Even though Facebook remains the number one choice when it comes to social media, Instagram is not far behind and is on a continuous upward trajectory. With over 800 million users worldwide, Instagram Stories, direct messages and the recent IGTV, the platform continues to grow.  This growth increases the opportunities of brands to attract users. Naturally, to achieve this, engagement needs to be strong so that you have a daily following and the posts you upload are seen.

So how do you increase engagement? A great idea is contests.

5 tips on how to run a successful contest on Instagram

According to recent research, Instagram accounts that run contests grow 70% quicker than others and have more comments and likes. Even so, few social media managers make the most of Instagram. Don't ignore the power of the contest and take advantage of the opportunity to increase followers, comments, likes and to promote your brand.

Let's take a look at some tips on how to organize a successful contest on Instagram!

1. Follow the rules

Explain in detail the terms and conditions of the competition to your followers. Don't ignore the official promotion rules of the platform. These can be read below:

Everyone can participate but tagging friends on the contest post is not allowed. In addition, it must be made clear that your contest is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram.

2. Check out the competition and pinpoint the best methods

It's particularly important to observe the techniques of other brands and to apply the most successful. There are several types of contest:

· Like to win (like a specific post)

· Comment to win (comment on a specific post)

· Repost to win (on their personal account)

· Photo challenge (users are asked to upload a photograph on their personal account with the hashtag of the contest)

You should always keep notes to work out which type is the most effective and fits your brand and what mistakes were made. There's always room for improvement!

3. Make the contest worth the user's while

For the contest to have successful results, it has to be enjoyable and also have a prize worth winning. If the followers don't feel that they are going to win something important or that their efforts are disproportionate to the prize, then they won't take part. For example, a photography competition deserves a better prize than ‘like to win'.

4. Make entering easy

The users want to take part in a contest easily, simply and quickly. That's why it's not a good idea to ask them to like, comment, share, post a photo and so on and so on. The results will be counterproductive.

5. Promote your contest

The last tip concerns the accounts that are not lucky enough to have hundreds of thousands of followers. Don't just upload one post for your contest. Promote it on other Instagram profiles, on your personal site and blog as well as others; send a newsletter specifically about the contest. In this way you will increase engagement more rapidly and effectively.

Statistically Instagram has better results and the contests on its platform are one of the best ways to gain followers and likes. To begin with, don't be reluctant to run a small contest. In no time, you will be ready for the next exciting contest which will thrill the followers!