FAQ

What is a Sweepstakes Campaign?

Sweepstakes are prize giveaways where a winner is randomly selected from eligible entries. Prizes can range from a t-shirt and vacations to a camper or large cash prize. By offering a sweepstakes, it is a fresh, fun way to get people excited about winning a prize and introduces them to your organization.

What’s the Difference Between a Raffle and a Sweepstakes?

Raffles are subject to state regulations and sometimes licensing. Raffles are considered gaming and are illegal in several U.S. states. Sweepstakes don’t fall under the umbrella of gaming which means that you can run them online from any state or country and anyone can participate.

Benefit of a Sweepstakes?

• Create brand awareness through a targeted social media campaign, encouraging content sharing among users
• Generate leads and bookings by attracting visitors with special offers
• Increase fan base (i.e. potential customers) with offers, campaigns, and attractive content
• Create a new community channel for customer interactions
• Increase email subscribers and social media followers
• Boost blog engagement (attract more people to your blog)
• Encourage customer feedback

10 Tips to Creating a Sweepstakes

1. Be sure to set your goals. What are you trying to achieve?
2. Select your prize and prize structure. Philantopia’s marketplace offers well vetted and sellable prizes.
3. Draft rules of participation and write official rules that govern the promotion
4. Set a prize goal; a high ticket item prize will draw more people than a low cost item.
5. Decide on your sweepstakes start and end date
6. Build and set up your sweepstakes. We will put you in touch with our Sweepstakes expert
7. Promote the sweepstakes via your e-mail list or cross promote with a vendor
8. Pick and announce the winners – LIVE via Facebook is a great way to announce a winner
9. Once you’ve gained a new audience, make sure to follow-up with the participants
10. Determine the success of the campaign and track results

Do we need to purchase the prize upfront?

No, you don’t need to purchase the prize upfront and Philantopia can help you secure the right prize. When you create the sweepstakes, it is recommended that you set a minimum amount that must be raised before you award that prize. The minimum amount ensures you can both pay for your prize and raise a good sum of money for your nonprofit. If you’ve met or exceeded the minimum when the sweepstakes closes, the prize is then purchased using the money that you’ve raised and then the prize is sent to the winner.

How do I get started?

Visit our Sweepstakes Marketplace and choose a product.  Don’t see the prize you want?  Just give us a call at 877-738-1978, and we will procure no risk sweepstakes items on your behalf. Email auctions@philantopia.com to get started.