How to Build a Hashtag Contest and Why You Should

A great hashtag strategy is an important first step on social media. But if an increase in revenue is your ultimate goal, read on to learn step-by-step how to build a hashtag contest that drives traffic from your social media profiles to your website or wherever you convert the most customers.

Why a Hashtag Contest?

A hashtag contest is a social media campaign where participants use a specific hashtag to enter by posting user-generated content (UGC). Whether it’s a photo, video, or caption contest, hashtag contests invite your audience to get involved in creative ways, boosting engagement and visibility.

Here’s why they’re a no-brainer:

• Drive Engagement: Contests encourage interactions, generating likes, shares, and comments across platforms.
• Increase Brand Visibility: A unique hashtag expands your campaign’s reach when shared across platforms.
• Gather User-Generated Content (UGC): UGC builds trust and allows your audience to become co-creators of your brand.
• Convert Followers into Customers: By driving traffic to a dedicated site or page, you create a direct path to conversion.

Now, are you ready to set the stage for your own hashtag contest? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Create a Branded Hashtag That Stands Out

Your hashtag is the core of your contest. It should reflect your brand, be easy to remember, and be unique enough to avoid overlap with unrelated content. Here are some tips:

• Keep it short and simple (e.g., #ShareYourStyle for a fashion brand).
• Make it on-brand and relevant (e.g., #FlavorFusion for a food product launch).
• Check its availability by searching the hashtag on platforms like Instagram and Twitter to avoid duplication.

A strong branded hashtag reinforces your identity, amplifies your reach, and keeps the contest content organized.

Step 3: Choose an Easy and Accessible Entry Method

Make it simple for participants to join. Generally, a hashtag contest involves these basic steps:

1. Participants create a post (this could be a photo, video, or caption, depending on the contest theme).
2. They include your branded hashtag in their post.
3. They tag your brand or follow specific contest rules outlined in your terms and conditions.

Keep the process straightforward to encourage maximum participation.

Step 4: Import Entries to ShortStack for Better Management and Voting

Once your hashtag starts gaining traction, managing entries manually can become overwhelming. That’s where a tool like ShortStack comes in handy:

• Import Entries Automatically: ShortStack allows you to pull in posts from Instagram, Twitter, and other platforms that use your branded hashtag.
• Enable Voting: Want to boost engagement? Create a gallery of the entries and allow your audience to vote on their favorite entries! (Here's a template to help you get started.)This not only increases visibility but also creates FOMO (fear of missing out) for non-participants.
• Stay Organized: With all the entries in one place, you can easily review submissions, select winners, and track performance metrics.

ShortStack ensures your hashtag contest runs smoothly, giving it a professional edge.

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Step 5: Embed the Contest on Your Website to Drive Traffic

For maximum impact, embed your contest on your website or landing page to funnel traffic to your digital home base. Here’s why this strategy works:

• Increase Web Traffic: Bringing users from social media to your website increases overall page visits and improves brand visibility.
• Seamless Conversion Path: Embed calls-to-action (CTAs) like “Shop Now” or “Subscribe” on the same page to convert casual visitors into leads or customers.
• Brand Ownership: Hosting the contest on your site ties it closer to your brand and gives you more control over the user experience.

With entries displayed directly on your website, your audience is more likely to engage further with your brand beyond the contest.

Step 6: Promote, Promote, Promote!

Even the best hashtag contest needs strong promotion to reach your target audience. Use these channels to spread the word:

• Social Media: Share the contest details on your brand’s social accounts. Use eye-catching visuals, explain how to enter, and don’t forget to remind followers about deadlines.
• Email Marketing: Notify your existing subscribers about the contest to encourage participation and re-engagement.
• Influencers: Partner with influencers to amplify your message. Their followers are more likely to engage when they see someone they trust participating.
• Paid Ads: Use paid ads on platforms like Instagram and Facebook to extend your contest’s reach.

Keep the buzz alive by promoting the contest multiple times throughout its duration.

Step 7: Announce the Winners (and Celebrate!)

Recognition goes a long way in creating a positive impression. When your contest ends, announce the winners publicly, either through a social media post, blog post, or email. Encourage them to share their win with their audience, further extending your contest’s reach.

Offering prizes that align with your brand adds even more incentive. Think discounts, product bundles, or exclusive access to new launches.

Pro Tip: Showcase standout entries (with permission) even if they didn’t win. This creates a sense of inclusivity and motivates others to participate in future contests.

Why Every Brand Should Use Hashtag Contests

Hashtag contests are a win-win for your brand and your audience. You’ll create an interactive campaign that lets participants showcase their creativity while meeting your business objectives. Whether you’re running one for a product launch, seasonal promotion, or simply to boost engagement, these contests truly harness the power of social media.

And with tools like ShortStack and a solid strategy in place, managing your contest has never been easier.

Step into the Spotlight

Are you ready to build your first hashtag contest and turn followers into customers? There's no time like the present to seize the opportunity. Take the first step and supercharge your next social media campaign by leveraging interactive content, like hashtag contests, that resonates deeply with your audience.

Need a hand creating or managing your campaign? Contact our team today for expert tips and tools to make your contest a success. Together, we’ll take your social media presence to the next level!

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