The Scoop on PromotionsProject Support Team Blog

February 5th, 2010

Designing an Online Sweepstakes Entry Form

It is mind-blowing how the Internet has grown dramatically since its inception and to think the same phishing scams are still around. Although, they have changed just as dramatically as the Internet.

When designing a sweepstakes entry form, sponsors need to be extremely careful so the consumer does not feel like they need to give too much information in order to enter. Here are a few rules of thumb to keep in mind when designing an online sweepstakes entry form:

1.) Do not cross the line between marketing and obtaining too much personal info.
Asking a consumer how often they use your brand and if they are interested in further communication is fine; however when asked about their household income, consumers are hesitant and reluctant to give that information. This could lead to consumers lying or deciding not to enter into your promotion.

2.) Downloads.
Be careful on this one, requiring a consumer to download something in order to enter your promotion could be taken the wrong way and deemed consideration. Consumers, especially nowadays, do not want to download a specific piece of software just to enter a sweepstakes. Remember sponsors typically do not give consumers anything for entering a promotion, so keep it simple.

3.) Timing.
How long will it take the average internet consumer to fill out the form? Think about not only what you are asking, but also how long it takes the page to load on most browsers. Studies have shown that uploads longer than 4 seconds cause most people to click off of the website.

Bottom Line: Phishing scams are not going away and make sure to keep your online sweepstakes entry form clean, easy, and as concise as possible so that consumers don’t see your Sponsor in the same light as a phishing scam.
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/164212/phishers_target_facebook_again.html