I do not normally write on the ins and outs of blogging, but I must say that in the last two months, I have learned some lessons. The hard way. With my newly revamped giveaways, readers are commenting that they love the quickness and simplicity of entering. After talking to my readers, I would like to share with you what I have learned so that you do not fall into the giveaway "black hole."
Here are some of the questions that I have been asked and I have asked myself. I can now answer them from experience.
Q: How do some people get SO many entries into their giveaways?
A: Often, they offer up to fifteen different ways to enter, so the number of entries may be high, but the number of people is still relatively low.
Q: Isn't it better to give more options? Ask people to follow you, friend you, like someone on Facebook, tweet about it, blog about it, walk on broken glass, etc?
A: The truth is, if people are entering your giveaways, they are more than likely already following you. Most people do not have time to enter eighteen different times, and feel that if others are doing that, and they can only enter once, why bother. Try focusing on one major goal, such as gaining Facebook fans, for each giveaway.
Q: I used to get a lot of entries, but now my giveaway numbers are dwindling. What happened?
A: This goes back to the last question. If you are known for having complicated, million and one ways to enter giveaways, people may be avoiding those posts all together.
Q: But there are people who have successful giveaways and people do just about anything to enter them. What's the secret there?
A: Take a look at what they are giving away. If you are giving away something highly prized or worth quite a bit of money, feel free to add to it. The key is to find a giveaway balanced with the value of the product or prize. If it is worth less than $20 or so, people are not going to spend more than a minute or two to get their entry in. However, if you are giving away a hundred bucks, then of course, your entries are going to skyrocket.
I hope this helps some of you. I would like to know your thoughts on this. Have you noticed that I simplified my giveaways? Anyone can enter in just about 60 seconds! Check them out, they are always listed at the top left in the sidebar. Also, what do you love and hate about giveaways?