How to Run a Facebook Timeline Contest

Facebook allows businesses to run contests directly on their Page’s timeline, but this comes with trade-offs, like no automatic entry tracking, limited actions (no requiring shares or tags), and no built-in email capture.

Running contests through an app like Gleam overcomes all these limitations. Plus, it helps with tracking, ensures compliance, and makes it easy to collect leads, giving businesses more control over their giveaways.

Running a contest directly on your Facebook timeline is easy and free (aside from the cost of the prize). However, Facebook’s rules severely limit how users can enter, making it harder to track engagement and collect useful data.

On Facebook, you’re basically limited to comment to enter contests because:

• Liking the post can’t be a requirement.
• Sharing the post can’t be required.
• Tagging friends can’t be required.
• Reactions (👍❤️😂) are in a grey area.
• If you want users to sign up for a newsletter, visit a website, or follow on another platform, you’d have to manually track entries, which is nearly impossible at scale.

• You can collect emails and other useful data to grow your marketing list
• You can track and verify entries to make sure users complete all required steps before entering.
• Easily pick winners with fair, random, and transparent selection tools.
• Encourage cross-platform actions across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and more.
• Use Gleam’s viral sharing features to maximise reach and visibility.
• Gleam lets you automatically verify secret codes, so you can announce them on social media and drive users to check your posts for bonus entries.

1. Create a Facebook contest post with clear instructions and an engaging image.
2. Link to your Gleam campaign, where users can enter and complete extra actions.
3. Use Gleam’s entry form to collect emails and encourage bonus actions like visiting your website, following on Instagram, or signing up for a newsletter.
4. Promote your contest using Facebook Ads, social media, and email marketing. Partnering with influencers or sponsors can also boost participation.
5. Pick a winner fairly using Gleam’s random selection tool.
6. Collect entrant emails to avoid Facebook’s “Other” inbox issue and notify winners directly.
7. Announce the winner on your timeline to keep engagement high for future contests.

To get started, just use this template:

• Run contests regularly (weekly or monthly) to keep your audience engaged.
• Use contests to gather feedback, boost interaction, or spark creativity (e.g., fun caption challenges).
• Encourage users to visit your website, join your email list, or follow your social channels.
• Follow Facebook’s policies, community guidelines, and terms of service.
• Be clear about terms, eligibility, and how winners are chosen to stay compliant and avoid issues.

Running contests directly on your Facebook timeline is a great way to engage your audience, but it comes with limitations. Gleam helps you capture valuable data, track participation, and drive additional actions beyond Facebook.

Whether you want to grow your email list, increase brand awareness, or boost engagement, Gleam provides the tools to maximise your contest’s impact.