How to Run a Giveaway That Actually Grows Your Audience
Giveaways are everywhere, but let’s be real: a lot of them flop. Or worse, they bring in a bunch of freebie hunters who disappear the second the winner’s announced.
But when done right? A giveaway can grow your audience with the right people. The ones who stick around, engage, and eventually become paying clients.
So let’s talk about how to run a giveaway that actually works.
In Today’s Article:
What makes a giveaway worth it
How to choose a prize that attracts your ideal audience
A step-by-step plan to run it the right way
The mistake most people make that kills momentum
1. What Makes a Giveaway Work?
A good giveaway should do three things:
Attract your ideal audience (not just anyone)
Grow your email list or social following with intention
Lead people to your actual offer or service
If it’s just about likes or random comments, it’s not strategic. Your goal should be connection and conversion.
2. Pick the Right Prize
Don’t give away an iPad unless you sell iPads. The prize should be directly related to your service or audience’s interests.
Some smart options:
A free session or service
A bundle of your favorite tools/resources
A credit toward a product
Something hyper-relevant to your niche (branding consult, content kit, client gift box)
The goal? Attract the kind of person who might actually want to work with you.
3. How to Run It: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Set a goal.
Do you want more email subscribers? Followers? Engagement? Make sure your entry rules match your goal.
Step 2: Create clear, simple rules.
Follow you
Like the post
Comment or tag a friend (optional: don’t make them tag 10 people!)
Bonus: Add a CTA to join your email list or share to stories
Step 3: Choose a platform.
Instagram is great for visibility, but you can also host it through your email list or on your website if you want deeper engagement.
Step 4: Promote it.
Post about it 2–3 times during the week. Use stories, reels, or email reminders to build momentum.
Step 5: Announce the winner & follow up.
Share who won, thank everyone who entered, and offer a consolation prize (like a limited-time discount or freebie) to keep new followers engaged.
4. One Mistake to Avoid
Don’t ghost your audience after the giveaway.
The worst thing you can do is disappear or stop posting once you’ve got the visibility. Make sure you have a plan for what comes next. Whether that’s a follow-up email series, social content, or a welcome offer.
Ready to Try One?
If your audience’s engagement has been quiet or you want a boost without paying for ads, a well-done giveaway can work wonders. Just keep it aligned with your brand, your people, and your actual goals.
Want help designing a giveaway post or follow-up strategy? You know where to find me.