If you’re thinking of promoting your business on Facebook by running a competition, there are a couple of things to consider.
Important things.
- A competition on Facebook must be held in accordance with Queensland Government regulations for trade promotions.
- It must also comply with Facebook Page Guidelines for Promotions.
Breaking either of these rules could have a serious impact on your business.
You could be fined for breaking the law (!) or Facebook may remove your business page.
But people do it all the time I hear you say… well yes they do…. but that doesn’t make it ok.
If someone gets ‘angsty’ with you (an ex employee for example) and reports you… what then?
Is it worth it?
How To Run A Facebook Competition Legally
Queensland State Government regulations cover two types of competitions:
- Where the winner is drawn at random – Game of Chance – lottery or sweepstakes style.
These ‘Like to Win’ competitions are the most commonly seen on Facebook. - Where the winner is selected (voted/ judged) for their skill – Game of Skill.
Facebook Competition Rules
You can run Facebook ‘Like to Win’ sweepstakes on your Business Page by collecting entries in these ways:
- By users (fans and non-fans) posting on the page wall
- By users liking or commenting on your post
- By having users message your page
- By likes (new fans, post likes)
What you CANT do…
Asking for competition entries by these methods is a No-No:
- Share to Win
- Like and Share to Win
- Tag a Friend to Win
CLICK HERE to view Facebooks Rules
Queensland State Rules
If you’re just running the competition locally then follow the State guidelines but, if your competition reaches Australia wide then you will need to check each State’s Laws regarding promotions, disclosure, notification and awarding of prizes.
PERMITS
If you’re thinking of running a lottery competition then you may need to register for a permit in some States. You may also be required to publish the winners names in the newspaper too.
Quick Hints (but always check yourself):
- NSW requires a permit for any trade promotion or lottery.
- Queensland, W.A. Victoria and Tasmania do not require permits.
- South Australia & Northern Territory require a permit if the prize is valued at $5,000 or more.
- ACT requires a permit for prizes $3,000 or more.
CLICK HERE to check the Queensland Competition Rules
What You MUST Do For Every Competition
- You MUST publish a set of Competition Terms and Conditions and ensure they are available ( by link) from the competition promo or entry form.
- If your competition is only for locals, then that MUST be included in your Competition Terms and Conditions under eligibility.
- Facebook requirement: Full indemnity release from each entrant.
Using A Third Party Competition App
Apps can can save you time and assist in the organisation of your promotion on Facebook. Here’s a few suggestions: ShortStack, Offerpop, Promosimple.
FINAL HINTS
- Follow Queensland State Government Competition Rules for Trade Promotions
- Adhere to Facebook’s Rules.
- Ask people – friends and followers to Share the competition post – it cannot be a condition of entry.
- Use a third party app.
- Any contest launched on Facebook must include a full set of written rules specific to the contest.
