In case you have not heard already, there have been some great changes at Facebook headquarters with regards to the promotion rules and regulations. Facebook has always had pretty strict rules regarding how you can (and cannot) run promotions/contests on its platform. One of the main rules was that you could NOT use “likes” or “comments” on your business page wall as a mechanism for entering a contest instead you had to use an app on a separate page.
The problem with having to use/create an app is that it required the services of an expert and yes – more money. While it wasn’t a huge cost, it was a bit of a barrier for many small businesses and non-profit organisations. Of course, there were many small businesses that were in constant violation of these rules and some actually had their pages shut down.
Facebook has now done a complete turnaround and is actually encouraging use of these mechanisms (which is a bit frustrating for those of us who actually played by the rules!) but what do the new rules actually mean?
1. Likes and Comments are now allowed to be used as Competition Entries
People may now enter your contests or promotions through liking your page, liking your posts or commenting on your posts (whichever you have stipulated). They may also post something on your wall or send your page a private message.
2. Third Party Apps are no longer necessary
No monetary outlay required – which I think is fantastic news for small businesses!
BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Asking people to tag themselves or others in a picture for the purpose of entering a competition is not allowed!
People can only tag themselves (or others) in pictures when they are actually in the pictures.
2. Competitions cannot be run on Personal Profile Timelines.
3. Promotions on Facebook must include the following:
