Sophie owns a national moving and storage company, helping people relocate across the country with ease. Known for her reliable service and attention to detail, Sophie has built a solid reputation among her clients, many of whom rely on her team to handle every aspect of their moves, from packing to unpacking. As she looks to expand her customer base and build brand awareness, Sophie considers an online competition to introduce her business to more potential clients in a friendly and engaging way.
She hopes this competition will reach new audiences and give people a chance to interact with her brand without feeling pressured to book immediately.
Crafting a Competition That Resonates
Sophie’s first step is to choose a prize that will truly appeal to her ideal customers. She decides on a “Stress-Free Moving Package” that includes a free consultation, packing services, and short-term storage for one lucky winner. The prize feels accessible and valuable, and she knows it will resonate with people who might be considering a move in the near future.
To enter, participants need to follow her social media page, like the competition post, and tag a friend who may also be interested in her services. By keeping the entry requirements simple, Sophie aims to encourage sharing and maximise reach. She knows that people are more likely to participate if the process is quick and easy, so she avoids any complicated steps that might discourage engagement.
Building Excitement and Reaching New Audiences
When Sophie launches the competition, she makes sure to explain how her company’s approach can make moving less stressful. Her post includes a few tips on planning a move effectively, along with details about the eco-friendly packing materials her team uses, which appeals to environmentally conscious clients.
The competition post quickly gains traction. People start tagging friends who are planning moves, and Sophie sees an increase in followers who seem genuinely interested in her services. As the comments build up, some participants share stories about their own moving experiences, discussing the stress they felt and how much a service like hers would have helped. This conversation makes the competition feel more personal, showing potential clients that her brand understands their needs.
Standing Out with a Unique Value
To make her competition even more memorable, Sophie includes a follow-up message for those who entered but didn’t win. She sends a thank-you message with a discount code for first-time clients, inviting them to experience her services at a reduced rate. This personalised touch shows her appreciation and gives participants a reason to keep her business in mind when they’re ready to move.
One participant, who didn’t win but used the discount code, messages Sophie after her move to express gratitude for the smooth experience. She mentions that she had initially entered the competition on a whim, but the discount code prompted her to try the service, and she couldn’t be happier with the result. This kind of feedback reassures Sophie that her approach is working—by engaging with potential customers in a friendly, non-pressured way, she’s able to build trust and loyalty.
Generating Word-of-Mouth and Repeat Business
The competition’s impact extends beyond the initial post. People who experienced Sophie’s services after entering the competition begin sharing their positive experiences on social media and recommending her company to friends. Some post photos of her eco-friendly packing materials and organised moving boxes, praising her team’s professionalism and the care taken with their belongings.
This word-of-mouth feedback brings in new clients who are eager to have a stress-free move, and Sophie sees a noticeable increase in inquiries from areas she hadn’t reached before. By simply creating an opportunity for people to connect with her brand in an approachable way, she’s able to grow her customer base and expand her reach.
The Lasting Benefits of Running an Online Competition
Sophie’s story illustrates the power of online competitions to increase brand awareness and create meaningful connections with potential customers. By choosing a prize that speaks to her audience, keeping the entry process simple, and following up with personalised messages, she’s able to turn a single competition into a valuable customer growth tool.
For small business owners, an online competition is more than just a promotional activity; it’s an opportunity to build trust and show potential customers the real value behind your service. When done thoughtfully, it can lead to lasting customer relationships, repeat business, and authentic word-of-mouth recommendations.
Interested in using online competitions to grow your customer base? Mark A Preston, a Customer Growth Coach & Speaker, can help you design competitions that increase awareness and drive meaningful engagement. Contact Mark today to learn how to create a competition strategy that aligns with your goals and resonates with your ideal customers.
