Features to Look for in a Good Facebook Contest App

The top reason to install and use a Facebook contest app to host and run your Facebook contests is that the app can ensure you abide by the Facebook contest guidelines, so your contest and Facebook page aren't at risk of being taken down for violating rules. When in the market for a Facebook contest app, you might as well choose one that's also affordable yet easy to use and that offers perks to maximize exposure and benefit.

These are 8 features of a Facebook contest app worth investing in:

1. Reasonably Priced

If you're relatively new to Facebook contests, a basic Facebook contest app shouldn't break the bank. It can cost thousands of dollars monthly for some of the higher end apps, but there are some cheaper alternatives, such as Contest Domination, that provide more than what you would need for a basic contest.

2. Customizable

Your Facebook contests may be your first impression to others, so you want to make sure your company is well represented. A Facebook contest app should allow you to use your branding colors and font as well as upload images, including your company logo and a photo of the contest prize.

3. Newsletter Software Integration

As you gather contact information through a Facebook contest sign-up form, you may as well include these new potential leads in your mailing list. Newsletter software can be integrated into the sign-up process through a Facebook contest app, so you can kill two birds with one stone.

4. Trackable

Similar to any other aspect of marketing, you want to make sure that results can be calculated, so you can easily measure the effectiveness of your strategies. Google Analytics integration is a valuable feature in a Facebook contest app, which allows you to combine your contest statistics with your website data. Other apps allow you to additionally track visitors and sign-ups within the app software itself.

5. Automated Facebook Tab

To comply with Facebook contest guidelines, contests must be hosted in tabs on the Facebook page rather than directly on the page. The Facebook contest app should automatically create the new tab as soon as you launch your contest.

6. Potential for Viral Marketing

The purpose of Facebook contests is primarily brand exposure, so the more people you reach, the better. One way to spread the word is through a points system that can be handled in a Facebook app. This encourages contest participants to share the contest in order to receive extra points for every referred friend who signs up.

7. Winner Selection

Keep your Facebook contests fair by having your Facebook contest app randomize the winners and select one or more. Don't forget to contact the winner by email because the Facebook contest guidelines do not allow winner notification through Facebook's features.

8. Facebook Contest Legalities

All Facebook contests should have their own fine print. With a Facebook contest app, your contest rules can be automatically generated based on what you fill out in the contest details forms. These official rules will typically be linked from the main Facebook contest tab.