepstakes promotion is a great way to do it. People love entering contests for the opportunity to win free goodies. Be sure to promote your sweepstakes on your social media so that fans can comment and share. Set up your content using a plugin such as ShareThis to make it easy for fans to share your content on major networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Grow your mailing list
Manyof today’s bands rely on email marketing as a means of engaging with their fanbase. Hosting a sweepstakes promotion is a great way to get more subscribers for your email list. You can structure the contest in a way that entices people to opt-in by entering their email address for a chance to win. It’san effective way to expand your email list quickly and easily. Make sure to use a reputable provider such as Mailchimp or Aweber to ensure that you’re in compliance with federal contact and email regulations.
Improve fan engagement
If you’re looking for a unique way to engage with your existing fans, a sweepstakes that focuses on giving away promotional items such as t-shirts or free tickets to upcoming shows are sure to be a hit. Fans will be likely to enter and share because they enjoy your music. Contests are a great opportunity to reconnect with your existing fans and improve engagement on your social media profiles and website. The best giveaways are branded merchandise that reinforces your brand, or opportunities that get people out to shows to enjoy your music.
Reach a broader audience
Everyone appreciates a good contest, including music lovers. Hosting a sweepstakes promotion is an effective way to make connections with a broader audience for your band. By sharing your sweepstakes promotion on social media, your website, and through local media outlets, you will increase your visibility and grab the attention of potential fans. Make sure that your giveaway is accessible to people who don’t know your music – include links to your website, free tracks online, and include your genre of music in the general promotional materials.
Get more press
As the old saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad press! Running a sweepstakes giveaway is an easy way to get more good press for your band. A well-structured promotion with a unique set of prizes is sure to grab the attention of some local press outlets and regional music bloggers. Consider reaching out to popular music blogs, print publications, and local radio stations in your town or city to inform them about your band’s contest. In all likelihood, various press outlets will want to feature your sweepstakes promotion if the prize packages are compelling and relevant to music lovers. You can write up a quick press release or just send a personalized message to your priority contacts.
Every band wants to make connections with existing and potential fans, and a contest is a great way to create meaningful engagement. There are several ways that your band can benefit from running a sweepstakes promotion. If you are hoping to increase your visibility on social media, grow your email list, improve fan engagement, reach a broader audience, and get more press, a well-thought out sweepstakes is a highly effective way to do it.
About this Author: When Mary Walters isn’t busy reviewing Marketing Resource’s Interactive Campaigns in and around the Chicagoland area, she is covering a wide range of marketing topics to keep her readers happy and informed! Outside of work, she is an avid reader and enjoys spending time on the lakefront!
As featured on Indie-music.com, Examiner.com, I Am Entertainment Magazine, Antimusic.com, and recommended by countless music publications, “Your Band Is A Virus! Expanded Edition” is the ultimate music marketing guide for serious independent musicians and bands. Get your copy now.
