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Do you feel like this is a good idea?

by Ross Vegas
9 replies
I've been mulling this over for weeks and hoping for some input.

I just kicked off a new blog (I.M. & tech) this past week and instead of just a traditional list, I'm looking to start connecting with my subscribers and fans via Facebook.

No big deal, I got the incentivized like thing worked out and a fan page up, but here's where I'm paralyzed with indecision...

As much as I've learned over the years I'm a relative rookie at FB! (yikes)

Do you think a contest to win an ipad is a good way to get the word out and likes, or should I stick to advertising a real IM course of mine via ads using the like to access model for viral effect?

The contest should overall be more viral, but I have the product outlay cost...whereas the ads are obviously going to cost money to run.

If you have any experience with either that would be awesome!

Thanks
#feel #good #idea
  • Profile picture of the author NiallR
    That's a BIG incentive man!! Based on my experience of FB advertising I'd start small until you're sure you have a big enough return to warrant that kinda outlay. But then again if you can afford it you're going to attract a lot of attention with a prize like that :-)
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    • Profile picture of the author Ross Vegas
      That's kind of the point. If i'm going to do it, why not do it big?

      I don't care about the up front cost so much as grabbing the most attention per dollar. I am afraid that a low incentive will end up costing more in total acquisition by not really generating as much action.

      I guess, my thoughts are that I'm shooting for the most publicity for the lowest cost. Not concerned with immediate ROI right now in terms of $. Would much rather find my core audience, even if I have to blanket the market.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jack Zenert
    Facebook is very much about the community aspect - you have to get people talking in order for the fan page to get natural growth. To get there you need a 'base' - some active people to share your story.

    That base is hard to get at times - since many many people will click 'like' and never visit again. You need those active people.

    The large contest my only get non-actives. My thoughts is try the big prize over say 6 weeks, and have smaller prizes each week (say ipod nano). This will keep people coming back every week and checking out your site.
    Also include tidbits of info (questions, facts, video, pics) that are intriguing enough to make people comment.

    And be active yourself on the page - to keep the conversation going.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ross Vegas
      Great point...

      I was honestly a bit afraid of that. It would look neat to have hundreds of followers in my first week or so, but if it just ends up being a bunch of looky loos and non-active community members I would call it a fail.

      I like the inter contest idea...but then again that could just make more of the same type of people.

      What about maybe a hybrid of my two ideas? Say big prize for general notice, and frequent focused prizes that are topically related to the niche like paid product giveaways and special content...

      Still on the fence here, seems like a lot of work, cost, and low reward.

      Keep it coming though, would love to hear some personal experiences.
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      • Profile picture of the author travisafleming
        Facebook Fan is a great way to pull in those likes to get a new site, or product out there. Running a contest is a good way to drive those people to your fan page.. And an ipad is in demand still. So if your going to use a product for a competition, then thats the one lol. Also consider creating a group. This is going to bring to you "Like minded" people which already have a shared interests in your site or product. So Facebook is a great marketing medium to use. Just my 10 cents
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        • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
          Ross, I'm about the furthest thing there is from a Facebook expert, but I do have a question for you...

          Would you rather have a bunch of people who want an iPad, or a bunch of people who want your marketing course (and presumably things you would get paid for)?
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          • Profile picture of the author Ross Vegas
            I hear ya, man.

            But I'm thinking it's a bit deeper than that. There's still some crossover psychographics going on. (which from what I've read lately is the key to doing facebook -ie it's more about finding like minded people than specific product interests)

            I think maybe there could be a qualifier like.... you have to post your favorite thing about IM and your most challenging. So that gen population won't have a clue or be interested in doing that.

            I dunno theres an answer somewhere I just haven't tested this and that makes me nervous.
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            • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
              Originally Posted by Ross Vegas View Post

              I hear ya, man.

              But I'm thinking it's a bit deeper than that. There's still some crossover psychographics going on. (which from what I've read lately is the key to doing facebook -ie it's more about finding like minded people than specific product interests)

              I think maybe there could be a qualifier like.... you have to post your favorite thing about IM and your most challenging. So that gen population won't have a clue or be interested in doing that.

              I dunno theres an answer somewhere I just haven't tested this and that makes me nervous.
              Having some sort of filter makes sense.

              If you do go that way, here's an idea for you...

              Some of the daytime talk shows my wife listens to will run contests on FB, and set specific types of posts as the entry.

              For example, Ford(?) gave away a car through the Ellen Degeneres show. To enter, you went to Ellen's page and posted your story about why you deserved to have the new car. The contest ran for a month, and periodically Ellen would feature an entry or two on her show. Skimming through the entries, I could see how it yielded some valuable information for the sponsors.

              You could do the same thing, asking people to tell you how having a new iPad would help them in their online business (current or startup), or something like that.

              You might also check with some sources about donating the iPad in return for a plug on the page (if that's allowed, that is.)
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              • Profile picture of the author Ross Vegas
                Ok cool.. good to know that's out there already.

                I think It would have to be a FB commenting thingy on my site to keep the viral aspect going though.

                But I bet that would make it a lot easier to keep track of too.

                Seems like maybe I'm getting closer to something useable. I honestly started this with a little too much enthusiasm and not enough planning. But maybe I can reign this in yet.

                Much thanks to all. I fear, however the tide is swiftly turning and it may only be another month before FB ads are really "noisy" in IM.

                Will keep posted on my findings. (setting up a generic ad now to see what kind of trouble that gets me into before I commit to the full contest idea.)
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