Why & How it Works:

Offering your services as a prize in local giveaways creates a buzz in your community and encourages people to engage with your business. A well-promoted competition or giveaway can get you exposure to potential clients who might not have heard of you otherwise. The prize doesn’t just attract attention, but it also serves as a "try-before-you-buy" opportunity, giving the winner a chance to experience your services firsthand.

People in your local area are also more likely to trust and book with someone who’s been recommended by others in their community. A prize or giveaway in local groups can build that trust and bring in clients who are more likely to return after a great experience.

Set-Up:

1. Identify Local Groups: Find local Facebook groups, WhatsApp groups, or community boards where your ideal customers hang out. Examples could be local parenting groups, fitness clubs, neighbourhood Facebook groups, or even local coffee shops that post events.

2. Decide on the Prize: Choose a service that’s easy to give away and a good introduction to what you offer. For example, you could offer a free manicure, a massage session, or a discounted beauty treatment. Make sure it’s something that would appeal to the group you're targeting.

3. Set Terms and Conditions: It’s important to set clear rules for how people can enter the giveaway. For example:

   • Tag a friend or share a post to enter

   • Follow your business page on social media

   • Share your giveaway in the local group or on their feed

   • If you want to track referrals, you can ask participants to include their own unique referral code or simply provide their contact details for future promotions.

4. Create Attractive Visuals: Design an eye-catching post or flyer that explains the giveaway and includes your service offering, any discounts, and how to enter. Be sure to include your contact details and any necessary instructions on how to claim the prize.

5. Set a Deadline: Make sure to have a set end date for the giveaway. This creates urgency and encourages people to act quickly. You can also announce the winner and share their feedback to keep the momentum going.

Tactics:

1. Offer a Clear, Valuable Prize: When choosing your giveaway prize, select something that feels valuable but is also cost-effective for you. Offering a free treatment or service is an excellent way to show people what you do, and it can lead to repeat business if the winner enjoys the experience.

2. Engage with Participants: When you promote the giveaway, interact with those who engage. Reply to comments, thank people for sharing, and encourage them to enter. This personal interaction makes your brand feel more approachable and helps build relationships with potential clients.

3. Include Your Referral Code: If you’ve set up a referral program with Solo or any other system, ask the giveaway participants to include their referral code when entering. This gives you the ability to track any new clients who book after being introduced to your business through the giveaway. You can then reward both the referrer and the new client.

4. Cross-Promote on Social Media: Use your social media channels to promote the giveaway. Post about it on Instagram, Facebook, and even in local event groups. Ask the participants to share the giveaway with their friends and family to maximize exposure. The more people who see it, the more likely they’ll book or refer others to your business.

5. Promote Local Loyalty: Encourage people to enter the giveaway by emphasizing how much you value your local community. Remind participants that by entering, they’re supporting a small business and that you’re excited to help people in your area feel great.

6. Follow Up with Non-Winners: After announcing the winner, consider offering a special discount to the non-winners. You could say something like, “Even if you didn’t win, we’d love to offer you 15% off your next treatment as a thank you for entering!” This keeps the momentum going and could turn giveaway participants into paying clients.